And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

RUTH 1:14KJV
Know the Bible

Ruth 1:14 (KJV)

What does Ruth 1:14 mean?

Ruth 1:14 describes a moment when Orpah and Ruth, two daughters-in-law, react emotionally as Naomi urges them to return to their own families. Orpah chooses to leave by kissing Naomi goodbye, but Ruth refuses to go and clings tightly to her.

In this scene, Naomi is urging both women to return to their homes after the death of their husbands. The verse highlights the different choices each woman makes: Orpah departs with affection, while Ruth’s decision to "cleave" to Naomi shows a deep, loyal attachment that sets the stage for Ruth’s continued journey with her mother-in-law.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 1:14

  • "Clave" is from the Hebrew דָּבַק (davaq), which means to cling, stick, or hold fast. This word often describes a strong, almost inseparable bond, suggesting Ruth’s commitment to Naomi is not casual but deeply rooted and determined.
  • "Kissed" comes from נָשַׁק (nashaq), meaning to kiss, often as a sign of affection or farewell. Orpah’s kiss is a tender gesture, but it also marks her departure, contrasting with Ruth’s choice to stay.

Why Ruth 1:14 matters

  • The verse draws a sharp contrast between Orpah’s and Ruth’s responses, making Ruth’s loyalty stand out even more in the story.
  • Ruth’s act of clinging to Naomi is a turning point, showing the depth of her commitment and setting up her important role in the rest of the book.
  • Understanding the strength of the word "clave" helps readers appreciate that Ruth’s decision was not just emotional but a deliberate and lasting choice.

Where else these words appear

“Orpah” Hebrew H6204 · used in 2 verses

  • Ruth 1:4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

“law” Hebrew H2545 · used in 10 verses

  • Ruth 2:11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
  • Ruth 2:23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.
  • Ruth 3:16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.

“Ruth” Hebrew H7327 · used in 12 verses

  • Ruth 1:4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.
  • Ruth 2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.
  • Ruth 3:9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.

“kissed” Hebrew H5401 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
  • Exodus 4:27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.