TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ruth 4:13–22. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. Ruth a wife. Boaz took her, with the usual solemnities, to his house, and she became his wife (Rut 4:13), all the city, no doubt, congratulating the preferment of a virtuous woman, purely for her virtues. We have reason to think that Orpah, who returned from Naomi to her people and her gods, was never half so well preferred as Ruth was. He that forsakes all for Christ shall find more than all with him; it shall be recompensed a hundred-fold in this present time. Now Orpah wished she had gone with Naomi too; but she, like the other kinsman, stood in her own light. Boaz had prayed that this pious proselyte might receive a full reward of her courage and constancy from the God of Israel, under whose wings she had come to trust; and now he became an instrument of that kindness, which was an answer to his prayer, and helped to make his own words good. Now she had the command of those servants with whom she had associated and of those fields in which she had gleaned. Thus sometimes God raiseth up the poor out of the dust, to set them with princes, Psa 113:7, Psa 113:8.
II.Ruth a mother:
The Lord gave her conception; for the fruit of the womb is his reward, Psa 127:3. It is one of the keys he hath in his hand; and he sometimes makes the barren woman that had been long so to be a joyful mother of children, Psa 113:9; Isa 54:1.
III.Ruth still a daughter-in-law, and the same that she always was, to Naomi, who was so far from being forgotten that she was a principal sharer in these new joys. The good women that were at the labour when this child was born congratulated Naomi upon it more than either Boaz or Ruth, because she was the match-maker, and it was the family of her husband that was hereby built up. See here, as before, what an air of devotion there was then even in the common expressions of civility among the Israelites. Prayer to God attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that such pious language should either be disused among Christians or degenerate into a formality. "Blessed be the Lord that has sent thee this grandson," Rut 4:14, Rut 4:15.
1.Who was the preserver of the name of her family, and who, they hoped, would be famous, because his father was so.
2.Who would be hereafter dutiful and kind to her, so they hoped, because his mother was so. If he would but take after her, he would be a comfort to his aged grandmother, a restorer of her life, and, if there should be occasion, would have wherewithal to be the nourisher of her old age. It is a great comfort to those that are going into years to see any of those that descend from them growing up, that are likely, by the blessing of God, to be a stay and support to them, when the years come wherein they will need such, and of which they will say they have no pleasure in them. Observe, They say of Ruth that she loved Naomi, and therefore was better to her than seven sons. See how God in his providence sometimes makes up the want and loss of those relations from whom we expected most comfort in those from whom we expected least. The bonds of love prove stronger than those of nature, and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother; so here there was a daughter-in-law better than an own child. See what wisdom and grace will do. Now here,
(1.)The child is named by the neighbours, Rut 4:17. The good women would have it called Obed, a servant, either in remembrance of the meanness and poverty of the mother or in prospect of his being hereafter a servant, and very serviceable, to his grandmother. It is no dishonour to those that are ever so well born to be servants to God, their friends, and their generation. The motto of the princes of Wales is Ich dien - I serve.
(2.)The child is nursed by the grandmother, that is, dry-nursed, when the mother had weaned him from the breast, Rut 4:16. She laid it in her bosom, in token of her tender affection to it and care of it. Grandmothers are often the most fond.
IV.Ruth is hereby brought in among the ancestors of David and Christ, which was the greatest honour.
The genealogy is here drawn from Pharez, through Boaz and Obed, to David, and so leads towards the Messiah, and therefore it is not an endless genealogy.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Let Tamar rejoice that her Lord has come, for her name announced the son of her Lord, and her appellation called you to come to her.By you honorable women made themselves contemptible, [you] the One who makes all chaste. She stole you at the crossroads, [you] who prepared the road to the house of the kingdom. Since she stole life, the sword was insufficient to kill her.
Ruth lay down with a man on the threshing floor for your sake. Her love was bold for your sake. She teaches boldness to all penitents. Her ears held in contempt all [other] voices for the sake of your voice.
The fiery coal that crept into the bed of Boaz went up and lay down. She saw the Chief Priest hidden in his loins, the fire for his censer. She ran and became the heifer of Boaz. For you she brought forth the fatted ox.
She went gleaning for love of you; she gathered straw. You repaid her quickly the wage of her humiliation: instead of ears [of wheat], the Root of kings, and instead of straw, the Sheaf of Life that descends from her.
And Boaz begat Obed of Ruth. Ruth was a foreigner, but nevertheless she was married to Boaz. So, too, the church is from among the Gentiles. For like Ruth, these Gentiles had been foreigners and outside the covenants, yet they forsook their people, their idols and their father, the devil. And as Ruth was wed to Boaz of the seed of Abraham, so too was the church taken as bride by the Son of God.
Continue studying Ruth 4:16 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Ruth 4:16 presents the tender and profound culmination of Naomi's journey from desolation to complete restoration, depicting her embracing Obed, the son born to Ruth and Boaz. This pivotal moment symbolizes the dramatic reversal of Naomi's fortunes, as the woman who returned to Bethlehem "empty" now cradles the tangible promise of a renewed lineage and a future brimming with joy. Her act of taking the child into her bosom and becoming its nurse signifies not only her deep affection and acceptance but also her renewed purpose and active participation in the continuation of her family line, which providentially leads to King David and ultimately to the Messiah.
Context
Literary Context
Ruth 4:16 serves as the emotional and narrative climax of the Book of Ruth, immediately following the joyful birth of Obed in Ruth 4:13 and the women of Bethlehem's heartfelt blessing upon Naomi in Ruth 4:14-15. This verse provides the physical manifestation of the restoration promised to Naomi, powerfully echoing her lament of bitterness and emptiness in Ruth 1:20-21. The intimate scene of Naomi holding the child directly precedes the crucial genealogy in Ruth 4:17-22, which firmly places Obed within the Davidic and Messianic lineage, underscoring the broader redemptive arc of the entire narrative. This personal moment of embrace provides a tangible expression of the divine providence that has guided the lives of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi throughout the story.
Historical & Cultural Context
This scene profoundly reflects the paramount importance of lineage and the continuation of a family name in ancient Israelite society. This was particularly crucial in the context of the levirate marriage custom (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) and the vital role of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: go'el), as exemplified by Boaz's redemptive actions in Ruth 4:1-12. For a widow like Naomi, the absence of an heir meant not only the cessation of her husband's name but also a dire lack of social and economic security. The miraculous birth of Obed, facilitated by Ruth's unwavering faithfulness and Boaz's selfless redemptive act, ensures the perpetuation of Elimelech's line. Naomi's assumption of the role of "nurse" or guardian was a recognized custom, signifying her legal and emotional claim to the child, effectively adopting him as her own heir in the absence of her own sons. This cultural understanding significantly amplifies the depth of her joy and the completeness of her restoration.
Key Themes
Ruth 4:16 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the Book of Ruth. It vividly illustrates the theme of Restoration and Fulfillment, as Naomi's initial emptiness and profound bitterness, expressed so poignantly in Ruth 1:20-21, are dramatically transformed into overwhelming joy and abundance through the birth of Obed. The theme of Divine Providence is strikingly evident, as God's unseen hand orchestrates the seemingly mundane events of Ruth's gleaning, her providential encounter with Boaz, and the legal proceedings to bring about this miraculous outcome, culminating in the continuation of a lineage crucial to salvation history. Furthermore, the verse highlights the enduring importance of Family and Lineage, emphasizing the blessing of children and the intergenerational bonds of love and care, particularly as Obed's birth secures the future of Elimelech's family and, most significantly, establishes a direct link to the royal line of David, as explicitly stated in Ruth 4:17.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from the root meaning "to be born," refers to an offspring or lad. In this context, "the child" (Obed) is not merely a generic infant but a specific, divinely appointed heir. His birth signifies new life, the continuation of a family line thought to be extinguished, and the tangible fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for Naomi and, by extension, for all Israel. The use of "child" underscores the fresh start and hope embodied in this new generation.
This word denotes the lap or the inner part of the body, specifically the chest or embrace. "Laid it in her bosom" is a deeply intimate, tender, and protective gesture, akin to a mother holding her own child close. It conveys profound affection, a sense of possession, and a secure belonging. For Naomi, whose bosom was previously empty due to the loss of her husband and sons, this act symbolizes her emotional adoption and complete acceptance of Obed, filling the void with new life and hope.
This term, derived from a root meaning "to build up or support" and "to foster as a parent or nurse," signifies a guardian, caretaker, or foster mother. While it can refer to a wet nurse, in Naomi's case, given her age, it denotes her active, responsible role in nurturing and raising the child. Becoming Obed's "nurse" underscores her renewed purpose and joy, transitioning from a state of despair and passive suffering to one of active love, care, and guidance for the next generation, thereby ensuring the child's well-being and the family's future.
Verse Breakdown
"And Naomi took the child"
This opening phrase emphasizes Naomi's active agency and the dramatic reversal of her previous state of passivity and despair. She is no longer merely a recipient of misfortune but an active participant in God's unfolding blessing. The "child" is the tangible fruit of Ruth's faithfulness and Boaz's redemption, now lovingly embraced by Naomi as her own.
"and laid it in her bosom"
This is a deeply intimate and symbolic action. It represents Naomi's complete acceptance and emotional adoption of Obed. Her bosom, once described as empty and aching for her lost sons and husband, is now filled with new life and profound hope. This gesture signifies the restoration of her family line and her personal fulfillment, a visible sign of God's abundant grace.
"and became nurse unto it"
This clause highlights Naomi's commitment to actively nurturing and caring for Obed. Beyond a mere physical act, it signifies her assumption of a maternal or grandmotherly role, providing guidance, protection, and love. It underscores her renewed purpose and the deep intergenerational bond that now defines her life, contributing directly to the child's upbringing and the flourishing of the family, ensuring the future of Elimelech's lineage.
Literary Devices
Ruth 4:16 is rich with Symbolism. The "child" (Obed) is a powerful symbol of hope, restoration, and the future. He represents the tangible reversal of Naomi's barrenness and the continuation of Elimelech's lineage, which was once thought to be extinguished. Naomi's "bosom" symbolizes security, love, and the sacred space where new life and hope are nurtured. Her act of laying the child there is a symbolic embrace of God's redemptive plan and the filling of her deepest void. There is also profound Irony in this verse. Naomi, who returned to Bethlehem bitter and empty, declaring herself "Mara" (bitter) because the Almighty had dealt "very bitterly" with her (Ruth 1:20), now holds a child, the very embodiment of sweetness, new life, and fulfillment. This dramatic reversal underscores God's sovereign ability to transform sorrow into joy. Furthermore, the verse serves as a subtle yet significant Foreshadowing, as Obed's birth is not merely a personal happy ending but a crucial link in the Messianic genealogy, pointing to the greater redemption to come through the royal line of David.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ruth 4:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's redemptive work, demonstrating His profound ability to transform emptiness into fullness, sorrow into joy, and despair into hope. It illustrates that even in the midst of personal tragedy and perceived abandonment, God is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating events through the faithfulness of His people to bring about His purposes. Naomi's journey from bitterness to the embrace of Obed is a microcosm of God's restorative grace, showing that His plans for blessing and continuation of lineage are often realized through unexpected means and through those who demonstrate covenant loyalty. This verse affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His compassionate care for the vulnerable, ensuring that even a seemingly lost family line can be redeemed and become a channel for divine blessing, ultimately pointing to a greater redemption.
Reflection and Application
Ruth 4:16 offers profound encouragement for all who have experienced loss, emptiness, or despair. Naomi's story powerfully reminds us that God is capable of bringing about complete restoration and filling our deepest voids in ways we could never anticipate. Her embrace of Obed symbolizes the divine capacity to turn our "Mara" (bitterness) into "Naomi" (pleasantness) once more. This verse calls us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem bleak, and to recognize that His redemptive work often unfolds through the faithfulness and kindness of ordinary people, like Ruth and Boaz. It also highlights the invaluable role of intergenerational relationships, encouraging us to embrace and nurture the next generation, recognizing that our contributions, however small, can play a vital part in God's grand narrative of redemption. We are invited to find renewed purpose and joy in serving and loving those around us, knowing that God can use our acts of care to bring forth unexpected blessings and perpetuate His goodness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Naomi taking the child "in her bosom"?
Naomi taking the child "in her bosom" is a deeply significant act, conveying profound affection, intimacy, and a symbolic adoption. In ancient cultures, this gesture often signified a legal or emotional claim to a child, especially in cases of adoption or when a non-biological mother took on a primary nurturing role. For Naomi, it represents the complete reversal of her previous state of emptiness and loss, as so eloquently described in Ruth 1:20-21. Her bosom, once barren and aching from the loss of her husband and sons, is now filled with new life and hope. It symbolizes her full acceptance of Obed as her own, securing the continuation of her family line and bringing her immense joy and renewed purpose, transforming her sorrow into profound blessing.
Did Naomi literally "nurse" the child, or is the term "nurse" broader?
While the Hebrew word for "nurse" (ʾōmenet) can indeed refer to a wet nurse, in this specific context, it is generally understood in a broader sense, signifying a guardian, caretaker, or foster mother. Given Naomi's presumed age, it is highly unlikely she was a wet nurse. Instead, her role would have involved actively caring for, nurturing, and raising Obed, providing emotional support, guidance, and perhaps even legal guardianship. The emphasis is on her active and loving involvement in the child's life, underscoring her renewed purpose and the deep intergenerational bond established within this restored family. It highlights her transition from a state of despair to one of active participation in the blessing of new life and the continuation of the family line.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Ruth 4:16, a tender scene of restoration and new life, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true Kinsman-Redeemer. Naomi's profound emptiness, so miraculously filled by the birth of Obed, foreshadows the spiritual emptiness of all humanity, which is ultimately and perfectly filled by the advent of Christ. Just as Obed secured the lineage of Elimelech and became the grandfather of Israel's greatest king, David, he stands as a vital and indispensable link in the Messianic genealogy, explicitly mentioned in Matthew 1:1-17. The child laid in Naomi's bosom points to the Son of God, who, in the fullness of time, was born of a woman (Galatians 4:4-5) to redeem those under the law. Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, took on human flesh to pay the price for our sin, bringing us out of spiritual barrenness and into the abundant life of God's family (Ephesians 1:7). Naomi's overwhelming joy in embracing Obed, the child of promise, mirrors the joy of all believers who embrace Jesus, the ultimate Son of Promise, who delivers us from death and gives us new purpose and an eternal inheritance (Hebrews 2:14-15). The restoration of Naomi's household through Obed is a beautiful type of the spiritual restoration and adoption into God's family that is offered to all through faith in Christ, who makes all things new.