The answer is: Mara

Ruth 1:20 - that is, "bitter". Compare this to the bitter waters of Marah in Exo 15:23.

Naomi, back in Bethlehem after a long absence, tells her hometown folks to call her “Mara,” which means “bitter.” This is definitely a tragic turn in her life story, full of personal loss and heartache—proof that bitterness can sow desolation in the heart. But let’s step back for a moment and reflect on the history that Naomies' name change stirs up.

You might remember the bitter waters of Marah from Exodus. When the Israelites fled Egypt and found themselves at those frustratingly unquenchable waters, it showcased their own struggles. Instead of clarity, those waters reflected hardship. Both names—Naomi and Marah—speak to the deep sorrows we sometimes encounter in life. Yet, there's a profound parallel here—a hint of hope woven through the narrative tapestry of struggle and wait.

Furthermore, Naomi isn’t the only character grapevine here. Ruth, her faithful daughter-in-law, adds a twist of transformative drama to this melancholy tale. Her steadfast loyalty opened doors that changed lives—not just her own, but Naomi’s too! Ruth’s determination leads to a story of redemption, which echoes throughout Scripture. In fact, Ruth’s journey toward embracing a new culture and family might just remind us of the power behind compassion and resilience.

So it’s captivating how “bitterness” and “redemption” sit side by side in Naomi and Ruth’s stories, a testimony that even when times are tough, new beginnings are just around the corner, waiting to blossom.