Ruth 4 15

Ruth 4:15 kjv

And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

Ruth 4:15 nkjv

And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him."

Ruth 4:15 niv

He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."

Ruth 4:15 esv

He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him."

Ruth 4:15 nlt

May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!"

Ruth 4 verses

Ruth 4 15 Meaning

Ruth 4:15 is a prophetic blessing pronounced by the elders and the people upon Naomi concerning the birth of her grandson, Obed. It declares that this child will be the "restorer of life" and "nourisher of her old age," providing revitalization and sustenance. The verse attributes this blessing primarily to Ruth, Naomi's daughter-in-law, whose steadfast love and loyalty are valued as exceptionally greater than having even seven sons, highlighting her unique and invaluable contribution to Naomi's well-being and lineage.

Ruth 4 15 Context

Ruth 4:15 comes at the climax of the book of Ruth's narrative, immediately following the birth of Obed. Chapter 4 begins with Boaz redeeming Naomi's property and Ruth, ensuring the continuity of Mahlon's (Naomi's late son) lineage and securing Naomi's future. After the birth, the women of Bethlehem gather around Naomi, celebrating this joyous event, marking a profound reversal from the bitter emptiness Naomi experienced upon returning from Moab (Ruth 1:20-21). This verse encapsulates their collective blessing and acknowledges the hand of God through human kindness and loyalty, specifically highlighting Ruth's role. Historically, lineage was paramount in ancient Israel for identity, land inheritance, and covenant fulfillment, making Obed's birth profoundly significant for Naomi and the community, linking back to God's promises of fruitfulness and a perpetual name (Deut 25:9-10).

Ruth 4 15 Word analysis

• He shall be to you: Refers to Obed, the newborn child. It implies a divine purpose and the outcome of the kinsman-redeemer's act. This statement transforms Naomi's future outlook.
• a restorer (מֵשִׁיב, meshiv): From the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to turn back," "return," "restore," or "revive." It suggests bringing back something that was lost or reviving what was dying. This is significant given Naomi's earlier declaration of bitterness and emptiness (Ruth 1:20-21).
• of life (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): Literally "soul" or "being." It signifies not just physical existence but emotional, spiritual, and existential vitality. Obed brings Naomi back to a state of wholeness and joy.
• and a nourisher (מְכַלְכֵּל, mekhalkel): From the root כָּלָל (kalal), meaning "to sustain," "to provide for," "to support," or "to cherish." This implies ongoing care and provision, ensuring stability and well-being.
• of your old age (שֵׂיבָה, seivah): Refers to the vulnerability and potential dependency of elderly years. Obed's role secures Naomi's future, preventing her from dying without family support or legacy. This was a grave concern in ancient times.
• for (כִּי, ki): A causal conjunction, indicating the reason or justification for the preceding statement. Ruth's actions are the direct cause of this blessing.
• your daughter-in-law (כַּלָּה, kallah): Specific term for daughter-in-law, emphasizing her position within the family structure, despite her foreign origin.
• who loves you (אֲשֶׁר אֲהֵבָתֵךְ, asher aheivatekh): Highlights Ruth's loyal love, or chesed, which is a foundational theme in the book. Her actions stem from a deep, abiding affection, going beyond mere duty.
• who is more to you than seven sons (טוֹבָה הִיא לָךְ מִשִּׁבְעָה בָנִים, tovah hi lach mishiv'ah banim): A hyperbole used to express immense value. In ancient Israel, sons represented security, status, and the continuation of the family name. The number "seven" signifies completeness, perfection, or fullness, often associated with divine blessings. Thus, Ruth's loyal kindness is declared to be of supreme and incomparable worth, even surpassing the ideal blessing of many sons.
• has borne him (יְלָדַתּוּ, y'ladattu): The practical and blessed act of childbirth that actualized the promised lineage and hope.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age: This phrase describes the comprehensive reversal of Naomi's suffering and desolation. Obed represents physical sustenance, emotional comfort, and the restoration of hope and vitality, counteracting the "bitterness" and "emptiness" she had felt. It is a promise of sustained well-being through her family.
• for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons: This explanatory clause emphasizes Ruth's unparalleled virtue and indispensable role in Naomi's restoration. It explicitly states that the miraculous turnaround in Naomi's life is a direct consequence of Ruth's exceptional hesed. It elevates Ruth's loyal actions and character above the culturally normative expectation of numerous male offspring, signifying a divine valuation of righteous actions and love over traditional markers of status. This is also an implicit commendation of Ruth by the community and a testament to the fruit of selfless love.

Ruth 4 15 Bonus section

• Reversal of Fate: This verse perfectly illustrates the thematic reversal present in the Book of Ruth, from emptiness to fullness, bitterness to joy, and barrenness to fertility, culminating in the secure establishment of Naomi's household.
• The Power of Chesed: Ruth's loyal love (hesed) is the primary catalyst for the entire turnaround in Naomi's life. This verse is the elders' acknowledgment of the immense power and value of such selfless kindness.
• Inclusivity: That a foreign woman, a Moabite, could be esteemed "more than seven sons" by the community highlights God's inclusive plan. Her moral excellence transcends ethnic boundaries, a counter-cultural idea that resonates with the New Testament message of the unity in Christ.
• Divine Providence through Human Agency: The verse showcases how God orchestrates events, not through direct miracles, but through the faithful and compassionate actions of individuals like Ruth and Boaz, leading to the fulfillment of His promises.

Ruth 4 15 Commentary

Ruth 4:15 serves as a theological statement about divine provision working through human faithfulness and relationships. It articulates the profound shift in Naomi's circumstances from barrenness and bitterness to fullness and blessing. The verse's emphasis on Ruth's unparalleled love (chesed) is crucial; it teaches that true family and profound blessing can transcend traditional bloodlines and cultural expectations, arising from loyal, selfless love. The declaration that Ruth is "better than seven sons" elevates her actions above the common understanding of prosperity and security in ancient society, valuing righteous character above all else. This verse foreshadows God's larger redemptive plan, where lineage (through Obed, to David, to Christ) is preserved through an unconventional path, demonstrating His sovereignty and ability to turn sorrow into joy, using the humble and loyal to accomplish His will.