Orpah
Naomi's Other Daughter-in-Law
Moabitess who turned back to her people and her gods — counterpart to faithful Ruth.
Ruth 1 records two Moabite daughters-in-law of Naomi: Orpah and Ruth. After Naomi released them, Orpah kissed her and returned home, while Ruth clave unto her and the LORD.
Her Story
Famine drove Elimelech and Naomi to Moab, where their sons married Mahlon and Chilion's wives — Orpah and Ruth. When the men died, Naomi resolved to return to Bethlehem. She urged her daughters-in-law to go back to their mothers' houses. They wept; Orpah kissed her and returned to her people and her gods. Ruth refused: 'Whither thou goest, I will go... thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.' Orpah disappears from Scripture; Ruth is named in the line of Christ.
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Moabite widow of Chilion, son of Elimelech (Ruth 1:4-5)
- 2Kissed Naomi and returned to her people and her gods (1:14-15)
- 3Stands as contrast to Ruth's covenant resolve
Key KJV Scriptures
Why It Matters
Affection without commitment turns back at the border of sacrifice. Two daughters-in-law wept the same tears; only one crossed over.
Application for Today
Tears are not the test; clinging is. Count the cost and cleave to the LORD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Orpah sinful for going back?
Scripture does not condemn her — Naomi urged it. But the contrast with Ruth makes the point: where natural ties bend, covenant faith holds.
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