Ruth 1:5

And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

And Mahlon {H4248} and Chilion {H3630} died {H4191} also both {H8147} of them; and the woman {H802} was left {H7604} of her two {H8147} sons {H3206} and her husband {H376}.

Then Machlon and Kilyon died, both of them; and the woman was left with neither her two sons nor her husband.

both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and without her husband.

And Mahlon and Chilion died both of them; and the woman was left of her two children and of her husband.

Commentary

This verse marks a pivotal moment of profound tragedy in the life of Naomi. Following the death of her husband Elimelech, she now faces the loss of her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, leaving her utterly alone in a foreign land. This verse sets the stage for the desperate circumstances that drive the narrative of the book of Ruth.

Context

The book of Ruth opens during a time of famine in Bethlehem of Judah. Elimelech, Naomi's husband, moves his family—Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion—to the land of Moab to survive. While in Moab, the sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Tragically, after about ten years, Elimelech dies (Ruth 1:3), and then, as stated in this verse, both Mahlon and Chilion also die. This leaves Naomi widowed and childless, a devastating situation in ancient society, especially for a foreigner.

Key Themes

  • Profound Loss and Grief: The verse starkly highlights the successive deaths that leave Naomi bereft of her entire immediate male family.
  • Widowhood and Vulnerability: Being a widow, particularly one who has also lost her sons, meant facing extreme social and economic insecurity in this era.
  • Desolation: Naomi is left "of her two sons and her husband," emphasizing her complete and utter isolation and loss of support.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "was left" (נִשְׁאֲרָה - nish'arah) comes from a root meaning to remain or be left over. In this context, it powerfully conveys Naomi's state of being the sole survivor, emphasizing her isolation and the completeness of her loss. She is what remains after death has taken her husband and sons.

Reflection

Ruth 1:5 is a verse heavy with sorrow, depicting the depth of Naomi's suffering. It is the low point from which the story of Ruth begins its journey towards hope and redemption. Naomi's subsequent decision to return to Bethlehem is born directly out of the desperation caused by these tragic deaths. This verse reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming loss, the biblical narrative often points towards the possibility of future restoration and God's unseen hand working through difficult circumstances, ultimately leading to the lineage of Christ. It underscores the reality of suffering in life, setting the stage for themes of loyalty, providence, and eventual blessing that unfold later in the book. Naomi's bitter state, expressed later when she asks to be called Mara (see Ruth 1:20), is directly rooted in the tragedies described here.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 49:21

    Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where [had] they [been]?

  • Luke 7:12

    Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

  • Jeremiah 2:19

    Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

  • Deuteronomy 32:39

    ¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

  • Psalms 89:30

    If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;

  • Psalms 89:32

    Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

  • Matthew 22:25

    Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
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