56 The suffix “them” appears to be masculine, but it is probably an archaic dual form (E. F. Campbell, Ruth [], ; F. W. Bush, Ruth, Esther [], ).
57 For location see ; ; ; .
58 The temporal indicator וַיְהִי (vayéhi, “and it was”) here introduces a new scene.
59 For location see ; ; ; .
60 Heb “because of them” (so , , ); “excited to see them.”
61 Heb “they said,” but the verb form is third person feminine plural, indicating that the women of the village are the subject.
62 Heb “Is this Naomi?” (so , , ). The question here expresses surprise and delight because of the way Naomi reacts to it (F. W. Bush, Ruth, Esther [], ).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”

NIVNew International Version (2011)

So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”

CSBChristian Standard Bible

The two of them traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was excited about their arrival and the local women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”

NLTNew Living Translation

So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

So the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, all of the town was stirred because of them. And they said, “Is this Naomi?”

KJV 1900King James Version

So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

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