Who was Ruth in the Bible?
Who was Ruth in the Bible? Ruth was a Moabite woman who showed extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, converted to the God of Israel, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
Key verse: Ruth 1:16 (KJV)
Ruth was a Moabite woman who showed extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, converted to the God of Israel, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
Ruth was a Moabite woman who showed extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, converted to the God of Israel, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for 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)
Meaning
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In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Ruth's story is one of the most beautiful narratives in Scripture. After her husband died, Ruth chose to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi rather than return to her own people and gods. Her famous declaration — 'thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God' — exemplifies faithful devotion. In Bethlehem, Ruth gleaned in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz acted as a kinsman-redeemer, marrying Ruth and providing for both women. Ruth and Boaz became the great-grandparents of King David, placing Ruth — a Gentile convert — in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
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Key Scripture References
"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."
"And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was King David?
David was the shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king, known as 'a man after God's own heart' and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Who was Ruth in the Bible?
Ruth was a Moabite woman who showed extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, converted to the God of Israel, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Ruth. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Ruth on day 69 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Who was Ruth in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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