רוּת (rut)
rut
Ruth
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Ruth, or rooth, is a proper noun referring to the Moabite woman whose story anchors the biblical book bearing her name. It means "friendship" or "companion," a meaning that reflects her defining characteristic: loyal kindness toward her mother-in-law Naomi. This personal connection defines her identity more than her nationality or social status.
Scripture records her as the daughter-in-law of Naomi and later the wife of Boaz, with whom she had a son named Obed. She is also noted as the grandmother of King David, placing her directly in the royal lineage of Israel. The text introduces her in Ruth 1:4, marking the beginning of her journey from Moab to Bethlehem.
In the New Testament, the Greek form Rhouth appears in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5. Her inclusion highlights how God’s plan incorporates outsiders and those of foreign origin into the covenant community. The name itself serves as a lasting reminder that faithfulness creates bonds stronger than blood or borders.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ruth’s name means friend or companion, a title she earned through steadfast loyalty. When Naomi lost her husband and sons, Ruth chose to stay rather than return to Moab. Her decision was not based on convenience but on a deep commitment to love and support those she cared about. This choice transformed her life from one of loss into one of hope and new beginnings.
Her story shows that faithfulness often leads to unexpected blessings. By staying with Naomi, Ruth entered a community where she found favor with Boaz and eventually became part of King David’s lineage. Her journey reminds us that our choices to remain loyal and kind can shape not only our own lives but also the lives of future generations.
For anyone feeling uncertain about their path, Ruth’s example offers comfort. It is possible to move from a place of grief to one of grace through simple acts of love. Her life encourages us to trust that staying true to our values and relationships can lead to meaningful outcomes we might not have imagined.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ruth8×
- and/ Ruth2×
- [was] Ruth1×
- [am] Ruth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ר֣וּת5×
- רוּת֙2×
- ר֨וּת1×
- ר֜וּת1×
- ר֑וּת1×
- וְ/ר֨וּת1×
- וְ/ר֖וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 1:16
Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.
This verse captures Ruth’s pivotal decision to abandon her homeland and adopt Naomi’s people and God, defining her identity through loyalty rather than birth.
-
Ruth 2:2
Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me now go to the field, and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I find favor.” She said to her, “Go, my daughter.”
Here Ruth takes initiative to provide for Naomi by gleaning, demonstrating that her faithfulness is expressed through practical, humble service.
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Ruth 3:9
He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.”
Ruth identifies herself as Boaz’s servant and asks him to spread his garment over her, a culturally significant request for redemption and protection.
-
Ruth 4:13
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and he went in to her, and Yahweh enabled her to conceive, and she bore a son.
This verse marks the fulfillment of Ruth’s journey, showing how Yahweh enabled her to conceive, leading to the birth of Obed and securing her place in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ruth mean?
Why is Ruth significant in the Bible?
What is Ruth’s relationship to Naomi?
Where does Ruth appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 1 books)
Ruth 12 verses
They took for themselves wives of the women of Moab. The name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other was Ruth.…
Ruth 1:14They lifted up their voices and wept again; then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth stayed with her.
Ruth 1:16Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you…
Ruth 1:22So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who returned out of the country of Moab. They…
Ruth 2:2Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me now go to the field, and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose…
Ruth 2:8Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Don’t go to glean in another field, and don’t go from here, but stay here…
Ruth 2:21Ruth the Moabitess said, “Yes, he said to me, ‘You shall stay close to my young men until they have finished all my…
Ruth 2:22Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his maidens, and that they not…
Ruth 3:9He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your…
Ruth 4:5Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must buy it also from Ruth the Moabitess, the…
Ruth 4:10Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, I have purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead on…
Ruth 4:13So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and he went in to her, and Yahweh enabled her to conceive, and she bore a…