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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ruth 1:15 "Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ruth/1-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/08_Rut_01_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ruth 1:15 - Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Look, said Naomi, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ruth/1-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ruth/1-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ruth/">Ruth</a> > <a href="/ruth/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ruth/1-14.htm" title="Ruth 1:14">◄</a> Ruth 1:15 <a href="/ruth/1-16.htm" title="Ruth 1:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ruth/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ruth/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Look,&#8221 said Naomi, &#8220your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ruth/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ruth/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ruth/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ruth/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ruth/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ruth/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ruth/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then she said, &#8220Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ruth/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ruth/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has returned to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ruth/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; turn back <i>and</i> follow your sister-in-law.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ruth/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. Follow your sister-in-law.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ruth/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Naomi said, &#8220Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ruth/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god: return thou after thy sister-in-law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ruth/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Naomi then said to Ruth, "Look, your sister-in-law is going back to her people and to her gods! Why don't you go with her?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ruth/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god: return thou after thy sister in law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ruth/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Naomi said, "Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. Go back with your sister-in-law."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ruth/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So Naomi said to her, "Ruth, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Go back home with her." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ruth/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Naomi told Ruth, "Look, your sister-in-law has returned to her people and to her gods. Follow your sister-in-law!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ruth/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Look,? said Naomi, ?your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ruth/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Naomi said, "Look, your sister-in-law is returning to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law back home!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ruth/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />She said, "Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people, and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ruth/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law hath gone back to her people, and to her gods: return thou after thy sister-in-law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ruth/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />She said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ruth/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And she says, “Behold, your sister-in-law has turned back to her people, and to her god, turn back after your sister-in-law.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ruth/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And she saith, 'Lo, thy sister-in-law hath turned back unto her people, and unto her god, turn thou back after thy sister-in-law.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ruth/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And she will say, Behold, thy sister-in-law turned back to her people, and to her gods: turn thou back after thy sister-in-law.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ruth/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Noemi said to her: Behold thy kinswoman is returned to her people, and to her gods, go thou with her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ruth/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Naomi said to her, “See, your kinswoman returns to her people, and to her gods. Hurry after her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ruth/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“See now,” she said, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her god. Go back after your sister-in-law!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ruth/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ruth/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And her mother-in-law said to her, Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her kinsmen; return also after your sister-in-law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ruth/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And her mother in law said to her: “Behold, your sister in law returned to her people and to the house of her people. Return you also after your sister in law”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ruth/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And she said: 'Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god; return thou after thy sister-in-law.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ruth/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Noemin said to Ruth, Behold, thy sister-in-law has returned to her people and to her gods; turn now thou also after thy sister-in-law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ruth/1-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LT1nlCXT1mU?start=139" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ruth/1.htm">Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>Again they wept aloud, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said Naomi,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2994.htm" title="2994: yə·ḇim·têḵ (N-fsc:: 2fs) -- Sister-in-law. Feminine participle of yabam; a sister-in-law.">“your sister-in-law</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šā·ḇāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">has gone back</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·māh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">her people</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: wə·’el- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">her gods;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šū·ḇî (V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">follow</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">her back home.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/2994.htm" title="2994: yə·ḇim·têḵ (N-fsc:: 2fs) -- Sister-in-law. Feminine participle of yabam; a sister-in-law."></a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-14.htm">Genesis 31:14-16</a></span><br />And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house? / Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. / Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a></span><br />But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-4.htm">1 Kings 11:4</a></span><br />For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a></span><br />Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2</a></span><br />and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm">2 Kings 2:6</a></span><br />And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/45-10.htm">Psalm 45:10</a></span><br />Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a></span><br />Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-13.htm">Jeremiah 2:13</a></span><br />“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Matthew 10:37</a></span><br />Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Matthew 19:29</a></span><br />And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-57.htm">Luke 9:57-62</a></span><br />As they were walking along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow You wherever You go.” / Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” / Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-26.htm">Luke 14:26</a></span><br />“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-66.htm">John 6:66-69</a></span><br />From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. / So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” / Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And she said, Behold, your sister in law is gone back to her people, and to her gods: return you after your sister in law.</p><p class="hdg">gone back</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-3.htm">Psalm 36:3</a></b></br> The words of his mouth <i>are</i> iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, <i>and</i> to do good.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/125-5.htm">Psalm 125:5</a></b></br> As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: <i>but</i> peace <i>shall be</i> upon Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6</a></b></br> And them that are turned back from the LORD; and <i>those</i> that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.</p><p class="hdg">her gods</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/11-24.htm">Judges 11:24</a></b></br> Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.</p><p class="hdg">return</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15,19</a></b></br> And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that <i>were</i> on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">2 Samuel 15:19,20</a></b></br> Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou <i>art</i> a stranger, and also an exile… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">2 Kings 2:2</a></b></br> And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said <i>unto him, As</i> the LORD liveth, and <i>as</i> thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ruth/1-6.htm">Law</a> <a href="/ruth/1-11.htm">Naomi</a> <a href="/judges/15-2.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/ruth/1-12.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/judges/20-48.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ruth/1-22.htm">Law</a> <a href="/ruth/1-18.htm">Naomi</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-1.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/ruth/1-22.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Ruth 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-1.htm">Elimelech, driven by famine into Moab, dies there</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-4.htm">Mahlon and Chilion, having married wives of Moab, die also</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-6.htm">Naomi, returning homeward</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-8.htm">dissuades her two daughters-in-law from going with her</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-14.htm">Orpah leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanies her</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ruth/1-19.htm">The two come to Bethlehem, where they are gladly received</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ruth/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ruth/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ruth/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>"Look," said Naomi,</b><br>Naomi, whose name means "pleasant," is a central figure in the Book of Ruth. At this point in the narrative, she is addressing her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, after the death of her husband and sons. Naomi's use of "Look" indicates a moment of decision and urgency. This reflects the dire circumstances she faces and her concern for the well-being of her daughters-in-law. Naomi's character is one of wisdom and care, as she seeks what she believes is best for Ruth and Orpah.<p><b>"your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods;"</b><br>Orpah, Ruth's sister-in-law, decides to return to Moab, her homeland. This decision highlights the cultural and religious differences between Moab and Israel. Moabites worshiped gods like Chemosh, contrasting with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh in Israel. Orpah's return signifies a choice to remain within her cultural and religious identity. This moment underscores the theme of loyalty and faith, as Ruth will choose a different path. The mention of "gods" also sets the stage for Ruth's later declaration of faith in the God of Israel.<p><b>"follow her back home."</b><br>Naomi encourages Ruth to follow Orpah's example, suggesting that returning to Moab might offer security and familiarity. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of women seeking protection within their familial and cultural structures. Naomi's suggestion is practical, considering the vulnerability of widows in that era. However, Ruth's subsequent decision to stay with Naomi and embrace her people and God becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing her loyalty and foreshadowing her role in the lineage of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/naomi.htm">Naomi</a></b><br>A widow from Bethlehem who moved to Moab during a famine. She is the mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/ruth.htm">Ruth</a></b><br>A Moabite woman, widow of Naomi's son, who chooses to stay with Naomi despite her urging to return to her own people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/orpah.htm">Orpah</a></b><br>Ruth's sister-in-law, who decides to return to her people and gods in Moab after Naomi's urging.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>A region east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel, and known for its distinct culture and gods.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethlehem.htm">Bethlehem</a></b><br>Naomi's original home in Judah, to which she plans to return after the death of her husband and sons.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_commitment.htm">The Cost of Commitment</a></b><br>Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi despite the uncertainty and potential hardship demonstrates the cost of true commitment. In our lives, following God may require leaving behind familiar comforts and relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_familiarity.htm">Faith Over Familiarity</a></b><br>Ruth's choice to abandon her cultural and religious background for Naomi's God illustrates the importance of prioritizing faith over cultural ties. Believers are called to put their faith in God above all else.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/influence_of_relationships.htm">Influence of Relationships</a></b><br>Naomi's influence on Ruth shows the power of godly relationships. Our lives should reflect God's love and truth, encouraging others to seek Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_our_choices.htm">God's Sovereignty in Our Choices</a></b><br>Ruth's account is a testament to how God can use our decisions for His greater purpose. Trusting in God's plan, even when the path is unclear, is crucial for believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a></b><br>Naomi and Ruth's relationship highlights the importance of community and support in times of transition and hardship. Believers are encouraged to seek and provide support within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ruth_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ruth 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'precious_is_their_death'_mean.htm">What did Ruth mean by 'Wherever you go, I will go'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_the_book_of_ruth.htm">Are you with me?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_the_deity_chemosh.htm">Who was the deity Chemosh?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_sam_15_11_fit_god's_omniscience.htm">How does 1 Samuel 15:11, where God regrets making Saul king, align with the belief in God's omniscience?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ruth/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Naomi, now armed with a fresh argument, urges Ruth to follow her sister-in-law's example.<p><span class= "bld">Her gods.</span>--Naomi doubtless views the Moabite idols as realities, whose power is, however, confined to the land of Moab. She is not sufficiently enlightened in her religion to see in the Lord more than the God of Israel.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ruth/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back to her people, and to her gods: return thou after thy sister-in-law.</span> The expression that stands in King James's version thus, "and to her gods," is rendered by Dr. Cassel "<span class="accented">and</span> to her God." The same interpretation, it is noteworthy, is given in the Targum of Jonathan, who renders the expression, "and to her Fear" (<span class="hebrew">וּלְוַת דְּחַלְרָּהּ</span>). Such a translation assumes that the Moabites were not only theists, but monotheists. And yet in the mythology, or primitive theology, of Moab, we read both of Baal-Peor and of Chemosh. As to the former, see <a href="/numbers/25-8.htm">Numbers 25:8, 5</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-3.htm">Deuteronomy 4:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/106-28.htm">Psalm 106:28</a>; <a href="/hosea/9-10.htm">Hosea 9:10</a>. As to the latter, see <a href="/judges/11-24.htm">Judges 11:24</a>; <a href="/1_kings/11-7.htm">1 Kings 11:7, 33</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/48-7.htm">Jeremiah 48:7, 13</a>. In Numbers, moreover, 21:29, and in <a href="/jeremiah/48-46.htm">Jeremiah 48:46</a>, the Moabites are called the <span class="accented">people of Chemosh</span>, and frequently is their national god called Chemosh in the inscription of King Mesha on <span class="accented">the Moabitish Stone</span>, so recently discovered and deciphered. It is supposed, not without reason, that the two names belonged to one deity, Chemosh being the old native name. Nevertheless, the translation "to her god" is an interpretation, not a literal rendering, and, on the other hand, the translation "to her gods" would, on the hypothesis of the monotheism of the Moabites, be unidiomatic. The original expression, "to her Elohim," does not tell anything, and was not intended by Naomi to tell anything, or to hint anything, of a numerical character concerning the object or objects of the Moabitish worship. <span class="accented">It was an expression equally appropriate whether there was</span>, <span class="accented">or was not</span>, <span class="accented">a plurality of objects worshipped</span>. It might be liberally rendered, <span class="accented">and to her own forms of religious worship</span>. The word <span class="accented">elohim</span> was a survival of ancient polytheistic theology and worship, when a plurality of powers were held in awe. "<span class="accented">For</span>," says Fuller, "the heathen, supposing that the whole world, with all the creatures therein, was too great a diocese to be daily visited by one and the same deity, they therefore assigned sundry gods to several creatures." The time arrived, however, when the great idea flashed into the Hebrew mind, <span class="accented">The Powers are One</span> and hence the plural noun, with its subtended conception of unity, became construed with verbs and adjectives in the singular number. It was so construed when applied to the one living God; but it readily retained its original applicability to a plurality of deifies, and hence, in such a passage as the one before us, where there is neither adjective nor verb to indicate the number, the word is quite incapable of exact rendering into English. <span class="cmt_word">Orpah had returned to her people and her Elohim.</span> Return thou after thy sister-in-law. Are we then to suppose that Naomi desired Ruth to return to her Moabitish faith? Is it with a slight degree of criticism that she referred to Orpah's palinode? Would she desire that Ruth should, in this matter, follow in her sister-in-law's wake? We touch on tender topics. Not unlikely she had all along suspected or seen that Orpah would not have insuperable religious scruples. And not unlikely, too, she would herself be free from narrow religious bigotry, at least to the extent of dimly admitting that the true worship of the heart could reach the true God, even when offensive names, and forms, and symbolisms were present in the outer courts of the creed. Nevertheless, when she said to Ruth, "Return thou after thy sister-in-law," she no doubt was rather putting her daughter-in-law to a final test, and leading her to thorough self-sifting, than encouraging her to go back to her ancestral forms of worship. "God," says Fuller, "<span class="accented">wrestled</span> with Jacob with desire to be conquered; so Naomi no doubt opposed Ruth, hoping and wishing that she herself might be foiled." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ruth/1-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Look,”</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said Naomi,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֹּ֗אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“your sister-in-law</span><br /><span class="heb">יְבִמְתֵּ֔ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḇim·têḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2994.htm">Strong's 2994: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sister-in-law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has gone back</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֣בָה</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her people</span><br /><span class="heb">עַמָּ֖הּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘am·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her gods;</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֶ֑יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·he·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">follow</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֖וּבִי</span> <span class="translit">(šū·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[her] back home.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ruth/1-15.htm">Ruth 1:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ruth/1-15.htm">OT History: Ruth 1:15 She said Behold your sister-in-law is gone (Ru Rut.)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ruth/1-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ruth 1:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ruth 1:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ruth/1-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ruth 1:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ruth 1:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>