Ruth 4:11

KJV

And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the people {H5971} that were in the gate {H8179}, and the elders {H2205}, said {H559}, We are witnesses {H5707}. The LORD {H3068} make {H5414} the woman {H802} that is come {H935} into thine house {H1004} like Rachel {H7354} and like Leah {H3812}, which two {H8147} did build {H1129} the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}: and do {H6213} thou worthily {H2428} in Ephratah {H672}, and be famous {H7121}{H8034} in Bethlehem {H1035}:

Complete Jewish Bible

All the people at the gate and the leaders said, "We are witnesses. May ADONAI make the woman who has come into your house like Rachel and like Le'ah, who between them built up the house of Isra'el. Do worthy deeds in Efrat; become renowned in Beit-Lechem.

Berean Standard Bible

“We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem.

American Standard Version

And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. Jehovah make the woman that is come into thy house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Beth-lehem:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:11 captures the profound communal affirmation and blessing bestowed upon the marriage of Boaz and Ruth at the city gate of Bethlehem. This pivotal moment signifies Ruth's full integration into Israelite society, transitioning from a foreign widow to a foundational matriarch, whose future progeny is prayed for to be as significant as that of Rachel and Leah, the matriarchs who "built the house of Israel." The verse encapsulates themes of divine providence, community support, and the establishment of a righteous lineage that would ultimately lead to King David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 4:11 immediately follows Boaz's legal redemption of Naomi's land and, by extension, his taking Ruth as his wife. The preceding verses detail the formal transaction at the city gate, a public forum where legal matters were settled. Boaz had first offered the right of redemption to a closer kinsman, who declined. With the kinsman's public renunciation (signified by taking off his sandal, a symbolic act of transfer), Boaz formally announced his intention to acquire the land and marry Ruth, thereby raising up the name of the deceased Elimelech on his inheritance. Verse 11 is the community's immediate, vocal response, serving as a communal ratification and a powerful blessing upon this new union, which is both legally sound and spiritually significant. It sets the stage for the birth of Obed in the subsequent verses, fulfilling the hopes expressed in this communal prayer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the city gate of Bethlehem, a place of immense social and legal significance in ancient Israel. It functioned as the civic center, courthouse, and marketplace, where elders, judges, and citizens gathered to conduct official business, resolve disputes, and witness agreements. The presence of "all the people" and "the elders" underscores the public and binding nature of Boaz's transaction and the subsequent blessing. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (`go'el`) was crucial, ensuring the preservation of family land and lineage, especially for widows and the vulnerable. The invocation of Rachel and Leah highlights the patriarchal lineage system, where the continuation of the family name through progeny was paramount. For a Moabite woman like Ruth to be blessed in such a manner, and to be welcomed into the community's foundational narrative, speaks volumes about the radical inclusivity of God's redemptive plan, contrasting sharply with the general societal norms regarding foreigners, particularly Moabites, as seen in [Deuteronomy 23:3](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3 - Exclusion of Moabites from the Assembly").
* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with themes central to the book of Ruth and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is **Divine Providence**, as the community's blessing is a prayer for the Lord's intervention, acknowledging God's hand in orchestrating Ruth's journey and her union with Boaz. It also emphasizes **Covenant Faithfulness**, both human and divine, as Boaz acts faithfully as a kinsman-redeemer, and God is implicitly faithful in guiding events. The theme of **Lineage and Legacy** is paramount, with the explicit prayer for Ruth to "build the house of Israel" like Rachel and Leah, directly anticipating the birth of a significant descendant. This points to the importance of **Progeny** in ancient Israelite culture, not merely for survival but for the continuation of God's covenant promises. Finally, the communal blessing highlights **Community Affirmation and Integration**, showcasing the acceptance and honor bestowed upon Ruth, a foreign woman, into the heart of the Israelite community, fulfilling the promise of protection for the vulnerable found in passages like [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Care for the Orphan and Widow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Build" (Hebrew, בָּנָה _banah_):** This verb literally means "to build" or "to construct," but it is frequently used metaphorically in the Old Testament to mean "to establish a family," "to raise up progeny," or "to perpetuate a lineage." In this context, the prayer for Ruth to "build the house of Israel" is a powerful petition for her to be fruitful and contribute significantly to the continuation and strength of the nation through her descendants, just as Rachel and Leah did by bearing the patriarchs of the twelve tribes. It points to the foundational importance of family and offspring in God's covenant plan.
* **"Worthily" (Hebrew, חַיִל _chayil_):** This multifaceted word denotes strength, valor, capability, virtue, and often wealth or influence. It is the same term used to describe the "woman of valor" in [Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10 - The Woman of Valor"). Here, the community's blessing is for Ruth to exhibit these qualities within her new family and community in Ephratah/Bethlehem. It's a prayer not just for her prosperity but for her character and impact to be exemplary, reflecting the very qualities she has already demonstrated throughout the book.
* **"Famous" (Hebrew, שֵׁם _shem_):** Literally meaning "name," this word often refers to reputation, renown, or lasting legacy. The prayer is that Ruth's "name" will be great in Bethlehem, signifying that she will achieve public recognition and honor, not just personally but through her descendants. This is particularly significant given her initial status as a foreign, destitute widow. The community desires that her contribution to the lineage and the community will be remembered and celebrated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses."**: This opening clause establishes the public and legal validity of the proceedings. The city gate, as the judicial and administrative center, provides the official setting. The collective declaration of "all the people" and "the elders" signifies unanimous communal approval and authentication of Boaz's actions and his marriage to Ruth. Their witness ensures the legitimacy of the land redemption and the new union, providing a strong foundation for the future lineage.
* **"The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel:"**: This is the core of the communal blessing, a direct prayer to Yahweh for Ruth's fertility and significance. By invoking Rachel and Leah, Jacob's principal wives, the community expresses a profound hope: that Ruth will be instrumental in bearing children who will contribute to the strength and continuation of Israel, just as these matriarchs bore the progenitors of the twelve tribes. This elevates Ruth's status immensely, associating her with the foundational figures of Israelite history and emphasizing the importance of progeny for the "house" (lineage/family) of Israel.
* **"and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:"**: This final clause directs a blessing specifically towards Ruth, linking her future impact to the local community. "Ephratah" is an older, poetic name for Bethlehem, underscoring the intimate connection to their specific locality. The prayer is for Ruth to demonstrate "worth" or "valor" (chayil) within this community – a testament to her character and a hope for her prosperity and influential contribution. To "be famous in Bethlehem" means to gain renown and respect, ensuring her legacy is recognized and celebrated within her new home, a remarkable transformation from her initial status as a marginalized foreigner.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Blessing** is the overarching device, as the community articulates a fervent prayer for Ruth's future. This blessing functions as a communal **Affirmation** and **Prophecy**, setting the stage for the fulfillment of their hopes in the subsequent narrative. The specific mention of "Rachel and Leah" is a significant **Allusion** to Israel's foundational matriarchs, immediately elevating Ruth's potential status and linking her to the nation's origins. The phrase "build the house of Israel" uses **Metaphor**, where "build" refers not to physical construction but to the establishment and growth of a family lineage. This metaphor emphasizes the vital role of progeny in perpetuating the nation's identity and future. Furthermore, the two parallel clauses, "do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem," exhibit **Parallelism**, reinforcing the desire for Ruth's honorable conduct and widespread recognition within her new community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:11 powerfully articulates the theological truth that God works through human community and natural processes to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The communal blessing is not merely a social custom but a divinely inspired prayer, acknowledging God's sovereignty over life, fertility, and destiny. It underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage as a vehicle for God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of a seed through whom all nations would be blessed. The integration of Ruth, a Moabite, into the foundational narrative of Israel through this blessing highlights God's expansive grace, demonstrating that His plan extends beyond ethnic boundaries, embracing those who seek refuge under His wings. This verse sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's plan to raise up a righteous line, culminating in the Messiah.

* [Genesis 35:16-20](/genesis/35-16 "Genesis 35:16-20 - Rachel's Death and Burial")
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalm/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children are a heritage from the Lord")
* [Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10 - The Woman of Valor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 4:11 offers profound insights into the power of communal affirmation, the significance of legacy, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through ordinary lives. It reminds us that our personal stories, especially in moments of transition like marriage or new beginnings, are often interwoven with the broader fabric of community and divine purpose. The blessing of the elders and people for Ruth was not a mere formality but an active participation in God's work, demonstrating the importance of speaking words of life, hope, and affirmation over one another. It encourages us to consider how we, as a spiritual community, can actively support and bless those embarking on new journeys, recognizing that God often uses our collective prayers and encouragement to bring about His extraordinary plans. Furthermore, Ruth's story, culminating in this blessing, is a testament to God's ability to redeem and restore, transforming seemingly bleak circumstances into a lineage of hope and honor, inviting us to trust in His providential hand even when our path seems uncertain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the community's role in blessing Ruth challenge or affirm our understanding of communal support in significant life events today?**
* **In what ways can we, as a spiritual community, actively speak blessings and affirmations over individuals, particularly in moments of transition or new beginnings?**
* **How does Ruth's transformation from a foreign widow to a blessed matriarch encourage us to trust in God's redemptive work in our own lives or in the lives of others, regardless of their past or circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that the blessing mentions Rachel and Leah specifically?**

Answer: The mention of Rachel and Leah is highly significant because they were the primary wives of Jacob (Israel) and the mothers of the majority of the twelve tribes of Israel. They are foundational figures in the establishment of the nation. By invoking their names, the community at Bethlehem is expressing a profound hope and prayer that Ruth will be similarly fruitful and instrumental in "building the house of Israel" through her descendants. This elevates Ruth's status immensely, placing her in the esteemed company of Israel's matriarchs and underscoring the importance of her future progeny for the continuation and strength of the nation's lineage. It's a prayer for her to contribute to the very fabric of Israelite identity, a remarkable honor for a Moabite woman.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 4:11, with its communal blessing for Ruth to "build the house of Israel" and become "famous in Bethlehem," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The lineage prayed for in this verse directly leads to King David, as the very next verses in Ruth detail the birth of Obed, who became the father of Jesse, the father of David. This establishes Ruth as a crucial link in the royal line. More profoundly, this lineage, through David, culminates in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, as explicitly stated in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in the Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:32](/luke/3-32 "Luke 3:32 - David's Ancestry"). Ruth, the foreign woman, integrated and blessed by a faithful community, becomes an ancestor of the one who truly builds the house of God—not a physical lineage, but a spiritual one, through His church. The "fame in Bethlehem" prayed for Ruth is dwarfed by the eternal fame of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, the "City of David," and whose kingdom is everlasting. Her story of redemption, inclusion, and fruitfulness foreshadows the greater redemption and inclusion offered to all nations through the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who fulfills all the hopes and promises of Israel.

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

Genesis 29:32

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

Genesis 30:24

And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.

Matthew 2:6

And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

Psalms 127:5

Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Psalms 128:3

Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.