Definition: And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ruth 1:3. It's a really important moment in the story of Ruth and it speaks to a lot of themes about grief, responsibility, and finding strength. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says: “Elimelech was heartbroken because her husband had died. She was alone, and she had two sons.” Let's unpack that a little bit further: “And Elimech…” : This is her name – it’s a Hebrew name meaning "the one who is thoughtful" or "the one who is wise." “…died” : This means her husband, who was very important to her, passed away. It's a significant loss. “And she was left…” : This highlights the fact that she’s now completely alone. “and her two sons.” : She has two sons – this is key! They represent her lineage and her future. What’s the bigger picture? This verse sets up a situation of profound sadness and responsibility. It shows: Loss and Grief: Elimelech is experiencing deep grief because of the loss of someone she loved deeply. Responsibility: She has two sons, and with that comes a huge responsibility to care for them. Finding Strength: The verse doesn’t immediately end on a happy note – it's a moment of quiet contemplation and sadness. However, it opens the door for her to begin to think about how to move forward. It’s a turning point in the story. It shows that even in times of great sorrow, there’s an opportunity for reflection and growth. It’s a moment where she realizes what she has to do next – to take care of her sons. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Ruth 1? Talk about the context of this passage within the larger story?