Ruth 4:14

KJV

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed [be] the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the women {H802} said {H559} unto Naomi {H5281}, Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068}, which hath not left {H7673} thee this day {H3117} without a kinsman {H1350}, that his name {H8034} may be famous {H7121} in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the women said to Na'omi, "Blessed be ADONAI, who today has provided you a redeemer! May his name be renowned in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel.

American Standard Version

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be Jehovah, who hath not left thee this day without a near kinsman; and let his name be famous in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:14 encapsulates the triumphant climax of the book, marking a profound reversal of fortune for Naomi. After enduring deep sorrow and loss, the women of Bethlehem pronounce a heartfelt blessing, acknowledging the Lord's unwavering faithfulness in providing a kinsman-redeemer, ensuring the continuation of her family line and the establishment of a renowned legacy in Israel. This verse celebrates the divine orchestration that transformed Naomi's bitterness into abundant joy and secure future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the triumphant culmination of the book of Ruth, immediately following the formal gate transaction where Boaz legally secured his right to redeem Naomi's land and marry Ruth, thereby ensuring the continuation of Elimelech's family line. It is the community's joyous response to the birth of Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz, signifying the complete reversal of Naomi's fortunes. From her initial return to Bethlehem, where she famously lamented her bitter fate and instructed the women to call her "Mara" ([Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Bitterness")), Naomi now experiences profound restoration, witnessing the Lord's abundant provision and the re-establishment of her legacy through her grandson. The women's blessing serves as the final communal affirmation of God's redemptive work in the lives of these faithful individuals.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The social fabric of ancient Israel placed immense importance on family lineage, land inheritance, and the continuation of a family name, especially for those who had no male heir. The concept of the *go'el*, or kinsman-redeemer, was a vital legal and social institution, obligating the nearest male relative to protect the family's interests, including buying back sold land ([Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - Redemption of Land")), avenging bloodshed, or, as in this case, marrying a widow to raise an heir for the deceased brother or relative ([Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Levirate Marriage")). This verse highlights the community's understanding and celebration of Boaz's faithful fulfillment of this sacred duty, ensuring Naomi's security and the preservation of her husband's name in Israel. The women's collective voice also underscores the significant role of communal affirmation and blessing in Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the book of Ruth. First, **Divine Providence and Faithfulness** are central, as the women explicitly attribute Naomi's restoration to the Lord, who "hath not left thee this day without a kinsman." This underscores God's active, behind-the-scenes orchestration of events, transforming Naomi's bitterness into blessing ([Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Bitterness") contrasts with [Ruth 4:15](/ruth/4-15 "Ruth 4:15 - Naomi's Blessing")). Second, the theme of the **Kinsman-Redeemer (Go'el)** is paramount, with Boaz embodying this role by securing Ruth's future and Naomi's lineage, demonstrating selfless love and adherence to covenant law ([Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth's Request to Boaz")). Finally, **Restoration and Legacy** are celebrated through the birth of Obed. His arrival not only restores Naomi's hope and secures her future but also ensures the continuation of Elimelech's name and, significantly, places Ruth and Boaz in the direct messianic lineage that culminates in King David ([Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - Obed, Father of Jesse") and [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")), fulfilling the desire that Boaz's "name may be famous in Israel."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kinsman (Hebrew, _go'el'_):** This term (גֹּאֵל) is central to the book of Ruth, denoting a close relative who has the right and responsibility to act on behalf of another, especially one in distress. The *go'el* could redeem property, avenge a wrong, or, as here, perform a levirate marriage to perpetuate a deceased relative's name. Boaz's fulfillment of this role highlights his righteousness and faithfulness to covenant obligations, acting as a protector and restorer for Naomi and Ruth.
* **Famous (Hebrew, _shem'_):** The phrase "that his name may be famous in Israel" (וְיִקָּרֵא שְׁמוֹ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל, _wəyiqqārē' šmô bəyiśrā'ēl_) literally means "and his name be called in Israel." "Famous" here implies not just widespread recognition but a reputation of honor, integrity, and righteousness. It signifies the lasting impact of Boaz's actions, ensuring his legacy and the perpetuation of the family line are remembered and celebrated within the community and beyond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the women said unto Naomi":** This opening highlights the communal voice of Bethlehem's women, who were previously witnesses to Naomi's return in despair ([Ruth 1:19](/ruth/1-19 "Ruth 1:19 - Naomi's Return to Bethlehem")). Their collective pronouncement signifies the community's recognition and celebration of God's redemptive work in Naomi's life, validating the transformation of her circumstances from emptiness to fullness.
* **"Blessed [be] the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman":** The women's immediate response is to bless the Lord, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of Naomi's restoration. This declaration directly counters Naomi's earlier lament that the Lord's hand was against her ([Ruth 1:21](/ruth/1-21 "Ruth 1:21 - Naomi's Lament")). The phrase "without a kinsman" (מִגֹּאֵל, _mi-go'el_) emphasizes the divine provision of Boaz, the *go'el*, as the instrument of God's faithfulness, ensuring Naomi's security and the continuation of her family line.
* **"that his name may be famous in Israel":** This clause expresses the community's desire for Boaz's righteous actions to be publicly honored and remembered. It speaks to the importance of a good reputation within the covenant community, especially for one who so faithfully upheld the law and demonstrated such generosity. The "name" (שֵׁם, _shem_) here encompasses his character, his deeds, and the legacy he establishes through his role as redeemer and the father of Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 4:14 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony** and **Contrast**, as it directly reverses Naomi's initial despair and self-identification as "Mara" (bitter) upon her return to Bethlehem ([Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Bitterness")). The women's blessing, "Blessed be the LORD," marks a complete turnaround, highlighting God's redemptive work in transforming sorrow into joy. There is also significant **Foreshadowing**, particularly in the desire for Boaz's "name" to be famous. This desire for a lasting legacy is fulfilled beyond their immediate understanding, as Obed becomes the grandfather of King David, placing Boaz and Ruth directly in the messianic lineage. The **Communal Voice** of the women serves as a narrative device, validating the divine work and the righteousness of Boaz's actions, emphasizing the social and theological significance of the events for the entire community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:14 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active and faithful providence in the lives of His people. It underscores that even in periods of deep personal loss and perceived abandonment, the Lord is meticulously working behind the scenes to bring about restoration and fulfill His purposes. The women's blessing attributes the provision of the kinsman-redeemer directly to God, highlighting His compassionate care for the vulnerable and His commitment to upholding His covenant promises. This divine faithfulness is not merely a passive observation but an active intervention, transforming barrenness into fruitfulness and despair into hope, ultimately pointing to a greater redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 113:9](/psalms/113-9 "Psalm 113:9 - God Settles the Barren Woman")
* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - Hannah's Song of Reversal")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative climax in Ruth 4:14 offers enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign faithfulness, even when our circumstances seem bleak and our hopes diminished. Naomi's journey from "Mara" to blessed illustrates that God is capable of reversing our deepest sorrows and bringing forth unexpected joy and provision. This verse also emphasizes the vital role of community in our spiritual journeys – the women's blessing reminds us of the power of communal affirmation, support, and shared celebration of God's goodness. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider how we, like Boaz, can embody selfless love and redemptive action in our spheres of influence, becoming instruments of God's blessing and restoration for others, thereby leaving a legacy of righteousness that honors His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's faithfulness for reversal and restoration, as Naomi did?**
* **How can you be a source of communal blessing and affirmation for others, recognizing God's work in their lives?**
* **What steps can you take to live a life that leaves a legacy of righteousness, reflecting God's character in your actions?**

### FAQ
**Why is the communal blessing of the women so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The communal blessing of the women in Ruth 4:14 is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a public affirmation of God's active hand in Naomi's life, transforming her lament of bitterness ([Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Bitterness")) into a declaration of blessing and fullness. Their voice represents the community's recognition of divine providence and Boaz's righteous fulfillment of the kinsman-redeemer role. Secondly, it underscores the importance of communal witness and celebration within ancient Israelite society, where events of such magnitude, particularly concerning lineage and land, were publicly acknowledged and validated. Their blessing also echoes the earlier blessing from the elders at the gate ([Ruth 4:11-12](/ruth/4-11 "Ruth 4:11-12 - The Elders' Blessing")), reinforcing the widespread approval and joy surrounding the union of Ruth and Boaz and the birth of Obed. It highlights that God's work often unfolds within and through the affirmation of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 4:14, with its celebration of the kinsman-redeemer, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. Just as Boaz, the *go'el*, stepped in to redeem Naomi's lost inheritance and secure her lineage, so Christ, our divine Kinsman, entered humanity's brokenness to redeem us from the curse of sin and death ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). He, being fully God and fully man, became our "next-of-kin" by taking on flesh ([Hebrews 2:14-17](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-17 - Jesus Shared in Our Humanity")), thereby qualifying to pay the ultimate price for our redemption through His sacrificial death on the cross ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with Precious Blood")). The women's desire for Boaz's "name to be famous" finds its supreme fulfillment in the name of Jesus, which is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exalted Name of Jesus")), through whom all things are reconciled to God. Through Christ, we, who were once alienated, are brought into God's family and receive an inheritance that is imperishable ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood") and [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Inheritance")), far surpassing the restoration experienced by Naomi, providing eternal hope and a glorious spiritual legacy.

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.