Ruth 1:19 kjv

So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

Ruth 1:19 nkjv

Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the women said, "Is this Naomi?"

Ruth 1:19 niv

So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, "Can this be Naomi?"

Ruth 1:19 esv

So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, "Is this Naomi?"

Ruth 1:19 nlt

So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. "Is it really Naomi?" the women asked.

Ruth 1 verses

Ruth 1 19 Meaning

Ruth 1:19 marks the arrival of Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem, concluding their long and difficult journey from Moab. It captures the initial reaction of the community to Naomi's return, specifically the women of Bethlehem, who express shock and difficulty recognizing her due to the profound changes brought about by her suffering and loss. This moment sets the stage for the rest of the book, introducing the main characters into their familiar yet changed home environment and highlighting Naomi's desolate state.

Ruth 1 19 Context

Ruth 1:19 is the pivot point in the first chapter of Ruth. The chapter begins with a severe famine in Bethlehem, forcing Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons to relocate to Moab. There, Elimelech and both sons die, leaving Naomi a desolate widow, along with her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Overwhelmed by bitterness and loss, Naomi hears that the famine in Judah has ended and decides to return, urging her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. While Orpah returns to her people, Ruth steadfastly commits to Naomi and her God (Ruth 1:16-17). Verse 19 thus marks the conclusion of their arduous journey back to Bethlehem and signifies a re-entry into a familiar world that has dramatically changed for Naomi. Historically, the setting is the period of the Judges, a time characterized by moral decline, instability, and frequent famine, against which the individual faithfulness of characters like Ruth and Naomi shines. The "stirring" of the city underscores the social awareness and close-knit nature of small communities where the return of someone after a long absence, especially one who left in hardship, would be a significant event.

Ruth 1 19 Word analysis

• So: Connects the journey's completion directly to the preceding narrative of their commitment to return. It signifies the culmination of Naomi's decision and Ruth's loyalty.
• the two of them: Emphasizes the crucial partnership between Naomi and Ruth. It is a journey of companionship and mutual reliance in their shared vulnerability.
• went: Indicates a persistent, determined effort over distance, typical of ancient travel.
• until they came: Denotes the successful completion of their long and challenging journey. It's an arrival after enduring hardship.
• to Bethlehem: Hebrew: Beit Lechem (בֵּית לֶחֶם), meaning "House of Bread." This name is deeply ironic given the famine that initially drove Naomi's family away. Its future significance as the birthplace of King David and later of Jesus gives it profound theological weight as a place of spiritual sustenance and redemption.
• And when they came to Bethlehem: Reiteration for emphasis, highlighting the exact moment of their re-entry into the familiar but now changed environment.
• all the city was stirred: Hebrew: va-tehemem kol ha-'ir (וַתֵּהֶם כָּל־הָעִיר). The verb hamam (הָמַם) implies a strong commotion, disturbance, or even a confused outcry, much more than a quiet recognition. It suggests shock, perhaps sadness, at Naomi's appearance, and an unusual event drawing public attention.
• because of them: Directly links the town's commotion to the arrival of Naomi and Ruth. Their presence was deeply impactful.
• and the women said: Specifies that it was primarily the women who recognized and responded to Naomi. This points to the close social fabric and the importance of female community networks in ancient Israelite society, as women were central to daily life and knowledge of family affairs.
• "Is this Naomi?": Hebrew: ha-zot Na'omi (הֲזֹאת נָעֳמִי). The interrogative ha- ("is this?") conveys profound surprise and difficulty in recognition. Naomi (נָעֳמִי) means "my pleasantness" or "my delight." The question contrasts her name with her appearance, which evidently reflected the grief, suffering, and emaciation from years of hardship, suggesting she was no longer the pleasant, full Naomi they once knew.

Ruth 1 19 Bonus section

The shock of Bethlehem's women and their questioning of Naomi's identity serve as a profound introduction to the theme of "fullness" versus "emptiness" (Ruth 1:21) that runs throughout the book. Naomi left Bethlehem "full" (with a husband and two sons) and returns "empty." The townspeople’s reaction implicitly validates her own feelings of desolation. This contrast emphasizes the depths of her suffering, which sets the stage for God's redemptive work through Ruth and Boaz, ultimately bringing "fullness" back into her life. This return to Bethlehem, though seemingly bringing only sorrow initially, is a critical step in the providential plan that will lead to the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David, thus linking this story directly to the royal lineage and eventually to the Messiah, born in the very same "House of Bread."

Ruth 1 19 Commentary

Ruth 1:19 captures a poignant moment of return, deeply significant for understanding the character of Naomi and the ensuing narrative. The phrase "all the city was stirred" vividly portrays the profound change in Naomi, hinting at her emaciated, sorrow-laden appearance after a decade of loss and deprivation. The townswomen’s incredulous question, "Is this Naomi?", highlights the stark contrast between her past vibrant self and her present brokenness. It's a verbalization of her bitterness and emptiness, a state she articulates herself in the subsequent verse (Ruth 1:20-21). This scene establishes Naomi as a figure of deep sorrow, stripped of her husband and sons, and contrasts the hopeful name "Naomi" (my delight) with her desolate reality. Yet, it also signifies God's providence, as He has led them back to Bethlehem—the "House of Bread"—a place ironically named during the famine, but which will prove to be the setting for their ultimate redemption and provision. It's a quiet testament to a return to covenant land and the community that, despite its initial shock, will play a role in their future.