and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights the chilling completeness of Naomi's loss, specifically stating she was "left of" her husband and sons, a phrase that emphasizes she is now bereft of them, rather than simply surviving them. This subtle wording underscores her utter desolation and lack of any family connection in a foreign land.
and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The family of Elimelech, seeking refuge from famine in Bethlehem, has now faced devastating loss in the foreign land of Moab. After the father's death, both his sons, Mahlon and Chilion, also die, leaving Naomi utterly alone and without any male heirs. This sudden and complete depletion of her household sets the stage for her desperate decision to return to Judah, a journey only possible because of her Moabite daughters-in-law.
Elimelech moved his family to Moab, thinking it was a better place to survive a famine. But what did this decision cost them?
The story of Elimelech and his family in Moab begins with a practical decision: to leave Bethlehem during a famine.
Seeking Security
Elimelech sought to provide for his family by moving to the land of Moab. This wasn't necessarily a sign of faithlessness at first, but a pragmatic choice in difficult times. However, moving to Moab, a place known for its opposition to God's people, proved to be a fatal mistake.
Unforeseen Consequences
Instead of finding security, the family encountered tragedy. Elimelech died, followed by his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. The woman – Naomi – was left utterly alone. This devastating loss underscores the truth that seeking safety or prosperity apart from God's will can lead to deeper sorrow than the hardship we try to escape.
Naomi lost her husband and both her sons. How does Scripture describe the depth of such a loss?
This verse paints a stark picture of complete devastation. Naomi is not just widowed; she is also childless, a double blow in ancient society.
The Weight of Widowhood and Childlessness
In Naomi's culture, a husband provided protection and provision, and sons ensured lineage and support in old age. Losing both meant Naomi was stripped of her societal standing, her family line, and her future security.
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A Unique Desolation
The commentary writers are struck by the totality of Naomi's loss, comparing her situation to Job's in its extremity. She is left alone in a foreign land, with no one to comfort her. This isn't just sadness; it's a profound desolation that leaves her vulnerable and utterly dependent on God's intervention.
The deaths of Elimelech and his sons, while presented as a personal tragedy, occurred during a turbulent period in Israel's history and involved complex choices about faith and foreign lands, suggesting divine judgment or at least dire consequence for departing from God's people and promises.
c. 11th-13th century BC
Period of the Judges
Israel was often politically unstable, with cycles of oppression by foreign powers and deliverance by appointed judges. This era also saw periods of famine and hardship.
During a famine in Bethlehem— this verse
Elimelech's family migrates to Moab
Facing famine in Judah, Elimelech and his family leave Bethlehem for the pagan land of Moab. This decision is presented as a departure from God's people and land, though necessity is implied.
About 10 years after migration
Deaths of Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion
Elimelech dies, followed by his sons Mahlon and Chilion, who had married Moabite women. This leaves Naomi widowed and childless in a foreign land.
This passage similarly speaks of death occurring on a large scale, emphasizing the finality and sorrow that comes with widespread loss, much like Naomi experienced.
Job 1:18-19This vividly illustrates a father losing all his children in a single devastating event, mirroring the profound grief and utter desolation Naomi faces.
Luke 13:4Jesus mentions the eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them, which, while a different context, highlights how unexpected and indiscriminate death can strike, leaving survivors to grapple with loss.
Lamentations 1:1This passage describes a once-thriving city brought to desolation and loneliness, echoing Naomi's personal state of being left utterly alone after her family's demise.
henryRuth 1:1-5: "Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons."
1:1-5 Elimelech's care to provide for his family, was not to be blamed; but his removal into the country of Moab could not be justified. And the removal ended in the wasting of his family. It is folly to think of escaping that cross, which, being laid in our way, we ought to take…
clarkeRuth 1:5: "And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband."
And Mahlon and Chilion died - The Targum adds, And because they transgressed the decree of the word of the Lord, and joined affinity with strange people, therefore their days were cut off. It is very likely that there is more here than conjecture.
The verse highlights the chilling completeness of Naomi's loss, specifically stating she was "left of" her husband and sons, a phrase that emphasizes she is now bereft of them, rather than simply surviving them. This subtle wording underscores her utter desolation and lack of any family connection in a foreign land.
The family of Elimelech, seeking refuge from famine in Bethlehem, has now faced devastating loss in the foreign land of Moab. After the father's death, both his sons, Mahlon and Chilion, also die, leaving Naomi utterly alone and without any male heirs. This sudden and complete depletion of her household sets the stage for her desperate decision to return to Judah, a journey only possible because of her Moabite daughters-in-law.
The family of Elimelech, seeking refuge from famine in Bethlehem, has now faced devastating loss in the foreign land of Moab. After the father's death, both his sons, Mahlon and Chilion, also die, leaving Naomi utterly alone and without any male heirs. This sudden and complete depletion of her household sets the stage for her desperate decision to return to Judah, a journey only possible because of her Moabite daughters-in-law.
"and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband." — The verse highlights the chilling completeness of Naomi's loss, specifically stating she was "left of" her husband and sons, a phrase that emphasizes she is now bereft of them, rather than simply s…
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Last reviewed October 2026