NAOMI. The wife of Elimelech the Ephrathite, of Beth-lehem-judah, who was driven by famine into the land of Moab. After the death of her husband and her two sons, she returned, accompanied by Ruth, to her own land. Her return was a matter of surprise to the people of Bethlehem, and they said, ‘Is this Naomi?’ Her answer included a double play of words on her own name, ‘Call me not Naomi (‘pleasant’), call me Mara (‘bitter’): for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me … why call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified ( ’ânâh ) against me?’ ( Ruth 1:2-21 ).