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Ruth 3:1 — Word Study

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WLCוַתֹּ֥אמֶר לָ֖הּ נָעֳמִ֣י חֲמוֹתָ֑הּ בִּתִּ֞י הֲלֹ֧א אֲבַקֶּשׁ־ לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽיטַב־ לָֽךְ׃

BSAOne day Ruth’s mother-in-lawchămôwth [and guardian] NaomiNoʻŏmîy saidʼâmar My daughterbath [female child, beloved one] should I notlôʼ [is it not right that I] seekbâqash [search diligently, inquire] a resting placemânôwach [state of quiet, peaceful settlement] thatʼăsher it may be wellyâṭab [prosper, be joyful]

Word
Listen & take awayRuth 3
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 1 opens the chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (Lakh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ruth 3:1quick helps
In a sentenceNaomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, asks if she should seek a secure future for her daughter-in-law.
Who is speakingNaomi, who is also Ruth's guardian.
Where we areThis verse is part of a conversation where Naomi is advising Ruth on her future.
The hard wordמָנ֖וֹחַ
Take awayNaomi is concerned for Ruth's well-being and wants to ensure her comfort.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbאָמַר The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Ruth 3:1

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — Naomi's Advice to Ruthgenerated

1One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a resting place for you, that it may be well with you?
2Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor.
3Therefore wash yourself, put on perfume, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but do not let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.
4When he lies down, note the place where he lies. Then go in and uncover his feet, and lie down, and he will explain to you what you should do.”

Ruth 3:1 captures a moment where Naomi expresses concern for Ruth's future and well-being. She is determined to find a place of rest for Ruth, indicating her protective and nurturing role as a mother-in-law. This passage sets the stage for the unfolding events in Ruth's life, showing the bond between them and Naomi's desire to see Ruth prosper.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Ruth 1:9May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud
21 Corinthians 7:36However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married.
31 Timothy 5:8–14If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
4Genesis 40:14But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison.
5Deuteronomy 4:40Keep His statutes and commandments, which I am giving you today, so that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word מָנ֖וֹחַ, ma.No.achgenerated

The word מָנ֖וֹחַ (manowach) refers to a resting place or a state of tranquility. It signifies a place of peace and security, which is crucial for Ruth's future as Naomi seeks to ensure her daughter-in-law's well-being.

This noun is in the masculine singular form, indicating a specific location or condition of rest. It conveys the idea of a peaceful settlement, emphasizing the importance of stability and comfort in Ruth's life.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations generally agree on the meaning of מָנ֖וֹחַ, rendering it as 'resting place' in all versions.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main action of the verse is governed by the verb וַתֹּ֥אמֶר, and she said, which introduces Naomi's inquiry. The structure is straightforward, with Naomi addressing Ruth directly and expressing her concern.

The sentence is built around Naomi's question, with a clear subject (Naomi) and object (Ruth), followed by a conditional clause that expresses her intention to seek a resting place for Ruth.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew מָנ֖וֹחַ is rendered as ἀνάπαυσιν (anapausin), which also means 'rest' or 'repose.' This translation emphasizes the concept of rest and comfort, aligning closely with the original Hebrew meaning.

The choice of ἀνάπαυσιν suggests a focus on the state of being at peace, reinforcing Naomi's desire for Ruth's well-being.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ruth 3:1 shows Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, asking if she should find a safe and peaceful place for Ruth. This reflects Naomi's care and concern for Ruth's future happiness.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Naomi mean by seeking a resting place for Ruth?

Naomi is expressing her desire to find a secure and peaceful future for Ruth, ensuring that she has a stable and comforting home.

Why is Naomi concerned about Ruth's well-being?

Naomi's concern stems from her role as a mother-in-law and guardian, wanting to protect Ruth and help her find happiness after their difficult circumstances.

How does this verse reflect the relationship between Naomi and Ruth?

This verse highlights the close bond between Naomi and Ruth, showcasing Naomi's protective nature and her commitment to Ruth's welfare.

What can we learn from Naomi's actions in this verse?

Naomi's actions demonstrate the importance of caring for others and being proactive in seeking their well-being, especially in challenging times.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I show care and concern for those around me, like Naomi does for Ruth?
  2. What steps can I take to ensure that my loved ones feel secure and at peace?
  3. In what ways can I support others who are seeking rest and comfort in their lives?
  4. How does this passage inspire me to be a nurturing presence in my relationships?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Theodoret of Cyrus comments on Naomi's suggestion to Ruth, reflecting on the kindness of their neighbor and the implications for their future.

Theodoret of CyrusQUESTIONS ON RUTH c. 393–460
What does Naomi suggest to her daughter-in-law? When Ruth heard her mother-in-law saying, “Our neighbor is a true man,” she was reminded of his great kindness and thought to want him [to be] married to her in law,
Early Church Fathers on Ruth 3 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ruth 3:1 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her,.... After the harvests were over, and so gleaning likewise; when Naomi and Ruth were together alone in their apartment, the mother addressed the daughter

Read John Gill on Ruth 3 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? No JFB commentary on this verse.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ruth 3 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

RUTH CHAPTER 3 By Naomi’ s advice, Ruth lieth at Boaz’ s feet, . He awaking commendeth what she had done, and acknowledgeth the right of a kinsman; tells her there was a nearer kinsman, to whom he would offer her, who refusing, he would redeem her, . Sends her away with six measures of barley, . Rest, i.e. a life of rest, and comfort, and safety, under the care of a good husband. The question supposeth an affirmative answer: I will seek it, as my duty binds me.

Read Matthew Poole on Ruth 3 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Rth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?Ver. 1. Shall I not seek rest for thee?] There is in most a propension to the nuptial conjunction. Requirit vir costam suam, requirit faemina sedem suam, say the Rabbis. The man misseth his rib; the woman would be in her old place again, under the man’ s arm or wing. Non est requies mulieri donec nupserit, saith Aben Ezra. The unmarried life is trouble and disquietment. Hence marriage is called Portus iuventutis, the haven of young folk, who are usually tossed by lustful lingerings, as a ship is with waves; hence the Greeks call young men ηιθεοι of αιθω to burn, and…

Read John Trapp on Ruth 3 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(1) Rest.—Although Naomi had already (Rth 1:12) repudiated any thought of marriage for herself, still she felt it her duty to do what she could to provide a home for the daughter-in-law who had so loyally followed her, lest her own death should leave her young companion specially unprotected and friendless. But there is clearly a second thought. The marriage of Boaz and Ruth will not only ensure rest for the latter, but will also raise up the seed of her dead son and preserve the family name. That it may be well with thee.—The object of the marriage is for Ruth’s good, and thus should it be with every marriage; it must be for the good, and comfort, and abiding peace, not of the body only…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ruth 3 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

CHAPTER III Naomi's advice to Ruth, how to procure herself a marriage with Boaz, 1-5. She acts according to her mother-in-law's direction, and is kindly received by Boaz, who promises to marry her, should her nearer kinsman refuse, 6-13. He gives her six measures of barley, and sends her away privately to her mother-in-law, who augurs favourably of the issue of the plan she had laid, 14-18. NOTES ON CHAP. III Verse 1. Shall I not seek rest for thee] That is, Shall I not endeavour to procure thee a proper husband? See Ruth 1:9, and the observations at the end of that chapter.

Read AdamClarke on Ruth 3 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Ch. 3. Ruth appeals to Boaz to do the kinsman’s part 1. seek rest] a resting place marg.; see on Rth 1:9. All arrangements for a marriage were made by the parents (cf. Judges 14:2 f.); hence it was Naomi’s duty to provide for Ruth’s future. How this was done is told with fine simplicity.

Read Cambridge on Ruth 3 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

1. Naomi… said — All through that memorable barley harvest, from the evening when Ruth showed her the results of her first day’s gleaning in the field of Boaz until the time of this utterance, had

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ruth 3 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a resting place for you, that it may be well with you?

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a resting place for you, that it may be well with you?

NETBNew English Translation2006

At that time, Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you so you will be secure.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And Naomi her mother-in-law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

RVARevised Version, American1894

And Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Afterward Naomi her mother in lawe said vnto her, My daughter, shall not I seeke rest for thee, that thou mayest prosper?

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And Naomi her mother-in-law saith to her, 'My daughter, do not I seek for thee rest, that it may be well with thee?

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And her mother-in-law Naomi says to her, “My daughter, do I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Then said Na'omi her mother-in-law unto her, My daughter, behold I will seek for thee a resting-place, where it may be well with thee.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek a place for you to rest, so that things may go well for you?

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

After she was returned to her mother in law, Noemi said to her: My daughter, I will seek rest for thee, and will provide that it may be well with thee.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

A little later Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, don't you think I should find you a husband and a good home?

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, My daughter, am I not to get you a resting-place where you may be in comfort?

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וַandclauseverbתֹּ֥אמֶרshe.saidprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָ֖toהּhernoun phrase · subjectנָעֳמִ֣יNaominoun phraseחֲמוֹתָ֑mother-in-lawהּherclauseclausenoun phraseבִּתִּ֞my.daughterיmyclauseהֲ?clauseadverbialלֹ֧אnotverbאֲבַקֶּשׁwill.I.seekprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָ֛forךְyounoun phrase · objectמָנ֖וֹחַa.resting.placerelpאֲשֶׁ֥רthatclauseverbיִֽיטַבit.will.go.wellprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָֽforךְyou

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with a complete match in the Hebrew text. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain partial restoration, but they align with the Masoretic Text in the core message.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וַתֹּ֥אמֶר לָ֖הּ נָעֳמִ֣י חֲמוֹתָ֑הּ בִּתִּ֞י הֲלֹ֧א אֲבַקֶּשׁ־ לָ֛ךְ מָנ֖וֹחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽיטַב־ לָֽךְ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַתֹּ֥אמֶרεἶπενלָ֖הּαὐτῇנָעֳמִ֣יνωεμινחֲמוֹתָ֑הּבִּתִּ֞יθύγατερהֲלֹ֧אμὴאֲבַקֶּשׁ־ζητήσωלָ֛ךְσοιמָנ֖וֹחַἀνάπαυσινאֲשֶׁ֥רἵναיִֽיטַב־εὖלָֽךְ׃σοι

12 of the 12 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 2Q16a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

ותאמר ל׳ה נעמי חמות׳ה [בת׳י] [הלא] אבקש ל׳ך מנוח אשר ייטב [ל׳ך]

7 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 3 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Ruth 3:1אָמַרand she saiand she saidאָמַרהָto herto herהָנָעֳמִיNaomiNaomiנָעֳמִיחֲמוֹתmother-in-lmother-in-law hחֲמוֹתבַּתO daughter O daughter myבַּתלֹא¿ not¿ notלֹאבָּקַשׁwill I seekwill I seekבָּקַשׁךְfor youfor youךְמָנוֹחַa resting pa resting placeמָנוֹחַאֲשֶׁרthatthatאֲשֶׁריָטַבit will go it will go wellיָטַבךְfor youfor youךְנֹ֫עַםpleasantnepleasantnessנֹ֫עַםבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהנוּחַto restto restנוּחַחָםfather-in-father-in-lawחָםכֹּהthusthusכֹּהיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/Godיהוהאֱלִימֶ֫לֶךְElimelechElimelechאֱלִימֶ֫לֶךְרוּתRuthRuthרוּתלָקַטto gatherto gatherלָקַטאֵתwithwithאֵתצִיּוֹןZionZionצִיּוֹןאֵםmothermotherאֵםיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדנֶ֫פֶשׁsoulsoulנֶ֫פֶשׁדָּרַשׁto seekto seekדָּרַשׁרָגַעto disturbto disturbרָגַעכַּףpalmpalmכַּף
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Ruth 3:1

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
וַתֹּ֥אמֶרva.To.mer and she said H559 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say

Qal

Say

Say in the heart (= think)

Promise

Command (esp. late)

Niph. be said, told

Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

Hithp. act proudly, boast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say

. Say in the heart (= think)

. Promise

. Command (esp. late)

. be said, told

. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

. act proudly, boast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

559 'amar aw-mar'

a primitive root; to say (used with great

latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,

certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),

commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X

expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,

publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X

suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),

utter, X verily, X yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.

1) to say, speak, utter

1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend

1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called

1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly

1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
לָ֖הּlah to her H9034 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָ (ha) — her.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person feminine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp3fs — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3fs
and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
נָעֳמִ֣יno.'o.Mi Naomi H5281 Noun proper feminine
21× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Naomi was an Israelite woman who lived before the monarchy. She was the wife of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and is also known as Mara. Naomi means 'my delight'.
Tyndale gloss
Naomi
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָעֳמִי (No`omiy) refers to Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth. The name is derived from a root meaning 'pleasant.' Naomi is a significant figure in the Book of Ruth, where she is described as the wife of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion. She is also known as Mara, meaning 'bitter,' in Ruth 1:20.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָעֳמִי n.pr.f. mother-in-law of Ruth

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5281 נָעֳמִי mother-in-law of Ruth

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5281 No`omiy no-om-ee'

from 5278; pleasant; Noomi, an Israelitess:--Naomi.

see HEBREW for 05278

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נׇעֳמִי (no.o.mi) — Naomi.

A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Elimelech (H0458);

mother of: Mahlon (H4248) and Chilion (H3630); also called Mara at Rut.1.20;

Also named: ma.ra (מָרָא "Mara" H4755)

§ Naomi = "my delight"

wife of Elimelech, mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper feminine
HNpf
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

na'-o-mi, na-o'-mi, na-o'-mi (no`omi, probably equals "pleasantness"; Septuagint. Codex Vaticanus Noemein; Codex Alexandrinus Noemmei(n)): Wife of Elimelech and mother-in-law of Ru (Ru 1:2-4:17). She went with her husband to the land of Moab, and after his death returned to Bethlehem. When greeted on her return, she told the women of the town to call her, not no`omi ("pleasantness"), but marah ("bitterness"), "for," she said, "the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me." She advised Ru in her dealings with Boaz, and afterward nursed their child.ith Anaitis (equalsAnahita), the Asian Artemis. She was the Venus, but sometimes the Diana, of the Romans. There are many variants of the name: Anaea (Strabo xvi.738), Aneitis (Plut. Artax. xxvii), Tanais (Clement of Alexandria, loc. cit.), also Tanath, sometimes in Phoenician inscriptions…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Naomi

The lovable; my delight, the wife of Elimelech, and mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth (1:2, 20, 21; 2:1). Elimelech and his wife left the district of Bethlehem-Judah, and found a new home in the uplands of Moab. In course of time he died, as also his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, who had married women of Moab, and three widows were left mourning the loss of their husbands. Naomi longs to return now to her own land, to Bethlehem. One of her widowed daughters-in-law, Ruth, accompanies her, and is at length married to Boaz (q.v.).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

or Nao’mi (my delight), the wife of Elimelech and mother-in-law of Ruth. (Ruth 1:2) etc.; Ruth 2:1 etc.; Ruth 3:1; 4:3 etc. (B.C. 1363.) The name is derived from a root signifying sweetness or pleasantness. Naomi left Judea with her husband and two sons, in a time of famine and went to the land of Moab. Here her husband and sons died; and on her return to Bethlehem she wished to be known as Mara, bitterness , instead of Naomi, sweetness.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Wife of Elimelech, and mother-in-law of Ruth. See RUTH.

and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
חֲמוֹתָ֑הּcha.mo.Tah mother-in-law her H2545 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a mother-in-law, the husband's mother, a family relationship. It appears in various biblical contexts.
Amplified meaning
and guardian
Tyndale gloss
mother-in-law
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֲמוֹת (chamowth) means 'husband’s mother' or 'mother-in-law.' It is a feminine noun derived from the root of another word, specifically H2524. The entries consistently define it as referring to a mother-in-law without any significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חֲמוֹת] n.f. husband’s mother

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2545 [חֲמוֹת] husband’s mother

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2545 chamowth kham-oth'

or (shortened) chamoth {kham-oth'}; feminine of 2524; a

mother-in-law:--mother in law.

see HEBREW for 02524

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֲמוֹת (cha.mot) — mother-in-law.

mother-in-law, husband's mother

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
בִּתִּ֞יbi.Ti O daughter my H1323 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
588× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Amplified meaning
female child, beloved one
Tyndale gloss
Bath (Shua)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בַּת (bat) means 'daughter' and encompasses a range of meanings including female child, young women, and even personifications of cities or inhabitants. It can also refer to villages in certain contexts. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and is used in various figurative senses, such as 'branch' or 'apple of the eye.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בַּת 587 n.f. daughter

daughter, female child

young women, women

with name of city, land, or people, poet. personif. of that city or inhabitants

pl. = villages, after name of city

in phrases denoting character, quality, etc.

ostrich

fig.

of vine = branch

as n. relat.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1323 בַּת daughter . daughter, female child

. young women, women

. with name of city, land, or people, poet. personif. of that city or inhabitants

. pl. = villages, after name of city

. in phrases denoting character, quality, etc.

. ostrich

. fig.

. of vine = branch

. as n. relat.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1323 bath bath

from 1129 (as feminine of 1121); a daughter (used in the same

wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and

figuratively):--apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter,

X first, X old, + owl, town, village.

see HEBREW for 01129

see HEBREW for 01121

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בַּת (bat) — daughter.

: daughter

1) daughter

1a) daughter, girl, adopted daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, granddaughters, female child, cousin

1a1) as polite address

1a2) as designation of women of a particular place

2) young women, women

1a3) as personification

1a4) daughter-villages

1a5) description of character

Also means: bat (בַּת ": village" H1323H)

בַּת (bat) — daughter: village.

: village

1) daughter

1a) daughter, girl, adopted daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, granddaughters, female child, cousin

1a1) as polite address

1a2) as designation of women of a particular place

2) young women, women

1a3) as personification

1a4) daughter-villages

1a5) description of character

בַּת (bat) — Bath (Shua).

A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2;

daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063);

mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp1bs
and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
הֲלֹ֧אha.Lo' ¿ not H3808 Particle · particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Amplified meaning
is it not right that I
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part | Part — Particle · particle
HTi/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
אֲבַקֶּשׁ־'a.va.kesh- will I seek H1245 Verb · Piel · imperfect first person common singular
225× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Amplified meaning
search diligently, inquire
Tyndale gloss
to seek
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּקַשׁ (baqash) is a Hebrew verb meaning to seek or search out, often in the context of worship or prayer. It encompasses a range of actions including asking, desiring, and requiring. The verb can appear in different forms, such as Piel and Pual, indicating various nuances of seeking or being sought.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[בָּקַשׁ] 224 vb. seek

Pi.

seek to find

seek to secure

seek the face

desire, demand

require, exact

exact equivalent or penalty for

(late) ask, request

Pu. be sought

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1245 בָּקַשׁ seek

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1245 baqash baw-kash'

a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically

in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after:--ask,

beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure,

(make) request, require, seek (for).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּקַשׁ (ba.qash) — to seek.

1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request

1a) (Piel)

1a1) to seek to find

1a2) to seek to secure

1a3) to seek the face

1a4) to desire, demand

1a5) to require, exact

1a6) to ask, request

1b) (Pual) to be sought

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Piel · imperfect first person common singular
HVpi1cs
and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
לָ֛ךְlakh for you H9032 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךְ (kh) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person feminine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp2fs — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp2fs
and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
מָנ֖וֹחַma.No.ach a resting place H4494 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
6× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This term refers to a place or state of rest, like a quiet spot to settle down, as described in the Bible. It represents a condition of peace and tranquility. Rest is a key concept.
Amplified meaning
state of quiet, peaceful settlement
Tyndale gloss
resting
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָנוֹחַ (manowach) refers to a resting place or a state of rest. It can denote a physical location where one rests or a figurative sense of tranquility and repose. The word is derived from a root meaning to settle, and its usage encompasses both concrete and abstract concepts of rest.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָנוֹחַ n.m. resting-place, state, or condition of rest

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4494 מָנוֹחַ resting-place, state, or condition of rest

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4494 manowach maw-no'-akh

from 5117; quiet, i.e. (concretely) a settled spot, or

(figuratively) a home:--(place of) rest.

see HEBREW for 05117

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָנוֹחַ (ma.no.ach) — resting.

1) resting place, state or condition of rest, place

1a) resting place

1b) rest, repose, condition of rest

1c) coming to rest

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

plas: Normally for maqom, Old Testament, and topos, New Testament, but in the King James Version "place" represents a great number of Hebrew and Greek words, often used with no difference in force (e.g. 2Ch 35:10,15). the Revised Version (British and American) has made few changes, but occasionally has attempted to specialize the meaning (Ge 40:13; Job 37:8; Ac 8:32; Jas 3:11, etc.).

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
אֲשֶׁ֥ר'a.Sher that H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as

. with a causal force, in so far as, since

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)

when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X

alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +

from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,

wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where

(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +

whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

A: 1) (relative part.)

1a) which, who

1b) that which

2) (conj)

2a) that (in obj clause)

2b) when

2c) since

2d) as

2e) conditional if

B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

D: Kaph+

1) (conj.), according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since

1c) with a temporal force: when

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Rel — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
יִֽיטַב־yi.tav- it will go well H3190 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
117× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Amplified meaning
prosper, be joyful
Tyndale gloss
be good
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word יָטַב (yatab) is a primitive root meaning to be good or pleasing. It encompasses a range of meanings including being glad, making something good or right, and dealing well with others. The entries highlight its use in both a literal sense (like sound or beautiful) and a figurative sense (like happy or successful).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[יָטַב] vb. be good, well, glad, pleasing

Qal

be glad, joyful

be well placed

impers. be well for or with, go well with

be pleasing

Hithp.

make glad, rejoice

do good to, deal well with

do well or thoroughly

make a thing good, right, beautiful

do well, right, ethically

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3190 יָטַב be good, well, glad, pleasing

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3190 yatab yaw-tab'

a primitive root; to be (causative) make well, literally

(sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful,

right):--be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make)

better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, + be content,

diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad,

do (be, make) good((-ness)), be (make) merry, please (+ well),

shew more (kindness), skilfully, X very small, surely, make

sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat,

go, have) well (said, seen).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָטַב (ya.tav) — be good.

1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be glad, be joyful

1a2) to be well placed

1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with

1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to make glad, rejoice

1b2) to do good to, deal well with

1b3) to do well, do thoroughly

1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful

1b5) to do well, do right

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(1) (be'er; compare Arabic bi'r, "well" or "cistern"; usually artificial: "And Isaac's servants digged (dug) in the valley, and found there a well of springing (margin "living") water" (Ge 26:19); some times covered: "Jacob .... rolled the stone from the well's mouth" (Ge 29:10). Be'er may also be a pit: "The vale of Siddim was full of slime pits" (Ge 14:10); "the pit of destruction" (Ps 55:23).

(2) (bor), usually "pit": "Let us slay him, and cast him into one of the pits" (Ge 37:20); may be "well": "drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem" (2Sa 23:16).

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Well

(Heb. beer), to be distinguished from a fountain (Heb. ‘ain). A “beer” was a deep shaft, bored far under the rocky surface by the art of man, which contained water which percolated through the strata in its sides. Such wells were those of Jacob and Beersheba, etc. (see Gen. 21:19, 25, 30, 31; 24:11; 26:15, 18-25, 32, etc.). In the Pentateuch this word beer, so rendered, occurs twenty-five times.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Wells in Palestine are usually excavated from the solid limestone rock, sometimes with steps to descend into them. (Genesis 24:16) The brims are furnished with a curb or low wall of stone, bearing marks of high antiquity in the furrows worn by the ropes used in drawing water. It was on a curb of this sort that our Lord sat when he conversed with the woman of Samaria, (John 4:6) and it was this, the usual stone cover, which the woman placed on the mouth of the well at Bahurim, (2 Samuel 17:19) where the Authorized Version weakens the sense by omitting the article. The usual methods for raising water are the following: The rope and bucket, or waterskin. (Genesis 24:14-20;

and she said to her Naomi mother-in-law her O daughter my ¿ not will I seek for you a resting place that it will go well for you
לָֽךְ׃Lakh for you H9032 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךְ (kh) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person feminine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp2fs — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp2fs
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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