Ruth 1:20

The Return to Bethlehem · Ruth 1:19–22
Read Ruth 1

Translations

Modern
“Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me.
Traditional
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
Literal
And she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for Shaddai has dealt exceedingly bitterly with me.
Latin
Quibus ait: Ne vocetis me Noëmi (id est, pulchram), sed vocate me Mara (id est, amaram), quia amaritudine valde replevit me Omnipotens.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me.

Notes

Almighty translates the Hebrew word shadday, which shows God's strength and provision. Naomi's complaint was genuine, but God gave her exactly what she needed (see Ruth 4:14–17).

Theme notes and profiles

Ruth

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God Naomi: Israelite woman, mother-in-law of Ruth

Glossary

Mara Naomi Ruth (Person) Ruth, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Dispensation of God Bereavement: Naomi, of Her Husband Select Readings: Lights and Shadows Women: Ruth