Old Testament · The Judges
Naomi
Who was Naomi?
Naomi was an Israelite widow whose bitter losses turned to joy through the loyalty of her daughter-in-law Ruth.
RoleMother-in-law of Ruth
EraThe Judges
HomeBethlehem
Daughter-in-lawRuth
Known forFrom bitterness to restoration
Famine drove Naomi and her family to Moab, where her husband and both sons died, leaving her destitute and far from home. She returned to Bethlehem so emptied that she asked to be called “Mara,” meaning bitter.
Ruth’s refusal to abandon her changed everything. Naomi guided Ruth toward Boaz, and the redemption that followed restored her hope.
When Ruth bore a son, the women of Bethlehem rejoiced with Naomi, who held her grandchild as the dawn of a new future.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.