Original Word: עָגַן
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: `agan
Pronunciation: ah-GAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-gan')
KJV: stay
NASB: refrain
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to debar, i.e. from marriage

stay

A primitive root; to debar, i.e. From marriage -- stay.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to shut oneself in or off
NASB Translation
refrain (1).

[עָגַן] verb Niph`al shut oneself in or off (Late Hebrew id., Passive participle restrained (especially from marriage), also עוֺגִין anchor; ᵑ7 עֲגַן be imprisoned); — Imperfect2feminine plural תֵּעָגֵ֫נָה לְבִלְתִּי הֱיוֺת לְאִישׁ Ruth 1:13 would ye shut yourselves off, so as not to belong to a man ?

עגר (√ of following, meaning dubious; conjectures in Meier^{Wurzel WB 38} Lag^{BN 59}; on Greek ἀγορ compare Lewy^{Fremdw. 8}).

Context in Ruth 1:13

The only appearance of עָגַן occurs in Naomi’s dialogue with her Moabite daughters-in-law: “Would you therefore wait until they grew up? Would you therefore refrain from remarrying?” (Ruth 1:13). Naomi has urged Orpah and Ruth to return to their maternal homes, convinced that a future with her is void of earthly prospects. The verb pictures a deliberate holding back from the normal expectation of marriage, highlighting the depth of sacrifice Naomi is asking of them.

Cultural and Historical Background

In the Ancient Near Eastern world, widowhood left women economically and socially vulnerable. The Levirate custom (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) provided a safeguard: a near kinsman could marry the widow to preserve the deceased husband’s line. Naomi, however, sees no realistic path to supply husbands for Orpah and Ruth, for she herself is past childbearing age and has no male heirs apart from a hypothetical future son. Her question, framed with עָגַן, exposes the extremity of their situation.

Theological Significance

1. Self-denial versus self-interest. Naomi’s plea offers a literal example of denying oneself marital security for the sake of loyalty. Ruth’s ensuing commitment—“Where you go I will go” (Ruth 1:16)—elevates hesed (covenant loyalty) over personal comfort.
2. Faith amid apparent barrenness. The request to “refrain” accentuates how bleak Naomi’s outlook is. Yet the plot of Ruth will unfold God’s providential reversal, culminating in Boaz and Ruth bearing Obed, grandfather of David (Ruth 4:21-22). The single use of עָגַן thus sets the stage for a redemptive surprise that underscores Romans 8:28 on God working “all things together for good.”
3. Sovereignty and timing. Scripture frequently couples human waiting with divine purpose (Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31). Naomi’s hypothetical waiting period contrasts with God’s perfect timing, which brings Ruth into the lineage of Messiah without prolonged delay.

Canonical and Christological Echoes

The narrative surrounding עָגַן leads directly to Davidic lineage (Ruth 4:17) and therefore to Jesus Christ, “the Root and the Offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16). What seemed a call to fruitless waiting became a conduit for messianic hope. The verb’s lone occurrence functions literarily as a hinge between despair and redemption.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

• Counsel for widows and the vulnerable: Naomi’s predicament encourages the church to provide tangible support, reflecting James 1:27.
• Discipleship and delayed desires: Believers sometimes face seasons where God appears to withhold expected blessings. Naomi’s account invites trust that apparent hindrances may conceal a larger redemptive design.
• Covenant loyalty: Ruth’s refusal to עָגַן (hold back) her devotion models steadfast love between believers and within families of faith.

Summary

Though attested only once, עָגַן powerfully frames the tension between human limitation and divine provision. Naomi’s rhetorical question spotlights the costliness of covenant loyalty, yet the unfolding narrative proves that those who trust God will not be left desolate. The word’s rarity amplifies its impact, reminding readers that what seems like restraint in the present may serve as the gateway to God’s greater, unseen purposes.

תֵּֽעָגֵ֔נָה תעגנה tê‘āḡênāh tê·‘ā·ḡê·nāh teaGenahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts