Who was Naomi?

Mother-in-law of Ruth

The story of Naomi

Naomi - Mother-in-law
Naomi - Mother-in-law
Mother-in-law

Naomi is a biblical figure from the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible. She is the mother-in-law of Ruth and the great-grandmother of King David. Naomi was born in Bethlehem and was the daughter of Elimelech and the wife of Mahlon. She had two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, with her husband. Naomi and her family moved to Moab due to a famine in Bethlehem. While in Moab, her husband and sons died, leaving Naomi and her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, widows. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem and urged her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and the two returned to Bethlehem. In Bethlehem, Ruth married Boaz and had a son, Obed, who was the grandfather of King David. Naomi is best known for her role in the Book of Ruth, where she is portrayed as a wise and compassionate woman. She is also known for her loyalty to Ruth and her faith in God.

Name meaning

pleasantness or delightful

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Mother-in-law

First mention

Ruth 1:2

Appearances in the Bible

20 mentions

Naomi in the Bible

Explore all 4 chapters where Naomi appears

Ruth

Chapter 1

Naomi and Her Daughters-in-Law

A man named Elimelech and his family, including his two sons and wife Naomi, move to Moab due to a famine in Israel.

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Ruth

Chapter 2

Ruth and Boaz in the Field

Elimelech and his two sons die, and his daughter-in-laws Orpah and Ruth choose to stay with Naomi and return to Israel w...

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Ruth

Chapter 3

Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor

Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem during the barley harvest, and Ruth goes to work in the fields to provide for them.

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Ruth

Chapter 4

The Genealogy of Boaz and Ruth

Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech, takes notice of Ruth and shows her kindness.

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