Ruth 1:10 (KJV)

What does Ruth 1:10 mean?

Ruth and Orpah tell Naomi that they intend to go with her to her people in Judah. Naomi has urged both widowed daughters-in-law to return to their mothers’ homes in Moab, but both initially insist on staying with her.

The key is “return.” The Hebrew שׁוּב (shuv) describes going back, but Judah is Naomi’s homeland, not theirs. Ruth and Orpah speak of joining Naomi’s return: “we will return with thee.” Their words make Naomi’s journey their shared intention.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 1:10

• “said” — אָמַר (amar): This is the ordinary Hebrew word for speaking or saying. Its form here identifies the speakers as feminine plural: both Ruth and Orpah give Naomi this answer. The statement is not yet Ruth’s separate pledge later in the chapter.

• “return” — שׁוּב (shuv): The form used means “we will return.” Here the women express their intention in response to Naomi’s request that they leave her. Both are saying what they plan to do.

• “people” — עַם (am): This word means a people or community, often a nation. “Thy people” points to Naomi’s own people in Judah, beyond her immediate household. Ruth and Orpah are proposing to leave their Moabite setting and accompany Naomi into her community.

Why Ruth 1:10 matters

• Both women initially choose to accompany Naomi. “They said” and “we will return” give Ruth and Orpah a shared response before their decisions later diverge.

• Their destination involves people, not merely a place. “Unto thy people” presents the journey as entering Naomi’s community, while still identifying that community as hers.