Ruth 1:19

KJV

¶ So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, [Is] this Naomi?

KJV (with Strong's)

So they two {H8147} went {H3212} until they came {H935} to Bethlehem {H1035}. And it came to pass, when they were come {H935} to Bethlehem {H1035}, that all the city {H5892} was moved {H1949} about them, and they said {H559}, Is this Naomi {H5281}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So the two of them went on until they came to Beit-Lechem. When they arrived in Beit-Lechem, the whole city was stirred with excitement over them. The women asked, "Can this be Na'omi?"

Berean Standard Bible

So Naomi and Ruth traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole city was stirred because of them, and the women of the city exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”

American Standard Version

So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and the women said, Is this Naomi?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:19 marks the poignant return of Naomi and her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, to Bethlehem, Naomi's hometown, after a decade of devastating loss in Moab. Their arrival stirs the entire city, prompting an astonished collective gasp, "Is this Naomi?", a question that underscores the profound transformation wrought by grief, famine, and hardship on a woman who had left in prosperity and now returned in destitution. This moment is a stark revelation of suffering, yet it subtly initiates the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for these two vulnerable widows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 1:19 serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative, signaling the end of Naomi's journey of loss and the beginning of her journey toward restoration. The preceding verses detail Naomi's initial departure from Bethlehem with her husband and two sons due to famine ([Ruth 1:1-2](/ruth/1-2 "Ruth 1:1-2 - Departure from Bethlehem")). Her subsequent decade in Moab is marked by the tragic deaths of her husband and both sons, leaving her a childless widow ([Ruth 1:3-5](/ruth/1-5 "Ruth 1:3-5 - Deaths in Moab")). Overwhelmed by sorrow, Naomi decides to return to Judah, urging her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to remain in Moab. However, Ruth's unwavering loyalty and profound commitment, expressed in her famous vow, "Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God" ([Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Vow to Naomi")), compel her to accompany Naomi. Their shared journey culminates in this verse, as they finally reach Bethlehem, setting the stage for the subsequent events of the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return of Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehem must be understood within the social fabric of ancient Israel. Widows, especially those without male heirs, were among the most vulnerable members of society, often dependent on the charity of others or the provisions of the Mosaic Law, such as gleaning ([Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Rights of the Poor and Sojourner")). Naomi's return in poverty, accompanied by a Moabite woman, would have been highly unusual and potentially scandalous. Moabites were descendants of Lot and were often viewed with suspicion or hostility by Israelites due to historical conflicts and religious differences ([Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")). The communal reaction of the city being "moved" reflects the close-knit nature of ancient towns, where everyone knew everyone else, and significant events like this would cause a stir. The question "Is this Naomi?" highlights the stark contrast between the Naomi who left and the Naomi who returned, emphasizing the visible toll of her suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Ruth. It vividly portrays the theme of **Loss and Grief**, showing the devastating impact of Naomi's experiences in Moab, which have physically and emotionally transformed her to the point of being unrecognizable. It also introduces the theme of **Return and Redemption**, as Bethlehem, the "house of bread," becomes the setting for God's providential work, despite the initial appearance of destitution. The community's reaction underscores the theme of **Community and Compassion**, as the townspeople acknowledge Naomi's plight, setting the stage for the community's eventual role in her restoration. Furthermore, the presence of Ruth, the Moabite, subtly introduces the theme of **Inclusion and God's Universal Grace**, foreshadowing the breaking down of ethnic barriers in God's redemptive plan, a theme that will be fully developed as the narrative unfolds in [Ruth 2](/ruth/2 "Ruth 2 - Ruth Gleaning in Boaz's Field") and [Ruth 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Redemption and Marriage").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moved (Hebrew, _hāmâ_):** This verb signifies a deep commotion, agitation, or stirring. It is not merely a quiet recognition but suggests a buzz, a murmuring, or even a tumult throughout the city. The entire populace is affected, indicating the profound impact of Naomi's return and the visible evidence of her suffering. It implies a widespread, almost audible, reaction of astonishment and perhaps pity.
* **Naomi (Hebrew, _Na'omi_):** Meaning "my pleasantness" or "my delight," Naomi's name stands in stark contrast to her current state of bitterness and sorrow, which she expresses in the following verse by asking to be called "Mara" (bitter) ([Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Bitterness")). The townspeople's question, "Is this Naomi?", highlights this tragic irony, underscoring how far removed her present reality is from the pleasantness her name implies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So they two went until they came to Bethlehem."**: This simple clause marks the culmination of their arduous journey from Moab. "They two" emphasizes the solitary nature of their return – two vulnerable widows, one of whom is a foreigner, entering a community that had known Naomi in better circumstances. Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread," ironically receives them during a time of famine, yet it is also the place where their future provision and redemption will unfold.
* **"And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them,"**: The arrival of Naomi and Ruth is not a quiet, unnoticed event. The phrase "all the city" highlights the widespread impact and the communal nature of their society. The city being "moved" (from _hāmâ_) indicates a significant stir, a commotion, or a buzz of astonishment and perhaps concern. This reaction underscores the dramatic change in Naomi's appearance and circumstances, prompting immediate public attention.
* **"and they said, [Is] this Naomi?"**: This rhetorical question is the heart of the verse. It expresses profound shock and disbelief. It's not merely a question of identification but one of recognition of how much Naomi has changed due to her decade of hardship, loss, and grief. Her physical appearance, her demeanor, and her impoverished state are so altered that she is barely recognizable to those who knew her well, highlighting the visible scars of her suffering.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its meaning. **Irony** is prominent in the contrast between Naomi's name, "my pleasantness," and her current bitter reality, underscored by the townspeople's questioning her identity. The entire scene is a study in **Contrast**, juxtaposing Naomi's departure in relative prosperity with her return in destitution and sorrow. The question, "Is this Naomi?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit information but to express the profound shock and disbelief of the community, emphasizing the depth of Naomi's transformation. This moment also serves as subtle **Foreshadowing**, as the communal recognition of Naomi's plight sets the stage for the community's eventual involvement in her restoration, particularly through the kinsman-redeemer, Boaz.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 1:19 profoundly illustrates the human experience of suffering and loss, demonstrating how deeply adversity can scar an individual, even altering their very appearance. Yet, within this stark portrayal of brokenness, the verse subtly hints at the overarching theme of divine providence. Even in their lowest moment, God's hidden hand is guiding Naomi and Ruth to Bethlehem, the very place where their redemption will begin. The community's reaction, though initially one of shock, also signifies recognition and concern, highlighting the importance of communal support and the potential for God to work through human compassion to bring about restoration. This verse reminds us that even when life seems to have stripped us bare, God's plan is still unfolding, often in ways we cannot yet perceive.

* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Job's Response to Loss")
* [Lamentations 3:19-23](/lamentations/3-19 "Lamentations 3:19-23 - Remembering Affliction and God's Faithfulness")
* [Psalm 42:5](/psalm/42-5 "Psalm 42:5 - Hope in God Amidst Despair")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 1:19 offers a raw, honest portrayal of the impact of life's trials. It acknowledges that suffering can leave visible and invisible marks, transforming us to the point where even those who knew us best might struggle to recognize the person we once were. This verse invites us to embrace the reality of our brokenness and the vulnerability that comes with it, understanding that it is often in these moments of profound need that God begins to work most powerfully. It also highlights the vital role of community: the initial shock of Bethlehem's residents gives way to the compassion and support that will eventually lead to Naomi's and Ruth's restoration. For believers today, this verse is a powerful reminder that returning to our spiritual "home" – whether it's a place of worship, a community of faith, or simply a renewed commitment to God – even in our brokenness, is often the first step toward healing and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in our lives. Our journey, like Naomi's, may be marked by sorrow, but it is always under the watchful eye of a sovereign and loving God who brings beauty from ashes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How have seasons of hardship or loss in your life visibly or internally transformed you?**
* **In what ways has your community (family, friends, church) responded to your times of distress, and how has that impacted your journey?**
* **What does Naomi's return to Bethlehem, despite her brokenness, teach us about finding hope and new beginnings even when we feel stripped bare?**
* **How can we, as a community, better recognize and respond with compassion to those who return to us "moved" by suffering?**

### FAQ
**Why was the city "moved" by Naomi and Ruth's arrival?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "moved" (הָמָה, _hāmâ_) conveys a sense of commotion, agitation, or a widespread stir. The city was "moved" because Naomi's return was unexpected and her appearance was dramatically altered by a decade of famine, loss, and grief. She had left Bethlehem with a husband and two sons, likely in a state of prosperity. Her return as a destitute, childless widow, accompanied by a foreign Moabite daughter-in-law, was a shocking sight that would have quickly spread through the close-knit community. It was a visible testament to the severe hardships she had endured, prompting a collective gasp of astonishment and perhaps pity from the townspeople who remembered her former state.

**What is the significance of the question "Is this Naomi?"**

Answer: The question "Is this Naomi?" is a rhetorical question that powerfully expresses the profound shock and disbelief of the Bethlehemites. It's not a genuine inquiry about her identity but an exclamation of how unrecognizable she had become. Naomi's name means "my pleasantness" or "my delight," which stood in stark contrast to her current bitter and sorrowful state. The question highlights this tragic irony and underscores the devastating toll that grief and hardship had taken on her. It serves to emphasize the dramatic transformation she had undergone, both physically and emotionally, making her a poignant symbol of suffering and loss.

**How does this verse set up the rest of the book of Ruth?**

Answer: Ruth 1:19 is a pivotal verse that sets the entire stage for the unfolding narrative. First, it firmly establishes the setting in Bethlehem, the "house of bread," which will become the arena for God's providential provision and redemption. Second, it vividly portrays Naomi's desperate state of loss and destitution, creating the narrative tension that necessitates a kinsman-redeemer. Third, the communal reaction ("all the city was moved") highlights the public nature of their plight, which will be crucial as the community, particularly Boaz, becomes involved in their restoration. Finally, Ruth's presence as a Moabite in Bethlehem, though initially met with potential prejudice, subtly introduces the theme of God's inclusive grace, foreshadowing her eventual marriage to Boaz and her integration into the lineage of David and ultimately, Christ. The verse thus lays the groundwork for the themes of redemption, loyalty, and divine sovereignty that characterize the rest of the Book of Ruth, leading to the unexpected restoration of Naomi and the significant role of Ruth in salvation history ([Ruth 4:13-22](/ruth/4-13 "Ruth 4:13-22 - Ruth's Marriage and Genealogy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The poignant scene in Ruth 1:19, where Naomi returns to Bethlehem transformed by suffering, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Naomi's journey from prosperity to destitution, marked by loss and a change in appearance, echoes the ultimate condescension of Christ, who, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He left the glory of heaven to enter a world marred by sin and suffering, becoming "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")). Just as Naomi returned to Bethlehem, the "house of bread," in a state of emptiness, Christ, the true Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), came to a world starving for spiritual nourishment. His journey culminated not in a question of "Is this Naomi?", but in the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He was disfigured for our transgressions, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and sorrow ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Yet, through His suffering and resurrection, Christ brings about a redemption far greater than Naomi's, offering not just physical provision but eternal life and spiritual restoration to all who believe. He transforms our bitterness into joy, our emptiness into fullness, and our alienation into adoption, making us new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, the story of Naomi's return to Bethlehem foreshadows the greater return of humanity to God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 21:10

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

Isaiah 23:7

[Is] this your joyous [city], whose antiquity [is] of ancient days? her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn.