Old Testament
Ruth 4:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
All the people at the gate and the elders said, "We are witnesses! May the LORD make this woman coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, the two who built up the house of Israel. May you prosper in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem.
Compare translations
And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:
What Ruth 4:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Ruth 4:11, the community and elders at the city gate express their support for Ruth and Boaz's marriage. They invoke a blessing, wishing that Ruth would be as fruitful and significant as Rachel and Leah, the matriarchs of Israel who bore many children and contributed to the nation’s lineage. This blessing emphasizes the importance of family and legacy in Israelite culture. The mention of Ephrathah and Bethlehem highlights the significance of these locations, suggesting that their union would lead to prosperity and renown in their community. The elders' words reflect a deep cultural understanding of the roles women play in building families and nations, and they affirm the hope that Ruth will bring blessings to her new home, just as Rachel and Leah did. This moment signifies not only the acceptance of Ruth into the community but also the continuation of God's plan through her lineage, which ultimately leads to King David and, according to Christian belief, to Jesus.
How to apply Ruth 4:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to celebrate and support the unions of others, recognizing the importance of community in personal relationships. It reminds us to pray for blessings in our families and to honor the legacy we build through our relationships and actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Ruth Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: At the City Gate (Ruth 4:1–12)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ruth 4:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ruth 4:11
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 is the significance of Rachel and Leah in Ruth 4:11?
Rachel and Leah are significant figures in the Bible as the wives of Jacob and the mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Ruth 4:11, the elders invoke their names to bless Ruth, hoping she will be as fruitful and impactful in building a family and legacy. This highlights the importance of women in Israelite culture and their roles in shaping the nation.
What does the blessing in Ruth 4:11 imply about family?
The blessing in Ruth 4:11 emphasizes the value of family and legacy in Israelite society. By wishing that Ruth would be like Rachel and Leah, the community acknowledges the critical role of women in nurturing and expanding families. It reflects the hope that Ruth's marriage to Boaz will lead to a prosperous lineage, reinforcing the idea that family connections are vital for community strength.
How does Ruth 4:11 relate to community support?
Ruth 4:11 illustrates the importance of community support in personal relationships. The elders and people at the gate publicly affirm Ruth and Boaz's union, showing that communal blessings and acceptance are crucial in significant life events. This encourages us to celebrate and support the unions of others, recognizing that strong relationships thrive with the backing of family and community.
What can we learn from Ruth 4:11 about blessings?
Ruth 4:11 teaches us about the power of blessings in our lives. The community's prayer for Ruth to be fruitful and renowned serves as a reminder of the positive impact that supportive words can have. It encourages us to actively pray for and speak blessings over our families and relationships, fostering an environment of love and encouragement.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.