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:
What does Ruth 1:16 mean?
See Ruth's resolution, and her good affection to Naomi. Orpah was loth to part from her; yet she did not love her well enough to leave Moab for her sake.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Ruth 1:12-16 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 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:
Key words
- do not meet me
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do not meet me.
- do not meet me
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do not meet me.
Context in Ruth 1
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Ruth 1 belongs to the opening movement of the book, especially the section often described as famine, migration to Moab, and widowhood. Ruth is a short narrative of loss, loyal love, field gleaning, redemption, marriage, and the hidden providence that leads toward the house of David. Read this chapter with the wider themes of hesed, providence, and loyalty in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Glossary
- Ruth Person
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A friend, a Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, whose father, Elimelech, had settled in the land of Moab.
Who quoted Ruth 1:16?
Find out who used Ruth 1:16 in their speeches and writings. Which famous people quoted Ruth 1:16?
Quotes found on Wikiquote (match for «whither thou goest»):
Ecclesiastes · February 9 · Hawaii (1966 film) · Philosophical pessimism · Ruth (biblical figure) · The Special Relationship (film)