Ruth 2:20
And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
Ruth 2:20 (KJV)
Context
The Book of Ruth tells how a Moabite woman named Ruth stayed loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after both their husbands died. In this verse, Naomi has just learned that Ruth gleaned in the field of a man named Boaz. Naomi responds with a blessing, recognizing that the Lord has shown kindness to her family through Boaz.
Meaning
Naomi blesses Boaz, saying, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead.” She sees Boaz’s generosity as a sign that God has not abandoned them. The “living” are Ruth and Naomi, who need food and protection. The “dead” are Naomi’s husband Elimelech and her sons Mahlon and Chilion, whose family line and inheritance Boaz can preserve. Naomi then calls Boaz “near of kin” and “one of our next kinsmen.” In ancient Israel, a kinsman-redeemer was a close relative with the duty to help family members in trouble, to buy back land, and to carry on the family name. This role was both legal and social, rooted in God’s design for family loyalty and care.
Biblical connections
The role of the kinsman-redeemer appears in Leviticus 25:25, where a relative must redeem a poor family member’s land. Boaz later fulfills this duty by marrying Ruth and restoring Naomi’s inheritance. This earthly redemption points forward to Christ, who as our near kinsman redeems us from sin and death. Naomi’s blessing also echoes the patriarchal blessing formula, showing that God’s covenant faithfulness continues through ordinary family loyalty. Her words mark a turning point from bitterness to hope, as she recognizes God’s continued favor.
Application
This verse teaches us to see God’s hand in everyday provisions. Boaz’s kindness was a simple act of allowing Ruth to glean, yet Naomi recognized it as God’s work. We are called to be like Boaz, showing kindness to the vulnerable and the bereaved, and to be like Naomi, giving thanks to God for those who help us. It also reminds us that God does not forget the living or the dead; His promises endure beyond the grave. As believers, we can act as “kinsman-redeemers” in our communities by caring for those in need and preserving family ties.
Reflection
Naomi’s words mark a turning point in the story. Earlier she was bitter, but here she sees a glimmer of hope. God’s kindness often comes through people we already know. We can trust that He is working through our relationships and circumstances, even when we cannot see the full picture. This verse reassures us that God remains faithful to His people in times of loss and uncertainty, and that He can bring restoration and blessing through the most ordinary acts of love.
