Paragraph 1:11–15
1:11a
But Naomi replied: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces the next event in the story. Naomi’s answer contrasted with how her daughters-in-law had replied to her. Some English versions do not translate this word.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
Naomi replied (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or
Naomi answered (Good News Translation)
-or-
Then Naomi said
Return home, my daughters: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Return home is more literally “return” or “go back.” Naomi thought it would be best for Ruth and Orpah to return to their own homes in Moab rather than to travel with her to Israel.
my daughters: Naomi called her two daughters-in-law my daughters when she spoke to them. This showed her affection for them. In some languages, it may not be possible to use the term daughters for daughters-in-law.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
Turn back, my daughters-in-law.
-or-
Go back to your homes, dear daughters-in-law.
1:11b
Why would you go with me?: This is a rhetorical question. It functions as a rebuke. Naomi meant that there was no reason for the women to go with her. In fact, it would be foolish for them to return with her. Their lives would be better in their own country.
There are two ways to translate this rebuke.
• Use a rhetorical question. For example:
Why should you go on with me? (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
What good will it do you to go with me? (Contemporary English Version)
• Use a statement. For example:
There is no reason for you to return to Judah with me. (NET Bible)
-or-
You should return to your own country. You should not choose to return to Judah with me (Easy English Bible)
1:11c
Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands?: This is another rhetorical question. The implied answer is “no.” Naomi meant that she was too old to have any more children. She could not provide more sons who would become husbands for Ruth or Orpah.
There are two ways to translate this rhetorical question:
• Use a rhetorical question. For example:
Am I likely to bear any more sons to become husbands for you? (Revised English Bible)
• Use a statement. For example:
I am no longer capable of giving birth to sons who might become your husbands! (NET Bible)
I cannot give birth to more sons to give you new husbands (New Century Version)
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