Ruth 1:18 (KJV)

What does Ruth 1:18 mean?

Naomi realized that Ruth was firmly determined to accompany her, so Naomi stopped trying to persuade Ruth to return to Moab. “She left speaking unto her” means Naomi ended that attempt to turn Ruth back.

The key is “stedfastly minded.” The Hebrew אָמַץ (amats) expresses strength or firmness; its form here describes Ruth as firmly resolved. Naomi had urged Ruth to follow her sister-in-law back home, but Ruth’s reply in verses 16–17 showed that her decision was settled.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 1:18

• “saw” — רָאָה (ra’ah): This word can mean seeing with the eyes or recognizing something. Here Naomi recognized Ruth’s determination from what Ruth had said.

• “go” — יָלַךְ (yalakh): This means to go or walk. “To go with her” identifies Ruth’s firm intention: to accompany Naomi on the journey from Moab to Judah.

• “left” — חָדַל (chadal): This means to stop or cease. The KJV’s older wording “left speaking” means Naomi stopped speaking to Ruth in the way she had been doing—urging her to turn back.

• “speaking” — דָּבַר (davar): This means to speak. The word itself does not mean “argue” or “persuade”; the preceding conversation shows the purpose of Naomi’s speaking here.

Why Ruth 1:18 matters

• Naomi’s response follows her recognition of Ruth’s resolve. “When she saw” connects Naomi’s decision to stop with her realization that Ruth was firmly determined.

• The verse closes the effort to send Ruth home. Naomi had urged Ruth to return in verse 15; Ruth had declared her commitment in verses 16–17. Naomi now lets that answer stand.