King James Version

What Does Ruth 1:20 Mean?

“And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. Naomi: that is, Pleasant Mara: that is, Bitter”

Context

When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. was: Heb. strengthened herself

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?

And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. Naomi: that is, Pleasant Mara: that is, Bitter

I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Call me not Naomi, call me Mara.**—Here we have one of the constant plays on words and names found in the Hebrew Bible. *Naomi, *we have already said, means *pleasant, *or, perhaps, strictly, *my pleasantness. Mara *is *bitter, *as in Exodus 15:23. The latter word has no connection with Miriam or Mary, which is from a different root. **The Almighty.**—Heb., *Shaddai. *According to one derivation of the word, “He who is All Sufficient,” all sufficing; the God who gives all things in abundance is He who takes back (see Note on Genesis 17:1). **Hath dealt very bitterly.**—Heb., *hemar, *referring to the preceding Mara. The pleasantness and joys of life are at an end for me, my dear ones passed away, bitterness and sadness are now my lot.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ruth 1:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.