Ruth 1:3

KJV

And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elimelech {H458} Naomi's {H5281} husband {H376} died {H4191}; and she was left {H7604}, and her two {H8147} sons {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elimelekh, Na'omi's husband, died; and she was left, she and her two sons.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons,

American Standard Version

And Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:3 marks a pivotal and tragic turning point in the life of Naomi, immediately following her family's relocation to Moab due to famine in Judah. This verse succinctly records the death of her husband, Elimelech, leaving Naomi as a widow with her two sons in a foreign land. This profound loss not only initiates a period of deep grief and vulnerability for Naomi but also serves as the catalyst for the subsequent narrative, setting the stage for God's redemptive work to unfold through unexpected circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 1:3 follows directly from the introductory verses of the book, which establish the historical setting during the time of the judges and introduce the family of Elimelech and Naomi of Bethlehem-Judah. [Ruth 1:1-2](/ruth/1-1 "Ruth 1:1-2 - Migration to Moab") detail their migration to Moab to escape a severe famine. The death of Elimelech in verse 3 is the first of a series of devastating losses for Naomi, immediately preceding the deaths of her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, as recorded in [Ruth 1:5](/ruth/1-5 "Ruth 1:5 - Deaths of Mahlon and Chilion"). This sequence of events plunges Naomi into a state of extreme vulnerability and despair, forming the emotional bedrock for her subsequent decision to return to Bethlehem and the unfolding of the narrative concerning Ruth. The starkness of this verse highlights the immediate consequence of their move and sets a somber tone for the initial chapters, emphasizing the dire circumstances from which God's faithfulness will ultimately emerge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern society, the death of the patriarch, such as Elimelech, was a catastrophic event for the family unit, particularly for women. Society was patriarchal, and women's legal, social, and economic security was almost entirely dependent on their male relatives—first a father, then a husband, and then sons. A widow was among the most vulnerable members of society, often lacking property rights, means of income, and social protection. Being a widow in a foreign land like Moab compounded this vulnerability, as Naomi would have been without the traditional kinship networks of support available in her homeland of Judah. This precarious position is frequently highlighted in biblical law, which mandates special care for the [widow and the orphan](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's care for the vulnerable"). The cultural expectation was for sons to provide for their widowed mother, making the subsequent deaths of Naomi's sons even more devastating.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the book of Ruth. Primarily, it establishes the theme of **Profound Loss and Grief**, as Naomi embarks on a journey marked by sorrow and emptiness, eloquently expressed in her later lament, "[Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Lament")." Secondly, it underscores the **Vulnerability and Plight of Widows** in ancient society, a recurring motif in the Old Testament that calls for compassion and justice. Naomi's "being left" highlights her newfound isolation and dependence, a situation that God's covenant people were commanded to address, as seen in the laws concerning gleaning and care for the poor (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24 "Deuteronomy 24 - Laws on Gleaning and Justice")). Finally, Elimelech's death serves as a crucial **Narrative Catalyst**, propelling the story forward. While deeply tragic, this event is the necessary turning point that ultimately leads to Naomi's return to Bethlehem and the providential encounter with Boaz, setting the stage for God's redemptive plan to unfold through the lineage of David and ultimately, the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Died (Hebrew, _yāmūṯ_):** The verb מוּת (*mût*) in the Qal perfect tense signifies a completed action, emphasizing the finality and irreversible nature of Elimelech's passing. This word is stark and direct, conveying the absolute cessation of life. In the context of a patriarchal society, the death of the husband and father was not merely a personal tragedy but an existential threat to the family unit, stripping it of its primary protector and provider. The use of this simple, declarative verb underscores the abrupt and devastating impact on Naomi and her sons.
* **Left (Hebrew, _wattē'šā'ēr_):** This is a form of the verb יָתַר (*yatar*), meaning "to remain," "to be left over," or "to be spared." Here, it is in the Niphal imperfect consecutive, conveying a passive sense: "she was left." The nuance is profound; Naomi is not simply "remaining" but has been *left behind* by the departure of her husband. This word powerfully communicates her sudden isolation, vulnerability, and the void created by Elimelech's absence. It highlights her new status as a widow, stripped of her primary support, and emphasizes her precarious position in a foreign land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died;":** This clause delivers the central, devastating event. The naming of Elimelech as "Naomi's husband" immediately establishes the personal impact of his death on her, underscoring the intimate relationship that has now been severed. The simple, declarative statement conveys the abruptness and finality of the loss, which sets the tone for Naomi's subsequent journey of grief and hardship. This death is not merely a biographical detail but the precipitating event for the entire narrative.
* **"and she was left, and her two sons.":** This second clause describes the immediate consequence of Elimelech's death. The phrase "she was left" (Hebrew, *wattē'šā'ēr*) powerfully conveys Naomi's new status as a widow, emphasizing her sudden isolation and vulnerability. The addition "and her two sons" clarifies that while she is now without her husband, she is not entirely alone; her sons remain with her. However, this phrasing also subtly foreshadows the future, as these sons will also die, leaving Naomi utterly bereft. At this point, the sons are her remaining hope for security and continuation of the family line, but her primary protector is gone.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity and directness of Ruth 1:3 are themselves powerful literary techniques. The verse employs **Conciseness** to deliver a profound blow, making the impact of Elimelech's death immediate and stark. This stark declaration also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the series of tragedies that will befall Naomi, culminating in the deaths of her sons in [Ruth 1:5](/ruth/1-5 "Ruth 1:5 - The Deaths of Mahlon and Chilion"). The verse evokes **Pathos**, immediately drawing the reader into Naomi's impending sorrow and vulnerability. The simple statement of fact, "Elimelech Naomi's husband died," carries immense emotional weight, establishing the tragic circumstances from which the story of redemption will ultimately emerge. The phrase "she was left" uses **Understatement** to convey the profound shift in Naomi's status and security, allowing the reader to infer the depth of her new predicament without explicit elaboration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 1:3, though brief, is pregnant with theological significance, initiating a narrative arc that explores themes of divine sovereignty, human suffering, and God's providential care for the vulnerable. Elimelech's death, while a personal tragedy, is part of a larger divine tapestry, setting in motion the events that will lead to the preservation of the family line and the eventual birth of David. This verse highlights the harsh realities of life in a fallen world, where even those who seek refuge can encounter profound loss. Yet, it simultaneously lays the groundwork for demonstrating God's faithfulness, even in the midst of desolation, hinting that His purposes can be achieved through unexpected and painful circumstances. The vulnerability of Naomi as a widow with sons, soon to be without them, resonates with God's consistent concern for the marginalized and His covenantal promises to provide for them.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")
* [Exodus 22:22-24](/exodus/22-22 "Exodus 22:22-24 - Warning Against Oppressing Widows and Orphans")
* [Psalm 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God, Defender of Widows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality of Elimelech's death in Ruth 1:3 confronts us with the universal experience of loss and the fragility of life. Naomi's immediate vulnerability as a widow in a foreign land serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, stripping away security and familiar comforts. This verse invites us to cultivate empathy for those who experience profound grief and sudden shifts in their life's stability. It challenges us to consider how we, as individuals and as communities of faith, respond to the vulnerable among us—the bereaved, the displaced, and those who have "been left" by life's tragedies. Just as God ultimately demonstrated His care for Naomi, even through the actions of others, we are called to be instruments of His compassion and provision, recognizing that even in the darkest moments, God is at work, often through the kindness of His people, to bring about unexpected hope and redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Naomi's initial loss in Ruth 1:3 resonate with experiences of grief or sudden change in your own life or the lives of those you know?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge us to consider the vulnerability of individuals in our society who lack traditional support structures?**
* **How might God be calling you to be an agent of comfort or provision for someone experiencing loss or isolation, even when the path forward seems unclear?**

### FAQ
**Why is Elimelech's death so significant to the story of Ruth?**

Answer: Elimelech's death is the pivotal inciting incident for the entire narrative of Ruth. Before this event, the family was intact, albeit living in a foreign land due to famine. His death immediately creates a profound crisis for Naomi, transforming her from a married woman with a provider into a vulnerable widow. This loss, compounded by the subsequent deaths of her sons (as seen in [Ruth 1:5](/ruth/1-5 "Ruth 1:5 - The Deaths of Mahlon and Chilion")), forces Naomi to make critical decisions, most notably her return to Bethlehem. Without Elimelech's death, the circumstances that lead to Ruth's unwavering loyalty, their journey back to Judah, and the providential encounter with Boaz (and thus the lineage of David) would not have occurred. It is the catalyst for the entire story of redemption and the unfolding of God's plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 1:3, with its somber declaration of death and the resulting vulnerability, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Elimelech's death plunges Naomi into a state of profound loss and isolation, a human experience that Jesus intimately understands and enters into. The vulnerability of the widow, highlighted here, is precisely the demographic that Jesus consistently championed and identified with throughout His ministry, demonstrating compassion for the marginalized and providing for their needs, such as the [widow of Nain](/luke/7-11 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son"). More profoundly, Elimelech's death, while tragic, is a necessary step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan that ultimately leads to the lineage of David and, through him, to Christ. Just as Elimelech's death clears the way for a new beginning and a greater purpose for Naomi and Ruth, so too did the death of Christ on the cross appear to be the ultimate loss, yet it was the essential act that brought about ultimate redemption and new life for all humanity. His death was not the end but the means by which He conquered sin and death, offering hope and security to all who are "left" in a broken world, fulfilling the ultimate provision for the vulnerable and establishing a new, eternal family in His name (see [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death") and [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Through Christ, the ultimate "kinsman-redeemer," the vulnerability and loss experienced by Naomi are ultimately overcome, pointing to the secure and eternal inheritance found in Him.

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

Hebrews 12:10

For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

Hebrews 12:11

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Psalms 34:19

Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

2 Kings 4:1

¶ Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

Hebrews 12:6

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.