Naomi
Nao'mi (Heb. Noomzi', נָעַמַי, my delight; Sept. Νοομμείν Νωεμίν, Νοεμμείν, Νοεμμεί, Νοομμεί,Νωεμείν, Νωεμμείν Vulg. Noemi), a woman of Bethlehem in the days of the early judges; wife of Elimelech, mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth (Ru 1:2, etc.; 2:1, etc.; 3:1; 4:3, etc.). B.C. cir. 1363. The significance of her name contributes to the point of the paronomasia in 1:20, 21, though the passage contains also a play on the mere sound of the name, "Call me not Naomi (pleasant), call me Mara (bitter):... why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified (anah, עָנָה) against me?" SEE RUTH.
