Old Testament
Ruth 4:14
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The women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you without a kinsman today. May his name become famous in Israel."
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And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
What Ruth 4:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the women of Bethlehem celebrate with Naomi, expressing gratitude to God for providing her with a kinsman-redeemer. This kinsman, Boaz, symbolizes hope and restoration for Naomi and her family. The women recognize that God has not abandoned Naomi, and they bless Him for His faithfulness. They also express a desire for the name of this kinsman to be renowned in Israel, indicating the importance of family lineage and legacy in their culture. This moment highlights the joy of community support and the significance of God's provision in times of need. The women’s words reflect a deep understanding of God's role in their lives, emphasizing that He is actively involved in their circumstances, bringing about redemption and new beginnings. This verse encapsulates the themes of hope, community, and divine providence, showing how God works through relationships to fulfill His promises.
How to apply Ruth 4:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and celebrate God's provision in our lives. Just as Naomi received support from her community, we should seek to uplift others in their times of need. Acknowledging God's faithfulness can strengthen our faith and inspire hope in difficult situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Ruth Summary
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Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: A Son Is Born (Ruth 4:13–17)
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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.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Ruth 4:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 4:14 mean?
Ruth 4:14 expresses the joy of the women of Bethlehem as they celebrate God's provision of a kinsman-redeemer for Naomi. They acknowledge that God has not abandoned her and bless Him for His faithfulness, highlighting themes of hope and community support.
What is the significance of a kinsman-redeemer in Ruth 4:14?
A kinsman-redeemer, like Boaz in Ruth 4:14, is a relative who has the responsibility to help family members in need, particularly in preserving family lineage and property. This role symbolizes hope and restoration for Naomi and her family.
What does the phrase 'his name may be famous in Israel' mean in Ruth 4:14?
The phrase 'his name may be famous in Israel' reflects the desire for Boaz's legacy to be remembered and honored in the community. It emphasizes the importance of family lineage and the impact of one's actions on future generations.
How does Ruth 4:14 relate to the theme of community support?
Ruth 4:14 illustrates community support as the women of Bethlehem come together to celebrate Naomi's blessing. Their collective joy and acknowledgment of God's provision highlight the importance of uplifting one another in times of need.
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