King James Version

What Does Ruth 1:5 Mean?

Ruth 1:5 in the King James Version says “And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.”

Ruth 1:5 · KJV

Context

3

And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

4

And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

5

And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

6

Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.

7

Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

This verse completes the trilogy of death that dominates Ruth 1:1-5. The stark statement "Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them" (vayamutu gam-sheneihem, וַיָּמֻתוּ גַּם־שְׁנֵיהֶם) uses the same verb mut (מוּת) as verse 3, creating a rhythmic funeral litany. The emphatic "also" (gam) and "both of them" (sheneihem) stress the completeness of loss—not just one son but both, leaving no male heir.

The phrase "the woman was left" (vatisha'er ha'ishah, וַתִּשָּׁאֵר הָאִשָּׁה) echoes verse 3's description of Naomi being left, but now intensifies the loss. She's no longer "Naomi" (pleasant) but simply "the woman" (ha'ishah), stripped of the identity that husband and sons provided. The phrase "of her two sons and her husband" can be translated "bereaved of" or "without"—she's left without (Hebrew mishnei, מִשְּׁנֵי) those who gave her security, identity, and hope.

The text provides no explanation for the sons' deaths—no disease, accident, or divine judgment is mentioned. This silence invites theological reflection. Some interpreters see the deaths as judgment for marrying Moabites or refusing to return to Judah. Others view them simply as tragic mortality highlighting life's fragility. What's narratively clear is that Naomi faces complete desolation, utterly dependent on God's provision with no visible human resource. This extremity sets the stage for divine intervention through Ruth's loyalty and Boaz's redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

For ancient Near Eastern women, total loss of husband and sons represented worst-case catastrophe. Without male protection and provision, widows faced poverty, vulnerability to exploitation, and social marginalization. That Naomi lost not only her husband but both sons (and apparently had no daughters-in-law bearing grandchildren) left her completely destitute. She had no legal claim on Moabite property, no family to provide for her, and no heir to carry on her deceased husband's name.

The irony of the situation is profound: Elimelech fled to Moab seeking life-sustaining food during famine, yet his entire male line perished there. The family that left Bethlehem ("house of bread") seeking bread in Moab found graves instead. This reversal demonstrates the futility of seeking deliverance apart from God's provision. Had they remained in Judah trusting God through famine, they might have survived; fleeing to enemy territory brought extinction of the male line.

Ancient Near Eastern law provided some protection for widows through levirate marriage customs, where a deceased man's brother would marry the widow to provide an heir (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). However, Naomi's situation was complicated—her sons died in Moab, far from extended family. Any kinsman-redeemer would be in Judah, unknown and inaccessible. Her only hope was returning home and hoping family there would exercise redemption rights.

Reflection Questions

  1. What human securities or sources of identity has God removed or might He be removing to reveal your complete dependence on Him?
  2. How do you balance recognizing that disobedience brings consequences with avoiding the error of attributing every suffering to specific sin?
  3. When stripped of roles and relationships that defined you, what remains as the foundation of your identity and worth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיָּמֻ֥תוּ1 of 10

“died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

גַם2 of 10
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מִשְּׁנֵ֥י3 of 10

“also both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מַחְל֣וֹן4 of 10

“And Mahlon”

H4248

machlon, an israelite

וְכִלְי֑וֹן5 of 10

“and Chilion”

H3630

kiljon, an israelite

וַתִּשָּׁאֵר֙6 of 10

“was left”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה7 of 10

“of them and the woman”

H802

a woman

מִשְּׁנֵ֥י8 of 10

“also both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

יְלָדֶ֖יהָ9 of 10

“sons”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

וּמֵֽאִישָֽׁהּ׃10 of 10

“and her husband”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

Study Guide

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 1:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ruth 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 89:30-32Deuteronomy 32:39Isaiah 49:21Matthew 22:25-27Jeremiah 2:19Luke 7:12

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Ruth 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRuth Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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