Ruth 1:8

KJV

And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Naomi {H5281} said {H559} unto her two {H8147} daughters in law {H3618}, Go {H3212}, return {H7725} each {H802} to her mother's {H517} house {H1004}: the LORD {H3068} deal {H6213} kindly {H2617} with you, as ye have dealt {H6213} with the dead {H4191}, and with me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Na'omi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Each of you, go back to your mother's house. May ADONAI show grace to you, as you did to those who died and to me.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me.

American Standard Version

And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each of you to her mother’s house: Jehovah deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:8 captures a moment of profound selfless love as Naomi, having endured immense loss in Moab, urges her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to return to their maternal homes. Despite her own desolation, Naomi prioritizes their future security and potential for remarriage within their own culture, rather than having them accompany her to an uncertain life in Judah. In this tender farewell, she invokes the LORD, praying that He would extend His steadfast, loyal kindness (*hesed*) to them, mirroring the faithfulness and goodness they had already shown to their deceased husbands and to her in her distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal turning point in the opening chapter of the Book of Ruth. It follows Naomi's decision to return to Bethlehem, her homeland, after hearing that [the LORD had provided food](/ruth/1-6 "Ruth 1:6 - God's Provision in Judah") there, ending a famine that had driven her family to Moab. Having lost her husband Elimelech and both her sons, Mahlon and Chilion, in Moab, Naomi is now a desolate widow. Ruth 1:8 marks her first direct address to her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, where she explicitly instructs them to leave her and return to their own people. This sets the stage for the dramatic and contrasting choices of Orpah, who departs, and Ruth, whose unwavering loyalty in [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty") becomes the central theme of the narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the period of the Judges, a time often characterized by moral decay and instability, yet also marked by individual acts of faithfulness. Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth are three widows in a patriarchal society where a woman's security, social standing, and ability to bear children were intrinsically tied to her husband and his family. Without a husband or sons, a woman was highly vulnerable. Naomi's instruction for them to return to their "mother's house" (rather than "father's house") suggests a return to their natal family, emphasizing the mother's role in a woman's family of origin and implying a place where they could seek new husbands and establish a future. The Moabite identity of Orpah and Ruth is significant, highlighting the cultural and religious divide between them and Israel, making Ruth's later commitment to Naomi and her God all the more remarkable.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 1:8 introduces and reinforces several key themes that permeate the entire book. Foremost among them is the concept of *hesed*, often translated as "kindness," "lovingkindness," or "loyal love." Naomi's prayer for the LORD to "deal kindly" with her daughters-in-law explicitly acknowledges the *hesed* they have already demonstrated. This theme of steadfast, covenantal love, both human and divine, is central to the book's message, culminating in [Boaz's recognition of Ruth's *hesed*](/ruth/3-10 "Ruth 3:10 - Boaz Commends Ruth's Greater Hesed"). The verse also highlights the theme of selfless love and sacrifice, as Naomi, despite her own deep grief and need, prioritizes the well-being of her daughters-in-law. Finally, it underscores God's providence, as Naomi's invocation of "the LORD" (Yahweh) points to His active involvement in the lives of His people and those who seek Him, even in times of hardship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kindly (Hebrew, חֶסֶד, _ḥesed'_):** This is one of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, far exceeding a simple definition of "kindness." *Hesed* denotes loyal love, steadfast faithfulness, covenantal commitment, and active goodness that goes beyond what is expected or deserved. It describes a deep, abiding devotion, often expressed through concrete actions that demonstrate loyalty and care, particularly within a relationship. Naomi's prayer is not for a fleeting benevolence, but for God's enduring, covenantal faithfulness to be extended to her daughters-in-law, mirroring the profound and active loyalty they had shown.
* **dealt (Hebrew, עָשָׂה, _‘asah'_):** This verb means "to do," "to make," or "to act." Its use here emphasizes that Orpah and Ruth's kindness was not merely a feeling or a passive sentiment, but an active, demonstrated loyalty. They "dealt" with the dead (caring for their husbands in life and honoring them in death) and with Naomi (remaining with her, comforting her, and accompanying her thus far). This active demonstration of *hesed* is precisely what Naomi prays God will reciprocate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law":** This sets the scene for a tender, yet difficult, conversation. It highlights the familial bond that had formed despite their different origins, a bond now tested by tragedy and Naomi's decision to return to Judah.
* **"Go, return each to her mother's house":** This is Naomi's direct instruction and counsel. "Mother's house" implies a return to their natal family, a place of refuge and support where, as young widows, they might have the best chance to remarry and secure their future, as opposed to facing an uncertain life as foreign widows in Bethlehem.
* **"the LORD deal kindly with you":** This is a heartfelt prayer and blessing from Naomi. She invokes "the LORD" (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel, indicating her trust in His character even in her grief. The request for Him to "deal kindly" with them is a petition for God to extend His *hesed*—His loyal, steadfast love and faithfulness—to them.
* **"as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me":** Naomi provides the justification for her prayer. She explicitly recognizes and commends the *hesed* that Orpah and Ruth have already demonstrated. "The dead" refers to their deceased husbands, Mahlon and Chilion, implying their faithful care and love during their marriages. "And with me" refers to their continued loyalty, companionship, and support to Naomi in her profound sorrow and vulnerability, even accompanying her on the journey back from Moab.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 1:8 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Naomi's invocation of *hesed* immediately introduces this central theme, hinting at the profound acts of loyal love that will unfold, particularly through Ruth's actions and God's providential care. There is also a subtle **irony** in Naomi, who later declares herself "Mara" (bitter) in [Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Bitterness"), demonstrating such selfless love and concern for others in this moment. The verse functions as a **blessing** and a **prayer**, revealing Naomi's deep faith in Yahweh despite her circumstances. Furthermore, the **contrast** between the "dead" (representing past loss and sorrow) and the "kindness" (representing future hope and divine favor) highlights the narrative's movement from despair to redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 1:8 is a powerful testament to the nature of *hesed*, both human and divine. Naomi's prayer for the LORD to "deal kindly" with her daughters-in-law is rooted in her understanding of God's character as one who demonstrates enduring, covenantal love. It highlights that *hesed* is not merely a warm feeling but an active, steadfast loyalty that seeks the well-being of the other, even at personal cost. This verse sets the stage for the entire book to unfold as a narrative illustrating God's *hesed* working through the *hesed* of individuals. It teaches us that God recognizes and rewards faithfulness, and that His loyal love is the ultimate source of security and blessing, even for those who are outsiders or in vulnerable positions.

* [Ruth 2:20](/ruth/2-20 "Ruth 2:20 - Boaz's Recognition of Ruth's Hesed")
* [Ruth 3:10](/ruth/3-10 "Ruth 3:10 - Boaz Commends Ruth's Greater Hesed")
* [Psalm 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalm 136:1 - God's Enduring Hesed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Naomi's selfless act in Ruth 1:8 offers a profound lesson in prioritizing the well-being of others, even when one is in deep personal distress. It challenges us to consider whether our love is truly selfless, willing to release others for their own good, rather than clinging to them for our own comfort or security. Her recognition and commendation of Orpah and Ruth's past *hesed* also reminds us of the importance of affirming and appreciating the goodness and faithfulness we observe in others. Even in her sorrow, Naomi models a deep trust in God's *hesed*, praying for His loyal love to be extended to those she cares for. This encourages us to bring our anxieties and the needs of others before God, trusting in His steadfast love to provide, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or requires difficult choices. It prompts us to ask: Are we willing to make sacrifices for the genuine flourishing of others, and do we truly believe that God's faithful love will sustain us and those we release into His care?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Naomi's selfless love in this verse challenge your own understanding of love and sacrifice?**
* **When have you experienced or witnessed someone demonstrating *hesed* (loyal, steadfast love) towards you or others?**
* **In what ways can you actively recognize and affirm the goodness and faithfulness of those around you?**
* **How does Naomi's prayer in her sorrow encourage your own prayers during difficult times?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "mother's house" instead of "father's house"?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite and surrounding cultures, a woman's primary identity and security were tied to her husband's household. However, if she was widowed without children, her options for support and remarriage often lay with her natal family. "Mother's house" likely refers to the maternal side of her birth family, emphasizing the specific place of refuge and care for a woman, particularly a widow, within her extended family. It suggests a return to the direct care of her mother or closest female relatives, who would play a significant role in her future arrangements, including potential remarriage.

**Why does Naomi tell them to go back if she loves them?**

Answer: Naomi's instruction for Orpah and Ruth to return to Moab is a powerful demonstration of selfless love (*hesed*). Despite her profound grief and loneliness, she prioritizes their well-being and future over her own need for companionship or support. As foreign widows in Judah, their prospects would be bleak; they would be outsiders with no family land or social standing. Naomi genuinely believes that their best chance for security, remarriage, and the possibility of bearing children lies within their own culture and among their own people. Her love for them is so deep that she is willing to release them, even if it means facing her own desolate future alone.

**What is *hesed* and why is it so important in Ruth?**

Answer: *Hesed* (חֶסֶד) is a crucial Hebrew term that permeates the Book of Ruth. It signifies loyal love, steadfast faithfulness, covenantal kindness, and active goodness. It's more than just "kindness"; it describes a deep, enduring commitment that is demonstrated through concrete actions, often going beyond what is expected. In Ruth, *hesed* is vital because it describes God's character (Naomi prays for God's *hesed*), the exemplary actions of Ruth (her unwavering loyalty to Naomi, [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty")), and the righteous response of Boaz ([Ruth 2:20](/ruth/2-20 "Ruth 2:20 - Boaz's Recognition of Ruth's Hesed")). The entire narrative of Ruth is a beautiful illustration of how human *hesed* reflects and is rewarded by divine *hesed*, ultimately leading to God's providential care and the continuation of the messianic line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 1:8, with Naomi's selfless love and invocation of God's *hesed*, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate demonstration of divine *hesed* in Jesus Christ. Naomi's willingness to release her daughters-in-law for their greater good, even at her own cost, mirrors the Father's ultimate act of love in [sending His Son into the world](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World") for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, the embodiment of God's loyal love, "dealt kindly" with us not because of our inherent goodness, but while we were [dead in trespasses and sins](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Transgressions"). His entire life, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, is the supreme act of *hesed*, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness to God's covenant and boundless love for humanity. He is the one who enables us to truly "return to the Father's house," for [He is the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Just as Naomi recognized the *hesed* shown by her daughters-in-law, God, in Christ, recognizes and rewards the faithfulness of those who turn to Him, extending His eternal *hesed* to all who believe, bringing them into His family and securing their future in a way far surpassing any earthly provision.

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.