Ruth 1:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} grant {H5414} you that ye may find {H4672} rest {H4496}, each {H802} of you in the house {H1004} of her husband {H376}. Then she kissed {H5401} them; and they lifted up {H5375} their voice {H6963}, and wept {H1058}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May ADONAI grant you security in the home of a new husband."Then she kissed them, but they began weeping aloud.

Berean Standard Bible

May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud

American Standard Version

Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:9 captures a profoundly emotional and pivotal moment as Naomi, having endured immense loss in Moab, prepares to part with her devoted Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Overwhelmed by her own sorrow and a perceived inability to provide for them, Naomi offers a tender, selfless blessing, praying that the LORD would grant them the security and stability of new homes and husbands in their own land. This heartfelt farewell, marked by a final kiss and shared tears, underscores the deep bonds of affection while setting the stage for the divergent choices that will define their paths forward.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the emotional climax of Naomi's persistent urging for her daughters-in-law to return to Moab. Immediately preceding it, Naomi has attempted to dissuade them, highlighting her own bitter circumstances and the perceived lack of future prospects for them with her ([Ruth 1:8](/ruth/1-8 "Ruth 1:8 - Naomi's Plea to Her Daughters-in-Law")). The blessing in [Ruth 1:9](/ruth/1-9 "Ruth 1:9 - Naomi's Blessing and Farewell") is her final, compassionate push, which then leads directly to Orpah's departure and Ruth's resolute declaration of loyalty in [Ruth 1:14-18](/ruth/1-14 "Ruth 1:14-18 - Orpah Departs, Ruth Clings to Naomi")). It is a moment of decision, where the weight of Naomi's love and the harsh realities of their situation press upon the young women.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, and particularly in Israel, a widow's status was precarious. Without a husband or adult sons, she faced severe economic hardship, social vulnerability, and often destitution. Marriage was not merely a romantic union but a fundamental institution for security, provision, and the continuation of family lines. Naomi's prayer for her daughters-in-law to find "rest in the house of her husband" reflects this societal reality, where a stable home and a male protector were essential for a woman's well-being and honor. While not a direct instance of levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25), the underlying societal expectation for a widow to remarry for security and progeny is a crucial backdrop to Naomi's concern.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes within the Book of Ruth. Firstly, the profound **desire for security and stability** (often termed "rest" or `menuchah` in Hebrew) is central, highlighting the vulnerable position of women in this era and the societal importance of marriage for protection and provision. Secondly, Naomi's actions demonstrate remarkable **compassion and selflessness**. Despite her own immense grief and personal loss ([Ruth 1:3-5](/ruth/1-3 "Ruth 1:3-5 - Naomi's Loss of Husband and Sons")), she prioritizes the well-being of her daughters-in-law, urging them to seek a better future even if it means further loneliness for herself. Lastly, the invocation of "The LORD" (Yahweh) points to the theme of **divine providence** and the belief that ultimate security and blessing come from God, foreshadowing His active role in Ruth's journey and her eventual finding of refuge "under His wings" ([Ruth 2:12](/ruth/2-12 "Ruth 2:12 - Boaz Blesses Ruth for Seeking Refuge Under God's Wings")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rest (Hebrew, _menuchah'_):** This word (מְנוּחָה) signifies far more than mere physical repose. It encompasses a comprehensive sense of security, peace, tranquility, stability, and a settled existence. It implies a place of refuge, a secure dwelling, and freedom from anxiety and wandering. For a woman in this context, `menuchah` was typically found within the stable environment of a husband's household, offering provision, protection, and social standing. It echoes the concept of the "rest" God provides to His people in the land ([Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - God Grants Rest in the Land")), connecting personal well-being to divine blessing.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** The use of the covenant name of God (יהוה) by Naomi, a woman who has expressed profound bitterness towards Him ([Ruth 1:20-21](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20-21 - Naomi's Bitter Lament")), is significant. It reveals that despite her personal suffering, her theological understanding remains rooted in the belief that Yahweh is the sovereign God who actively intervenes in human affairs and is the ultimate source of blessing and provision. Her prayer is not a mere wish but an invocation of the God of Israel, acknowledging His power to grant the "rest" she desires for her daughters-in-law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD grant you that ye may find rest":** This opening phrase is a direct prayer or blessing from Naomi, invoking the divine name "The LORD" (Yahweh). It expresses her deep desire for a state of comprehensive well-being and security for Orpah and Ruth. The "grant" implies a divine bestowal, acknowledging that such "rest" is ultimately a gift from God, not merely a human achievement.
* **"each [of you] in the house of her husband":** This specifies the particular form of "rest" Naomi envisions for them. For women in that society, a husband's house represented the primary source of stability, protection, identity, and provision. It was the expected and desired path to a secure future, contrasting sharply with the vulnerable status of a widow. Naomi's wish is for them to re-establish themselves within a secure family unit.
* **"Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept":** This concluding clause vividly portrays the emotional intensity of the moment. The kiss is a gesture of deep affection and farewell. The collective weeping signifies profound sorrow, the pain of separation, the weight of their circumstances, and the shared grief of their losses. It highlights the genuine love between Naomi and her daughters-in-law, making Orpah's eventual departure and Ruth's steadfast loyalty all the more poignant.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 1:9 is rich in **pathos**, evoking deep emotion through Naomi's selfless blessing and the subsequent weeping of all three women. This emotional resonance draws the reader into the characters' vulnerability and the gravity of their situation. The verse also employs **foreshadowing**, particularly in Naomi's prayer for "rest." While she envisions this rest in the context of a new marriage in Moab, the narrative will ultimately show Ruth finding a profound and divinely ordained "rest" in Bethlehem, under the protective "wings" of the God of Israel and through her marriage to Boaz ([Ruth 2:12](/ruth/2-12 "Ruth 2:12 - Boaz Blesses Ruth for Seeking Refuge Under God's Wings"), [Ruth 3:1](/ruth/3-1 "Ruth 3:1 - Naomi Seeks Rest for Ruth")). Furthermore, the act of **blessing** itself is a significant literary and theological device, demonstrating Naomi's enduring faith in Yahweh's capacity to provide, even amidst her personal lament and bitterness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Naomi's prayer for "rest" in Ruth 1:9 resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of God's provision and faithfulness to His people, particularly the vulnerable. The concept of `menuchah` (rest) is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, often linked to God's covenant promises, the security of the promised land, and ultimate peace found in Him. It underscores the theological truth that true security and well-being are ultimately God-given. Despite Naomi's own despair and feeling that "the hand of the LORD has gone out against me" ([Ruth 1:13](/ruth/1-13 "Ruth 1:13 - Naomi's Despair")), her blessing acknowledges God as the ultimate source of future hope and stability for her daughters-in-law. This demonstrates a resilient faith that, even in brokenness, looks to divine providence for the welfare of others, setting the stage for God's surprising and gracious intervention in the lives of these women.

* [Ruth 3:1](/ruth/3-1 "Ruth 3:1 - Naomi Seeks Rest for Ruth")
* [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - God Grants Rest in the Land")
* [Psalm 23:2](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - Rest in Green Pastures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 1:9 offers profound lessons on selfless love, the compassion required in difficult partings, and trusting in God's provision even when circumstances seem bleak. Naomi, despite her own overwhelming grief and perceived destitution, prioritizes the well-being of Orpah and Ruth. Her blessing is an act of profound selflessness, demonstrating a love that seeks the good of the other even at personal cost. In our own lives, we are called to emulate this compassion, extending grace, hope, and practical support to those navigating uncertainty, loss, or vulnerability. The verse also reminds us of the universal human longing for security and belonging, a "rest" that God often provides through stable relationships, community, and His divine providence. While Naomi's immediate prayer is for earthly security, it prompts us to consider where we truly find our ultimate "rest" and stability – a question that leads us beyond temporary circumstances to the enduring peace found in God alone. We are challenged to be sources of blessing and encouragement, trusting that God's plan for "rest" for His people is far-reaching and deeply compassionate.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Naomi's selfless love in this verse challenge my own priorities when facing personal hardship?**
* **In what ways do I seek "rest" or security in my life, and how does this compare to the comprehensive "rest" God offers?**
* **How can I be a source of blessing and support to others who are experiencing difficult transitions or profound loss?**

### FAQ
**Why does Naomi want Orpah and Ruth to return to their mothers' homes?**

Answer: Naomi's desire for Orpah and Ruth to return to their mothers' homes in Moab stems from a deep concern for their future security and well-being. As a widow herself, and having lost her sons, she felt she had nothing more to offer them in Judah. She believed that by returning to their own families and culture, they would have the best chance to remarry, find new husbands, and establish secure homes, thus escaping the precarious and vulnerable status of a childless widow in a foreign land. Her urging, though painful, was an act of selfless love, prioritizing their potential for "rest" and stability over her own need for companionship.

**What is the significance of the "kiss" and "weeping" in this verse?**

Answer: The kiss and weeping signify the profound emotional depth of this farewell. The kiss (נָשַׁק, _nashaq'_) is a common gesture of affection, greeting, or parting in the ancient Near East, here denoting a tender and final goodbye. The collective weeping (בָּכָה, _bakah'_) indicates shared sorrow, grief over their losses, and the painful reality of their impending separation. It underscores the genuine love and bond that had formed between Naomi and her daughters-in-law, making the subsequent choices of Orpah and Ruth all the more poignant. This raw display of emotion highlights the human element of the narrative, grounding the theological themes in relatable human experience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Naomi's earnest prayer for her daughters-in-law to find "rest... in the house of her husband" in [Ruth 1:9](/ruth/1-9 "Ruth 1:9 - Naomi's Blessing and Farewell") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly "rest" of a secure home and loving husband, though a good and necessary provision in that cultural context, points to the deeper, eternal rest that Christ offers to all who are weary and burdened ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")). Just as Ruth, a Moabite outsider, found "rest" and redemption through Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer, so too do we, as spiritual outsiders, find our ultimate security and belonging in Christ, our divine Kinsman-Redeemer. He is the true "house" and "husband" to His people, providing not merely temporal security but eternal peace, protection, and identity within His household, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). The "rest" He provides is not just cessation from labor, but a settled, secure, and abundant life in Him, a spiritual Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Ultimately, the longing for a secure home and a faithful provider, expressed in Naomi's prayer, is perfectly satisfied in the Lamb of God, who prepares a dwelling for His bride, the Church, for all eternity ([Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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

Ruth 3:1

¶ 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?

Genesis 29:11

And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

Genesis 45:15

Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

Acts 20:37

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Genesis 27:27

And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son [is] as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed: