King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ 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?
Complete Jewish Bible:
Na'omi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, I should be seeking security for you; so that things will go well with you.
Berean Standard Bible:
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?
American Standard Version:
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?
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Then Naomi{H5281} her mother in law{H2545} said{H559} unto her, My daughter{H1323}, shall I not seek{H1245} rest{H4494} for thee, that it may be well{H3190} with thee?
Cross-References (KJV):
Ruth 1:9
- The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each [of you] in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.
1 Timothy 5:8
- But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
1 Timothy 5:14
- I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
Psalms 128:2
- For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.
1 Corinthians 7:36
- ¶ But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of [her] age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
Deuteronomy 4:40
- Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.
Jeremiah 22:15
- Shalt thou reign, because thou closest [thyself] in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, [and] then [it was] well with him?
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Ruth 3:1
Ruth 3:1 is a verse set within the broader narrative of the Book of Ruth, which is part of the Ketuvim (Writings) in the Hebrew Bible and is also included in the Christian Old Testament. The historical context of the book is believed to be during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by moral decline, social chaos, and a lack of central authority in Israel. The story takes place after the death of Ruth's husband, who was the son of Naomi and Elimelech. Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, decides to return to her homeland of Bethlehem in Judah after the deaths of her husband and sons in the land of Moab.
In Ruth 3:1, Naomi is depicted as a caring and resourceful mother-in-law who is deeply concerned about the welfare of Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law. Ruth has shown remarkable loyalty to Naomi by choosing to accompany her back to Bethlehem and adopting the Israelite God and way of life. In this verse, Naomi is considering ways to secure a stable future for Ruth, who is a widow and therefore vulnerable in that society. Naomi's use of the term "rest" refers to finding security and prosperity for Ruth, which in the cultural context of the time would typically come through marriage.
The themes present in this verse include loyalty, familial duty, and the vulnerability of widows in ancient societies. Naomi's question to Ruth, "Shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?" reflects her intention to act as a guardian and mentor for Ruth, guiding her towards a path that would ensure her social and economic safety. This guidance will soon lead to a pivotal moment in the narrative, where Naomi instructs Ruth to present herself to Boaz, a close relative and potential kinsman-redeemer, in a culturally appropriate manner to secure this "rest" through marriage. The verse sets the stage for the redemption narrative that unfolds, highlighting the importance of kinship ties, redemption, and God's providence in the lives of individuals.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5281
There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נׇעֳמִי
Transliteration: Noʻŏmîy
Pronunciation: no-om-ee'
Description: from נֹעַם; pleasant; Noomi, an Israelitess; Naomi. - Strong's Number: H2545
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֲמוֹת
Transliteration: chămôwth
Pronunciation: kham-oth'
Description: or (shortened) חֲמֹת; feminine of חָם; a mother-in-law; mother in law. - Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H1323
There are 499 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בַּת
Transliteration: bath
Pronunciation: bath
Description: from בָּנָה (as feminine of בֵּן); a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively); apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. - Strong's Number: H1245
There are 215 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּקַשׁ
Transliteration: bâqash
Pronunciation: baw-kash'
Description: 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). - Strong's Number: H4494
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָנוֹחַ
Transliteration: mânôwach
Pronunciation: maw-no'-akh
Description: from נוּחַ; quiet, i.e. (concretely) a settled spot, or (figuratively) a home; (place of) rest. - Strong's Number: H3190
There are 102 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָטַב
Transliteration: yâṭab
Pronunciation: yaw-tab'
Description: 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, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen).