11-13 But Naomi was firm: “Go back, my dear daughters. Why would you come with me? Do you suppose I still have sons in my womb who can become your future husbands? Go back, dear daughters—on your way, please! I’m too old to get a husband. Why, even if I said, ‘There’s still hope!’ and this very night got a man and had sons, can you imagine being satisfied to wait until they were grown? Would you wait that long to get married again? No, dear daughters; this is a bitter pill for me to swallow—more bitter for me than for you. God has dealt me a hard blow.”

14 Again they cried openly. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye; but Ruth embraced her and held on.

15 Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law is going back home to live with her own people and gods; go with her.”

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message for Graduates
The Message for Graduates
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $8.49
Save: $4.50 (35%)
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Sunlight/Grass Leather-Look
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Sunlight/Grass Leather-Look
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $4.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Bible, Black/Slate Leather-Look
The Message Bible, Black/Slate Leather-Look
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $39.99
Save: $10.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $7.99
Save: $22.00 (73%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars