Meaning of the Name Naomi
The name Naomi is commonly derived from a Hebrew root and explained with meanings such as 'pleasant,' 'lovely,' or 'sweet.' In Ruth 1, her contrast between her own name and Mara reinforces this association. The etymology is generally accepted.
Origin
The name Naomi is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Naomi in the Bible?
Naomi is the Judean woman at the center of the book of Ruth; after losing her husband and sons, she returns from Moab to Bethlehem. Her relationship with Ruth and her guidance toward Boaz become decisive in the line that leads to David.
The story of Naomi in the Bible
Naomi is the Bethlehemite woman at the heart of the book of Ruth. In years of famine she migrated to Moab with her husband Elimelech and their two sons; there she lost her husband and then both sons, who had married Moabite women. Hearing that the LORD had given his people food, she set out for Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to return to their mothers' homes; Orpah said farewell, but Ruth refused to leave her. Back in Bethlehem, Naomi asked to be called Mara instead, saying the Almighty had dealt bitterly with her, for she had gone away full and returned empty. Yet the story turns: Naomi guided Ruth to the field of her relative Boaz and then to the threshing floor, opening the way for him to act as redeemer. When Boaz married Ruth and Obed was born, the women praised the LORD who had not left Naomi without a redeemer; she cared for the child, and neighbors spoke of a son born to Naomi. Grief thus gives way to the joy of a line leading to David.
Is Naomi mentioned in the Quran?
The name Naomi does not appear in the Quran; she stands at the center of the Old Testament book of Ruth as the woman who returned to Bethlehem with Ruth after her losses.
Verses where Naomi appears
- Ruth 1:2 —
The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. They came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
- Ruth 1:20 —
She said to them, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara; for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
- Ruth 4:14 —
The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be Yahweh, who has not left you this day without a near kinsman; and let his name be famous in Israel.