The answer is: Mara

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

Isn't it fascinating how names in the Bible carry such deep meaning? When Naomi arrives in Bethlehem after the tragedy in Moab, she instructs the townsfolk to call her "Mara," which means "bitter." This change is not just a reflection of her feelings; it's a profound connection to her life's burdens.

For instance, consider the bitter waters of Marah in Exodus 15:23, where Moses and the Israelites struggled with undrinkable water. Just as those waters were transformed by God bringing them from bitterness to sweetness—a miracle representing hope and transformation—Naomi's bitterness eventually paves the way for healing and renewal.

Interestingly, just as Marah signifies a lament—and we modern folks often juggle emotions and experiences—we see Naomi embracing her sorrow without fear of expressing it. It's a reminder for us all that acknowledging struggle is the first step toward overcoming it.

Naomi might introduce herself as bitter, but her story soon reveals an incredible flip-side. The tenacity of Ruth—committed to Naomi through thick and thin—emerges as a testament to hope and companionship. Their journey from bitterness to joy, culminating in Ruth's nobility and lineage to David, shows us how life’s hardest moments can lead to unforeseen blessings.

So, when tossing around names and labels that describe us, let’s remember that even the bitter can beautifully inspire a sweeter destiny.