Ruth 4:15

KJV

And he shall be unto thee a restorer of [thy] life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall be unto thee a restorer {H7725} of thy life {H5315}, and a nourisher {H3557} of thine old age {H7872}: for thy daughter in law {H3618}, which loveth {H157} thee, which is better {H2896} to thee than seven {H7651} sons {H1121}, hath born {H3205} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

May he restore your life and provide for your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him."

Berean Standard Bible

He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

American Standard Version

And he shall be unto thee a restorer of life, and a nourisher of thine old age, for thy daughter-in-law, who loveth thee, who is better to thee than seven sons, hath borne him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:15 encapsulates the profound reversal of Naomi's fortunes, celebrating the birth of Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth. This verse, spoken by the women of Bethlehem, pronounces a rich blessing upon Naomi, declaring the newborn child as a "restorer of life" and "nourisher of old age," primarily attributing this blessing to the faithful and loving devotion of Ruth, who is lauded as being "better...than seven sons." It marks the culmination of God's providential care, transforming Naomi's bitter emptiness into overflowing joy and establishing the lineage that would ultimately lead to King David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic pronouncement of blessing following the resolution of the narrative in the Book of Ruth. Immediately preceding it, Boaz, acting as the kinsman-redeemer, has married Ruth, and the community has celebrated their union and prayed for their fruitfulness (Ruth 4:11-12). The birth of Obed, mentioned in Ruth 4:13, is the direct answer to these prayers and the fulfillment of the redemptive actions. Ruth 4:14-15 then records the women of Bethlehem blessing Naomi, recognizing the child's significance not just for Ruth and Boaz, but primarily for Naomi, whose initial despair and emptiness (Ruth 1:20-21) are now completely overturned. The subsequent verses (Ruth 4:16-17) describe Naomi's embrace of Obed and the women's naming of him, solidifying his role in her life and the community's acknowledgment of his significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, a male heir was paramount for the continuation of a family's name, the inheritance of property, and the provision of care for elderly parents, especially widows. Naomi, having lost her husband Elimelech and both her sons, Mahlon and Chilion, faced a desolate future, stripped of male protectors and providers. The concept of the *goel* (kinsman-redeemer) was vital, a relative obligated to restore a family's land, freedom, or lineage, preventing its extinction. Boaz's role as *goel* directly addresses this need, ensuring the continuation of Elimelech's line through Ruth and Obed. The women's blessing in Ruth 4:15 reflects the societal understanding that the birth of a male child, particularly one who secures a lineage, was a profound source of security, honor, and joy, transforming Naomi from a vulnerable widow into a matriarch with a restored future.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 4:15 powerfully encapsulates several central themes of the Book of Ruth. Firstly, **restoration and redemption** are paramount; Naomi, who returned to Bethlehem declaring herself "Mara" (bitter) in [Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Bitter Declaration"), now receives a "restorer of life," signifying a complete reversal of her despair into renewed vitality and purpose. Secondly, the theme of **loyal love and covenant faithfulness** (Hebrew: *hesed*) is highlighted through the commendation of Ruth, whose devotion to Naomi, first expressed in [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty"), is now seen as more valuable than the societal ideal of numerous sons. Lastly, **divine providence** undergirds the entire narrative; while human actions of kindness and loyalty are central, the underlying message is God's sovereign hand orchestrating events, turning sorrow into joy and ensuring the continuation of the lineage that would ultimately lead to King David and the Messiah, as foreshadowed in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in the Genealogy of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Restorer (Hebrew, _mĕshîb'_):** This word comes from the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to turn back, return, restore." In this context, it signifies not merely a physical return but a profound spiritual, emotional, and social restoration. It implies bringing Naomi back from her state of desolation and bitterness (Ruth 1:20-21) to a state of wholeness, hope, and renewed vitality. It speaks of a reversal of fortune, a turning of sorrow into joy, and the re-establishment of her family's future.
* **Nourisher (Hebrew, _kûl'_):** This verb means "to contain, sustain, provide for, cherish." It suggests one who provides essential sustenance, comfort, and care, particularly for someone in old age. The child Obed is envisioned as the one who will uphold Naomi, ensuring her well-being and security in her declining years, a critical role in a society without modern social safety nets for the elderly. It encompasses both physical provision and emotional support.
* **Seven sons (Hebrew, _shib'ah banim'_):** The number seven frequently symbolizes completeness, perfection, or abundance in biblical literature. To say Ruth is "better...than seven sons" is a hyperbolic expression emphasizing her extraordinary value and contribution to Naomi's life. In a culture where sons were the primary means of lineage, inheritance, and security, this statement elevates Ruth's loyal love (*hesed*) and selflessness above the highest societal ideal of male progeny, underscoring that true familial worth is found in profound faithfulness and commitment, not merely biological ties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall be unto thee a restorer of [thy] life":** This clause pronounces the primary blessing and role of the newborn Obed for Naomi. The "he" refers to Obed. "Restorer of life" signifies a profound renewal, bringing Naomi back from the brink of despair and emptiness. It's a declaration that Obed's birth will breathe new life into her, reversing the bitterness she experienced after losing her husband and sons. It speaks to the restoration of her hope, purpose, and social standing.
* **"and a nourisher of thine old age":** This part of the blessing specifies Obed's practical role in Naomi's future. As a "nourisher," Obed will provide for Naomi's needs in her elderly years, offering sustenance, care, comfort, and security. In a society where widows were often vulnerable, this promise of a male heir to care for her was a profound source of relief and joy, ensuring her well-being and dignity.
* **"for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.":** This final clause provides the reason and the agent behind this incredible blessing for Naomi. The women attribute the miracle of Obed's birth, and thus Naomi's restoration, directly to Ruth. They highlight Ruth's exceptional love and loyalty ("which loveth thee"), emphasizing that her devotion transcends even the most coveted blessing of numerous male heirs ("better to thee than seven sons"). This is a powerful commendation of Ruth's *hesed* (covenant loyalty/kindness), recognizing her selfless actions as the catalyst for Naomi's renewed life and future.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Symbolism** and **Hyperbole**. The phrase "seven sons" is a clear example of **Symbolism**, where the number seven represents completeness or perfection, thereby symbolizing the ultimate ideal of a large and secure family. To say Ruth is "better than seven sons" is a powerful **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration used to emphasize Ruth's extraordinary value and the depth of her loyal love (*hesed*) for Naomi. This hyperbole underscores that true familial worth and blessing are not solely tied to biological lineage or gender, but to profound faithfulness and self-sacrificing devotion. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present in the broader narrative context, as Naomi's initial declaration of bitterness and emptiness in [Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Bitter Declaration") is now completely reversed by the very circumstances she once lamented, highlighting God's ability to bring joy from sorrow. The entire passage also serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing to the greater redemptive plan of God, as this lineage will eventually lead to King David and, ultimately, the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:15 stands as a powerful testament to God's redemptive power and His faithfulness to His covenant people, even through seemingly ordinary circumstances and the loyal actions of individuals. It illustrates how God can transform deep sorrow and emptiness into profound joy and restoration, echoing the biblical pattern of divine reversal. The verse also underscores the immense value of *hesed*—loyal, steadfast love—demonstrated by Ruth, which becomes the human instrument through which God's blessing flows. It teaches that true family and provision are not merely biological but are forged in self-sacrificing love and commitment, ultimately reflecting God's own unwavering love for His people. This narrative serves as a micro-story of God's larger redemptive plan, where a desolate lineage is revived, ultimately leading to the promised King.

* [Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Levirate Marriage Law")
* [Psalm 23:3](/psalms/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - He Restores My Soul")
* [Isaiah 58:11](/isaiah/58-11 "Isaiah 58:11 - The Lord Will Guide You Always")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 4:15 offers profound encouragement for those experiencing loss, bitterness, or a sense of emptiness. It reminds us that God is a God of restoration, capable of turning our deepest sorrows into unexpected joy and new beginnings. Naomi's journey from "Mara" (bitter) to blessed matriarch is a powerful testament to God's redemptive work, often accomplished through the faithful love of others. This verse challenges us to consider how we, like Ruth, can be agents of restoration and nourishment in the lives of those around us, offering selfless love and practical support. It highlights that true value is found not in societal expectations or material possessions, but in the depth of our relationships and our willingness to serve others with *hesed*. Ultimately, it invites us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He works all things for good, even through our darkest seasons, to bring about His purposes and fill our lives with hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking restoration or new life, and how might God be working to bring that about in unexpected ways?**
* **Who in your life has demonstrated "love better than seven sons" to you, and how can you express gratitude or reciprocate that selfless care?**
* **How does the story of Naomi's transformation from bitterness to blessing encourage your faith in God's ability to redeem difficult circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can you take to be a "restorer of life" or a "nourisher" to someone in your community or family today?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who are speaking in Ruth 4:15, and why is their blessing significant?**

Answer: The "they" refers to the women of Bethlehem, as indicated in [Ruth 4:14](/ruth/4-14 "Ruth 4:14 - The Women Bless Naomi"). Their blessing is highly significant because it represents the affirmation of the community. These are the same women who witnessed Naomi's bitter return to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:19-21) and now celebrate her complete reversal of fortune. Their collective voice validates the divine blessing upon Naomi and the importance of Obed's birth, acknowledging that God has not forsaken her but has provided a redeemer and a future. Their words serve as a public declaration of God's faithfulness and the community's joy in Naomi's restoration.

**Why is Ruth being "better...than seven sons" such a powerful statement?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite society, sons were paramount. They ensured the continuation of the family name, inherited property, provided security in old age, and carried on the lineage. To have "seven sons" would signify an exceptionally blessed and secure family, representing completeness and abundance. Therefore, to declare that Ruth, a foreign Moabite woman, is "better...than seven sons" is a profound and hyperbolic commendation. It elevates her loyal love (*hesed*), selflessness, and faithfulness to Naomi above the highest societal ideal of male progeny. It underscores that true familial worth and blessing are found not merely in biological ties or gender, but in profound, self-sacrificing devotion and covenant loyalty, demonstrating that God often works through unexpected means and people to bring about His greatest blessings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 4:15, with its declaration of Obed as a "restorer of life" and "nourisher of old age," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate restorer and nourisher, Jesus Christ. Just as Obed brought new life and hope to a desolate Naomi, Jesus is the one who brings true spiritual restoration to humanity, rescuing us from the emptiness and bitterness of sin and death. He is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, not just for a family line, but for all who believe, paying the ultimate price to redeem us from spiritual poverty and alienation (as described in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Christ nourishes our souls, providing living water and the bread of life, sustaining us not just in our "old age" but throughout eternity ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The loyal love of Ruth, praised as "better than seven sons," points to the unparalleled, self-sacrificial love of Christ, who, though divine, emptied Himself to serve and save us ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility")). The lineage established through Obed ultimately leads to King David and then to Jesus ([Matthew 1:1-16](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")), making Obed's birth a vital step in God's grand redemptive plan, culminating in the one who truly restores life and nourishes the soul for all eternity.

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

Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Genesis 45:11

And there will I nourish thee; for yet [there are] five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

Isaiah 46:4

And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].

Ruth 2:11

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and [how] thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

Ruth 2:12

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Proverbs 18:24

¶ A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.

1 Samuel 1:8

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? [am] not I better to thee than ten sons?