Old Testament
Ruth 2:20
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Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "Blessed be he by the LORD, who has not stopped showing kindness to the living and the dead." Naomi also said, "That man is a close relative of ours, one of our nearest kinsmen."
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And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
What Ruth 2:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Naomi expresses gratitude to God for His continued kindness towards her and her family, both the living and the deceased. She acknowledges that Boaz, the man who has shown favor to Ruth, is a close relative, which is significant in their culture. This relationship means that Boaz has the potential to act as a kinsman-redeemer, a person who can help restore the family's fortunes and protect their lineage. Naomi's words reflect her hope and faith in God's provision during a difficult time. She recognizes that God's kindness is not limited to their current situation but extends to their ancestors as well, showing a deep connection to their heritage. This moment highlights the importance of community and familial ties in the context of God's blessings, emphasizing that even in hardship, there is a reason to be thankful and hopeful for the future.
How to apply Ruth 2:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate the kindness of others in our lives, especially during tough times. It reminds us to maintain hope and faith in God's provision, and to value our relationships with family and community, as they can be sources of support and blessing.
Curated for this public verse page. Ruth Summary
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Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: “The Man Is Near of Kin” (Ruth 2:17–23)
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Ruth
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Ruth 2:20
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Key themes
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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 2:20 mean?
Ruth 2:20 shows Naomi expressing gratitude to God for His ongoing kindness to her family, both the living and the dead. She acknowledges Boaz as a close relative, indicating his potential role as a kinsman-redeemer who can help restore their family's fortunes.
What is the significance of Boaz being a kinsman in Ruth 2:20?
In Ruth 2:20, Boaz being a kinsman is significant because it means he has the right to act as a kinsman-redeemer. This role allows him to help Naomi and Ruth by restoring their family line and providing for them.
What does Naomi mean by 'kindness' in Ruth 2:20?
In Ruth 2:20, Naomi refers to 'kindness' as God's faithful love and support towards her family. She recognizes that God's kindness extends beyond their current struggles to include their deceased relatives.
How does Ruth 2:20 relate to themes of hope and community?
Ruth 2:20 emphasizes hope as Naomi sees God's provision through Boaz, highlighting the importance of community support. It shows that even in difficult times, relationships and kindness can bring hope for the future.
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