Bible Name Meaning Tool — Search Any Name (KJV)

Ruth

Pronounced ROOTH

girl

✓ In the King James Bible — Yes — Ruth appears in the King James Bible; the passages below give the context.

Meaning: "Friend; Companion"
Origin: Hebrew

Ruth means "friend" or "companion" in Hebrew, and her story is one of the most beautiful narratives of loyalty, love, and redemption in all of Scripture. Though she was a Moabite — a foreigner — her devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi and to the God of Israel earned her a place in the lineage of Christ. Ruth's declaration to Naomi is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible: "Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16). This commitment transcended family obligation and became a covenant of faith. Through God's providence, Ruth met and married Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, and became the great-grandmother of King David. Her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) demonstrates God's grace in welcoming all people into His family.

Spiritual meaning

Ruth's name — meaning 'friend' — captures her defining quality: loyal, self-sacrificing love. Her story teaches us that faithfulness to God and to the people He places in our lives opens doors to unexpected blessings and eternal significance.

Related verses (KJV)

"Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."
Ruth 1:16 (KJV) →
"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
Ruth 2:12 (KJV) →

Full page for Ruth Ruth in the Bible →

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Questions about biblical name meanings

How do I find the biblical meaning of a name?

Type the name into the search box above. The tool returns the Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, or Latin root behind the name, its literal meaning, and the King James Version passages where it appears.

Does every name have a biblical meaning?

No. Many modern Christian names never appear in Scripture, and some popular 'biblical meanings' circulating online are inaccurate. Where a name is thematic rather than scriptural, we say so plainly instead of inventing a verse for it.

Which Bible translation do the verses come from?

The King James Version. It is public domain in the United States, so the text can be quoted and shared freely.

How can I tell whether a name is actually in the Bible?

Each result distinguishes a name that appears in the KJV from a later Christian or thematic name. Related verses explain a theme; they are not presented as proof that a modern name occurs in Scripture.