רוּת
Ruth, a Moabitess
Definition
Ruth is the name of a Moabite woman who becomes the central figure in the Book of Ruth. She is introduced as the daughter-in-law of Naomi (Ruth 1:4) and is known for her famous pledge of loyalty: 'Your people shall be my people, and your God my God' (Ruth 1:16). Her story progresses from a foreign widow to the wife of Boaz and, ultimately, the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17), making her a key figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). The name itself signifies 'friendship' or 'companion,' which perfectly encapsulates her devoted character.
Biblical Usage
The name Ruth is used exclusively in the Book of Ruth, appearing 12 times. It is used as a proper noun to identify the Moabite protagonist. The usage consistently highlights her relationships: as Naomi's daughter-in-law (Ruth 1:4), as a gleaner in Boaz's field (Ruth 2:2), and as the subject of conversation and blessing within the Bethlehem community (Ruth 2:11, Ruth 4:11-12).
Etymology
The name Ruth (רוּת) is likely derived from the root רְעוּת (reʿuth, H7468), meaning 'friendship,' 'companionship,' or 'association.' This connection is supported by its appearance in Ruth 2:13, where Ruth speaks of finding 'favor' (רְעוּת). The name thus semantically embodies the concepts of loyalty and close fellowship, which are central themes of her story.
Semantic Range
Ruth is profoundly significant theologically as a model of covenantal loyalty (hesed), faith, and divine providence. As a Gentile Moabitess who fully embraces the God of Israel, she demonstrates that God's redemptive plan extends beyond ethnic Israel. Her inclusion in the Davidic and Messianic lineage (Matthew 1:5) underscores God's grace and the universal scope of salvation. Understanding her Hebrew name, meaning 'friend,' deepens the appreciation of her role as a faithful companion in God's unfolding story of redemption.
As a Moabite woman, Ruth was from a people often in conflict with Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3). Her status as a foreign widow placed her at the bottom of the social and economic hierarchy, with no inherent rights. Her decision to glean in the fields (Ruth 2:2) was an act of survival for the destitute. The cultural shock of a Moabitess becoming an ancestor of Israel's king highlights the radical nature of her story, challenging ethnic exclusivity and showcasing the transformative power of loyalty and God's providence.
רְעוּת (reʿuth, H7468) — The root word meaning 'friendship' or 'companionship,' from which the name Ruth is likely derived. חֶסֶד (chesed, H2617) — 'Lovingkindness' or 'covenantal loyalty'; the primary virtue Ruth exemplifies in her actions toward Naomi and which Boaz shows to her.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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