1:15a

“Look,” said Naomi: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Look attracts attention to what the speaker will say next. Use a term in your language that calls for attention.

Here is another way to translate this word:

Listen!

said Naomi: The Hebrew clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as said Naomi is more literally “And she said.” It begins the sentence. The Berean Standard Bible has placed these words in the middle of the sentence. You should put these words wherever they will be natural in your language.

Here is an example of the Hebrew order:

Naomi said to Ruth, “Look… (New Century Version)

your sister-in-law: The term sister-in-law means “the wife of your husband’s brother.” It refers to Orpah.

has gone back to her people and her gods: The Hebrew verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as has gone back indicates a completed action. However, Orpah had not completed her journey back home. In some languages, it will be more natural to use a verb form that indicates that Orpah was in the process of returning home. This is why some versions translate this as “is going back.” For example:

your sister-in-law is going back (New International Version)

her people: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as her people could mean “her family,” “her clan,” or “her nation.” Use a word that refers to a wide kinship group. This word was used in 1:10. You should translate it the same way in both places.

her gods: There are two ways to interpret the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gods :

(1) It is plural. It means “gods.” For example:

back to her people and to her gods (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) It is singular. It means “god.” For example:

back to her people and to her god (New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions and commentaries.

The words her gods refer to the gods that Orpah’s family worshiped in Moab.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law is going back to her own people and her own gods.” (New Century Version)
-or-
Naomi said to Ruth, “Look! Orpah is returning to her clan and to the gods they worship.”

1:15b

follow her back home: Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

Go back with her (New International Version)
-or-
You should do the same. (New Living Translation (2004))

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