Old Testament
Ruth 1:13
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Would you wait for them until they were grown? Would you stay unmarried for them? No, my daughters; it grieves me greatly for your sakes that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me.
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Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.
What Ruth 1:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Naomi expresses her deep sorrow to her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. She questions whether they would wait for her to have more sons who could marry them, highlighting the cultural expectation of levirate marriage. Naomi feels that the Lord's hand has turned against her, indicating her belief that her misfortunes are a result of divine displeasure. This reflects her sense of loss and despair after the death of her husband and sons. Naomi's grief is compounded by the thought of her daughters remaining unmarried and childless, which would be a significant burden in their society. She urges them to return to their own families and seek new husbands, showing her selflessness and concern for their future happiness. This moment captures the emotional weight of her situation and the difficult choices faced by women in her time, emphasizing themes of loyalty, loss, and the search for hope amidst despair.
How to apply Ruth 1:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider the well-being of others, even in our own times of trouble. It reminds us that selflessness can lead to better outcomes for those we care about. We should also recognize the importance of community support during difficult times.
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 1:13
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 Ruth 1:13 mean?
Ruth 1:13 shows Naomi expressing her sorrow to her daughters-in-law, questioning whether they would wait for her to have more sons to marry them. She feels that her misfortunes are due to divine displeasure and urges them to return to their families for their own happiness.
What is the significance of Naomi's grief in Ruth 1:13?
Naomi's grief in Ruth 1:13 highlights her sense of loss after the deaths of her husband and sons. It reflects the cultural pressures on women to marry and have children, emphasizing her selflessness as she prioritizes her daughters-in-law's futures over her own sorrow.
What cultural expectations are reflected in Ruth 1:13?
Ruth 1:13 reflects the cultural expectation of levirate marriage, where a widow would marry her deceased husband's brother to continue the family line. Naomi's question about waiting for more sons illustrates the societal norms surrounding marriage and family in her time.
How does Ruth 1:13 relate to themes of loyalty and family?
In Ruth 1:13, Naomi's concern for her daughters-in-law's future demonstrates loyalty and familial love. Despite her own grief, she encourages them to seek new husbands, showing her selflessness and commitment to their well-being.
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