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:
RUTH 1:16KJVWhat does Ruth 1:16 mean?
Ruth 1:16 shows Ruth’s deep loyalty and commitment to Naomi, her mother-in-law, as Ruth insists on staying with Naomi and adopting her people and her God as her own. Ruth refuses to leave Naomi, promising to go wherever Naomi goes and to make Naomi’s life and faith her own.
In this verse, Ruth is speaking directly to Naomi, who has urged her to return to her own family and homeland after the deaths of their husbands. Ruth’s response is a declaration of personal devotion, not just to Naomi as a person, but also to Naomi’s community and faith. Ruth’s words mark a turning point, showing her willingness to leave behind her own background for a new identity with Naomi.
The Hebrew behind Ruth 1:16
- "Intreat" (פָּגַע, pāgaʿ) often means to urge or plead strongly. Ruth is asking Naomi not to press her to leave, showing the emotional intensity of the moment.
- "Leave" (עָזַב, ʿāzav) means to abandon or forsake. Ruth’s refusal to "leave" Naomi highlights the depth of her commitment.
- "People" (עַם, ʿam) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, ʾelohim) are both repeated in Ruth’s promise, stressing that she is not just following Naomi physically, but also embracing Naomi’s entire way of life and faith.
Why Ruth 1:16 matters
- Ruth’s words clear up any idea that she is following Naomi out of obligation; her choice is voluntary and wholehearted, emphasizing personal loyalty over social expectation.
- The verse highlights the central theme of belonging and identity in the book of Ruth, as Ruth chooses to join a new people and worship a new God.
- Ruth’s declaration sets the stage for the rest of the story, showing her as a model of faithfulness and laying the foundation for her important role in Israel’s history.