Ruth 1:15 (KJV)

What does Ruth 1:15 mean?

Ruth 1:15 shows Naomi urging Ruth to follow her sister-in-law Orpah, who has decided to return to her own people and gods in Moab. Naomi is giving Ruth the option to go back to her familiar life and beliefs, rather than staying with Naomi and facing an uncertain future in Israel.

In this verse, Naomi is speaking to Ruth after Orpah has left. Naomi points out that Orpah has chosen to return to her Moabite roots, both her community and her religious practices. Naomi’s words highlight the real choice Ruth faces: to go back to what is known and comfortable, or to continue with Naomi into a new land and faith.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 1:15

• "gods" (אֱלֹהִים, ʾelohim): This word is often used for God in the Hebrew Bible, but here it refers to the gods of Moab. Naomi is acknowledging that Orpah is returning not just to her people, but also to her old religious ways, making Ruth’s later choice to stay with Naomi even more significant.
• "return" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or return. Naomi uses it twice, emphasizing the act of going back to a previous way of life. The repetition underlines the seriousness of the decision Ruth must make.
• "after" (אַחַר, achar): This word means "after" or "following." Naomi is telling Ruth to follow Orpah’s example if she wishes, making it clear that Ruth is free to choose her own path.

Why Ruth 1:15 matters

• Ruth 1:15 sets up the dramatic contrast between Orpah’s choice to return and Ruth’s choice to stay, highlighting Ruth’s loyalty and the depth of her commitment in the next verses.
• The mention of returning to "her gods" shows that the decision is not just about family or homeland, but also about faith and identity.
• This verse helps the reader understand the cost and significance of Ruth’s decision, making her famous declaration of loyalty in the following verses even more powerful.