Ruth 1:20

“Do not call me Naomi,” she said to them, “call me Mara, for the Almighty has given me a bitter lot.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

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

In Context

19So they journeyed on until they came to Bethlehem. Their arrival stirred the whole town, and the women said, “Can this be Naomi?”

21I had plenty when I left, but the Lord has brought me back empty handed. Why should you call me Naomi, now that the Lord has afflicted me, and the Almighty has brought misfortune on me?”

Read all of Ruth 1

Cross References

Genesis 43:14and may God Almighty grant that the man may be merciful to you and release Benjamin and your other brother. But if I am robbed of my sons, I am bereaved indeed!”

Psalms 73:14for all the day long was I plagued not a morning but I was chastised.

Matthew Henry on Ruth 1:20-22

Naomi's Reception at Bethlehem. ( b. c. 1312.) 19 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? 20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. 21 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? 22 So Naomi… Read the whole commentary →

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