8 Naomi said to them, "Don’t you want to go back home to your own mothers? You were kind to my husband and sons, and you’ve always been kind to me. I pray that the Lord will be just as kind to you. 9 May he give each of you another husband and a home of your own."

Naomi kissed them. They cried 10 and said, "We want to go with you and live among your people."

11 But she replied, "My daughters, why don’t you return home? What good will it do you to go with me? Do you think I could have more sons for you to marry?*1.11 for you to marry: When a married man died and left no children, it was the custom for one of his brothers to marry his widow. Any children they had would then be thought of as those of the dead man, so that his family name would live on.12 You must go back home, because I am too old to marry again. Even if I got married tonight and later had more sons, 13 would you wait for them to become old enough to marry? No, my daughters! Life is harder for me than it is for you, because the Lord has turned against me."*1.13 Life … me: Or "I’m sorry that the Lord has turned against me and made life so hard for you."

14 They cried again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth held on to her.