Old Testament
Ruth 1:12
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Go home, my daughters, and go your way. I'm too old to have a husband. Even if I said I have hope, and even if I married tonight and had sons—
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Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;
What Ruth 1:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Naomi is speaking to her daughters-in-law, urging them to return to their own families. She expresses her belief that she is too old to remarry and bear more children. Naomi acknowledges that even if she were to marry that very night and have sons, it would be impractical for her daughters-in-law to wait for them to grow up and marry. This highlights Naomi's concern for their future and well-being, as she feels unable to provide for them. Her words reflect a deep sense of loss and resignation, as she grapples with her own situation while trying to protect her daughters-in-law from further hardship. Naomi's perspective emphasizes the cultural expectations of women during that time, where marriage and motherhood were central to their identity and security. Her selflessness in encouraging them to seek better lives for themselves shows her love and care, even in her own despair.
How to apply Ruth 1:12 to your life
This verse teaches us about the importance of selflessness and caring for others' well-being. In our relationships, we should prioritize the needs of those we love, even when we face our own struggles. It encourages us to support others in finding their paths, just as Naomi did for her daughters-in-law.
Curated for this public verse page. Ruth Summary
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Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: “Whither Thou Goest, I Will Go” (Ruth 1:6–18)
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Ruth
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Ruth 1:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Ruth
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Naomi mean by being too old to remarry?
In Ruth 1:12, Naomi expresses her belief that her age makes it unlikely for her to find a new husband and bear children. This reflects the cultural norms of her time, where women were often defined by their roles as wives and mothers. Naomi's statement highlights her sense of resignation and the practical challenges her daughters-in-law would face if they waited for her to provide them with more sons to marry.
Why does Naomi encourage her daughters-in-law to return home?
Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own families because she wants them to have the opportunity for a better future. She recognizes that her own situation is dire and feels unable to provide for them. By encouraging them to seek new lives, she demonstrates her selflessness and love, prioritizing their well-being over her own feelings of loss and despair.
What cultural expectations does this verse reflect?
Ruth 1:12 reflects the cultural expectations of women in ancient Israel, where marriage and motherhood were central to a woman's identity and security. Naomi's concern for her daughters-in-law's future emphasizes the societal pressure on women to marry and bear children. This context helps us understand the depth of her sacrifice in encouraging them to leave her and seek better prospects.
How can we apply Naomi's selflessness in our lives?
Naomi's selflessness teaches us the importance of prioritizing the needs of others, especially in our relationships. We can apply this by supporting loved ones in their pursuits and decisions, even when we are facing our own challenges. This act of putting others first can strengthen our bonds and create a more caring and compassionate environment.
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