Ruth Chapter 3 · Verse 1
Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
Original Language Analysis
בִּתִּ֞י
unto her My daughter
H1323
בִּתִּ֞י
unto her My daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
5 of 12
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
הֲלֹ֧א
H3808
הֲלֹ֧א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֲבַקֶּשׁ
shall I not seek
H1245
אֲבַקֶּשׁ
shall I not seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
7 of 12
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
מָנ֖וֹחַ
rest
H4494
מָנ֖וֹחַ
rest
Strong's:
H4494
Word #:
9 of 12
quiet, i.e., (concretely) a settled spot, or (figuratively) a home
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Ruth 1:9The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.1 Timothy 5:8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.1 Timothy 5:14I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.Psalms 128:2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.1 Corinthians 7:36But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.Deuteronomy 4:40Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.Genesis 40:14But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern widows faced extreme vulnerability without male protection and provision. Remarriage provided economic security, social status, and potential children. Levirate marriage customs (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) allowed deceased man's brother to marry the widow, preserving family line and property. Naomi's plan to approach Boaz followed these customs, seeking proper legal marriage rather than improper relationship. Her initiative demonstrated wisdom and care—Ruth was foreign and unfamiliar with these customs.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Naomi's active seeking of Ruth's welfare model Christian mentorship and discipleship?
- What does this teach about the church's responsibility to seek members' practical well-being, not merely spiritual benefit?
Analysis & Commentary
Naomi initiates marriage plan: 'My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?' The word 'rest' (manoach, מָנוֹחַ) means security, settlement, or restful dwelling—specifically the security marriage provided for women in ancient society. Naomi seeks Ruth's welfare through proper marriage to a kinsman-redeemer. Her motherly care demonstrates covenant responsibility—she doesn't merely receive Ruth's provision but actively seeks Ruth's good. This shows biblical pattern: older believers should actively seek younger believers' spiritual and practical welfare, not merely receive from them.