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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ruth 1:3 Then Naomi's husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ruth/1-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/08_Rut_01_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ruth 1:3 - Naomi Becomes a Widow" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Naomi's husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and she was left, and her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ruth/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ruth/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ruth/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Elimelech, Naomi&#8217s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ruth/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ruth/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ruth/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left [a widow] with her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ruth/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, died, and she was left with her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ruth/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Naomi&#8217s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ruth/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ruth/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Elimelech died, leaving Naomi with only her two sons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ruth/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ruth/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Now, Naomi's husband Elimelech died, and she was left alone with her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ruth/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Elimelech died, and Naomi was left alone with her two sons, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ruth/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Naomi's husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ruth/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Naomi?s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ruth/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Sometime later Naomi's husband Elimelech died, so she and her two sons were left alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ruth/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ruth/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ruth/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ruth/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Elimelech husband of Naomi dies, and she is left, she and her two sons;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ruth/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Elimelech husband of Naomi dieth, and she is left, she and her two sons;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ruth/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Elimelech will die, the husband of Naomi; and she will be left, and her two sons.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ruth/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Elimelech the husband of Noemi died: and she remained with her sons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ruth/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Elimelech the husband of Naomi died; and she remained with her sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ruth/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ruth/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ruth/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Elimeleck the husband of Naomi died; and she was left with her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ruth/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Alimalek the husband of Namei died, and she was left, she and both her sons<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ruth/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ruth/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Elimelech the husband of Noemin died; and she was left, and her two sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ruth/1-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LT1nlCXT1mU?start=27" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ruth/1.htm">Naomi Becomes a Widow</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5281.htm" title="5281: nā·‘o·mî (N-proper-fs) -- Mother-in-law of Ruth. From no'am; pleasant; Noomi, an Israelitess.">Then Naomi’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">husband</a> <a href="/hebrew/458.htm" title="458: ’ĕ·lî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- God is king, the husband of Naomi. From 'el and melek; God of king; Elimelek, an Israelite.">Elimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·yā·māṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">died,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">and she</a> <a href="/hebrew/7604.htm" title="7604: wat·tiš·šā·’êr (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To remain, be left over. A primitive root; properly, to swell up, i.e. Be redundant.">was left</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: ū·šə·nê (Conj-w:: Number-mdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">with her two</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇā·ne·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons,</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>who took Moabite women as their wives, one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. And after they had lived in Moab about ten years,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Genesis 38:11</a></span><br />Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a></span><br />Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5</a></span><br />The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39</a></span><br />A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-6</a></span><br />When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-10.htm">1 Kings 17:10-12</a></span><br />So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” / But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-12.htm">Luke 7:12-13</a></span><br />As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. / When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-5.htm">2 Samuel 14:5</a></span><br />“What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-19.htm">Mark 12:19-22</a></span><br />“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. / Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3-4</a></span><br />Honor the widows who are truly widows. / But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/38-14.htm">Genesis 38:14</a></span><br />she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1</a></span><br />In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-8.htm">1 Corinthians 7:8-9</a></span><br />Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. / But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-4.htm">Isaiah 54:4</a></span><br />Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; do not be intimidated, for you will not be humiliated. For you will forget the shame of your youth and will remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.</p><p class="hdg">and she was</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a></b></br> Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/34-19.htm">Psalm 34:19</a></b></br> Many <i>are</i> the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6,10,11</a></b></br> For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/20-5.htm">Died</a> <a href="/judges/12-15.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/ruth/1-2.htm">Elimelech</a> <a href="/ruth/1-2.htm">Elim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/20-46.htm">End</a> <a href="/judges/20-4.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/ruth/1-2.htm">Naomi</a> <a href="/ruth/1-2.htm">Na'omi</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ruth/1-5.htm">Died</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/ruth/2-1.htm">Elimelech</a> <a href="/ruth/2-1.htm">Elim'elech</a> <a href="/ruth/1-5.htm">End</a> <a href="/ruth/1-5.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/ruth/1-5.htm">Naomi</a> <a href="/ruth/1-8.htm">Na'omi</a><div class="vheading2">Ruth 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-1.htm">Elimelech, driven by famine into Moab, dies there</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-4.htm">Mahlon and Chilion, having married wives of Moab, die also</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-6.htm">Naomi, returning homeward</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-8.htm">dissuades her two daughters-in-law from going with her</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-14.htm">Orpah leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanies her</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-19.htm">The two come to Bethlehem, where they are gladly received</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ruth/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ruth/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ruth/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died</b><br>Elimelech's death marks a significant turning point in the narrative. In the context of ancient Israel, the death of a husband was a devastating event for a woman, as it often left her without financial support or social standing. Elimelech's name means "My God is King," which may suggest a man of faith, yet his decision to leave Bethlehem during a famine could be seen as a lack of trust in God's provision. This event sets the stage for Naomi's return to Bethlehem and the unfolding of God's providential plan. Theologically, Elimelech's death can be seen as a catalyst for the redemptive story that follows, highlighting themes of loss and restoration.<p><b>and she was left with her two sons</b><br>Naomi's situation reflects the vulnerability of widows in ancient Near Eastern culture. Without her husband, Naomi's survival depended on her sons, Mahlon and Chilion. The phrase "she was left" underscores her isolation and the precariousness of her situation. In biblical times, sons were expected to care for their widowed mothers, but Naomi's sons later die as well, compounding her grief and desperation. This sets the stage for Ruth's loyalty and the eventual redemption through Boaz. Theologically, this phrase foreshadows the theme of God's provision through unexpected means, as Naomi's eventual return to Bethlehem leads to Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/naomi.htm">Naomi</a></b><br>A central figure in the Book of Ruth, Naomi is a woman from Bethlehem in Judah who moves to Moab with her husband and sons due to a famine. Her name means "pleasant" or "sweet."<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elimelech.htm">Elimelech</a></b><br>Naomi's husband, whose name means "My God is King." His death sets the stage for the unfolding account of loss and redemption.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>A region east of the Dead Sea, often in tension with Israel. It is significant as the setting where Naomi's family relocates and where the initial events of the account occur.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/naomi's_two_sons.htm">Naomi's Two Sons</a></b><br>Mahlon and Chilion, who are left with Naomi after Elimelech's death. Their marriages to Moabite women further the account.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/death_of_elimelech.htm">Death of Elimelech</a></b><br>This event marks a turning point in Naomi's life, leading to her eventual return to Bethlehem and the introduction of Ruth into the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_loss.htm">The Reality of Loss</a></b><br>Elimelech's death reminds us that life includes seasons of loss and grief. As believers, we can find comfort in God's presence and promises during these times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_difficult_circumstances.htm">God's Sovereignty in Difficult Circumstances</a></b><br>Despite the tragedy of Elimelech's death, God's sovereign plan is at work. This encourages us to trust in God's overarching purpose, even when we cannot see it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_foreign_lands.htm">Faithfulness in Foreign Lands</a></b><br>Naomi's account begins in a foreign land, symbolizing the challenges of maintaining faith in unfamiliar or hostile environments. We are called to remain faithful wherever God places us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a></b><br>Naomi's loss highlights the importance of community and support systems. As Christians, we are called to bear one another's burdens and provide support in times of need.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ruth_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ruth 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_elimelech's_family's_deaths_be_explained.htm">Could the sudden deaths of Elimelech and his sons in Ruth 1:3–5 be explained by any known historical or cultural cause? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_ruth_stay,_but_orpah_leave.htm">Why did Ruth stay with Naomi while Orpah left?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_ruth's_story.htm">What are the key events in Ruth's story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_ruth_show_loyalty_to_naomi.htm">How did Ruth show loyalty to Naomi?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ruth/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 3-5.</span> - "In these words," says Fuller, "we have two marriages ushered and followed by funerals." <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Elimelech Naomi's husband died.</span> Apparently soon after the settlement of the family. No details, however, are given, as, on the one hand, no blame is attached to the conduct of Elimelech, and as, on the other, the line of biographical interest runs in another direction. <span class="cmt_word">And she was left, and her two sons.</span> Not only was the mother her husband's <span class="accented">relict</span>; they were all <span class="accented">left behind</span>. He had gone somewhither in advance, and they "remained." So the word is frequently rendered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ruth/1-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Naomi’s</span><br /><span class="heb">נָעֳמִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(nā·‘o·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5281.htm">Strong's 5281: </a> </span><span class="str2">Naomi -- mother-in-law of Ruth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">husband</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Elimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלִימֶ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_458.htm">Strong's 458: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elimelech -- 'God is king', the husband of Naomi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">died,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֥מָת</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·māṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and she</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֖יא</span> <span class="translit">(hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was left</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּשָּׁאֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiš·šā·’êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7604.htm">Strong's 7604: </a> </span><span class="str2">To swell up, be, redundant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with her two</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - mdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sons,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָנֶֽיהָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·ne·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ruth/1-3.htm">Ruth 1:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ruth/1-3.htm">OT History: Ruth 1:3 Elimelech Naomi's husband died (Ru Rut.)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ruth/1-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ruth 1:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ruth 1:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ruth/1-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ruth 1:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ruth 1:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>