Ruth Chapter 1 — Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi
After the death of her husband and sons in Moab, Naomi returns to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth, who pledges her lifelong devotion.
1In the days when the judges judged, there was a famine in the land. A certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to live in the country of Moab with his wife and his two sons.
2The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi. The names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. They came into the country of Moab and lived there.
3Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons.
4They took for themselves wives of the women of Moab. The name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other was Ruth. They lived there about ten years.
5Mahlon and Chilion both died, and the woman was bereaved of her two children and of her husband.
6Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab; for she had heard in the country of Moab how the LORD*When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh). had visited his people in giving them bread.
7She went out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her. They went on the way to return to the land of Judah.
8Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
9May the LORD grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.”
10They said to her, “No, but we will return with you to your people.”
11Naomi said, “Go back, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?
12Go back, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, ‘I have hope,’ if I should even have a husband tonight, and should also bear sons,
13would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, for it grieves me seriously for your sakes, for the LORD’s hand has gone out against me.”
14They lifted up their voices and wept again; then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth stayed with her.
15She said, “Behold,†“Behold”, from “הִנֵּה”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.”
16Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God‡The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim). my God.
17Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”
18When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
19So they both went until they came to Bethlehem. When they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was excited about them, and they asked, “Is this Naomi?”
20She said to them, “Don’t call me Naomi.§“Naomi” means “pleasant”. Call me Mara,*“Mara” means “bitter”. for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.
21I went out full, and the LORD has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”
22So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who returned out of the country of Moab. They came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Ruth 1:16
“Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.””
This verse is a profound expression of loyalty and faith that defines Ruth's character and her commitment to the God of Israel.
Ruth 1:20
“She said to them, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.””
This highlights Naomi's deep personal grief and the significance of names in Hebrew culture to reflect one's life experience.
Chapter Summary
During a famine in the days of the judges, Elimelech of Bethlehem moves his family to Moab. After Elimelech and his two sons die, Naomi is left with her Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Hearing that the famine in Judah has ended, Naomi decides to return home. She encourages her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab to find new husbands for their own security. While Orpah tearfully departs, Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, famously pledging her loyalty to Naomi’s people and God. The two women arrive in Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest. Naomi, deeply grieving her losses, tells the townspeople to call her Mara, meaning bitter, because she feels the Almighty has dealt harshly with her, bringing her home empty after she left full.
Frequently Asked Questions
They moved because there was a severe famine in their home region of Bethlehem in Judah. They sought food and survival in the country of Moab during the era when the judges ruled Israel.
The name Naomi means 'pleasant' or 'sweet.' After the loss of her husband and sons, she asks to be called Mara, which means 'bitter,' reflecting her emotional state upon returning to Bethlehem.
Her daughters-in-law were Orpah and Ruth, both Moabite women who had married Naomi's sons, Mahlon and Chilion. While Orpah eventually stayed in Moab, Ruth chose to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem.
Study Note
The mention of the barley harvest in the final verse serves as a literary transition to the events of the following chapter where Ruth meets Boaz.
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