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    Meaning

    Who was Ruth in the Bible — Meaning Explained

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    What "Who was Ruth in the Bible?" Actually Means

    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.

    Anchor Verses (KJV)

    Ruth 1:16

    "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 4:17

    "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."

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