Ruth 1:16

Ruth 1:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

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:

American Standard Version ASV

And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and 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;

Bible in Basic English BBE

But Ruth said, Give up requesting me to go away from you, or to go back without you: for where you go I will go; and where you take your rest I will take my rest; your people will be my people, and your God my God.

Free Bible Version FBV

But Ruth replied, “Please don't keep on telling me to leave you and go back. Where you go, I will go. Where you live, I will live. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Ruth answered, Intreate mee not to leaue thee, nor to depart from thee: for whither thou goest, I will goe: and where thou dwellest, I will dwell: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Ruth saith, 'Urge me not to leave thee — to turn back from after thee; for whither thou goest I go, and where thou lodgest I lodge; thy people [is] my people, and thy God my God.

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following 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:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

She answered: Be not against me, to desire that I should leave thee and depart: for whithersoever thou shalt go, I will go: and where thou shalt dwell, I also will dwell. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Ruth replied, “No! Don’t urge me to leave you! I want to go with you. Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your relatives will be my relatives, and the God you worship will be the God I worship.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 1:16

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ruth 1:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר רוּת֙ אַל תִּפְגְּעִי בִ֔/י לְ/עָזְבֵ֖/ךְ לָ/שׁ֣וּב מֵ/אַחֲרָ֑יִ/ךְ כִּ֠י אֶל אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֵּלְכִ֜י אֵלֵ֗ךְ וּ/בַ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר תָּלִ֨ינִי֙ אָלִ֔ין עַמֵּ֣/ךְ עַמִּ֔/י וֵ/אלֹהַ֖יִ/ךְ אֱלֹהָֽ/י

וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

רוּת֙ Rûwth H7327 Ruth N-proper

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תִּפְגְּעִי pâgaʻ H6293 to fall on V-Qal-Juss-2fs

בִ֔/י Prep | Suff

לְ/עָזְבֵ֖/ךְ ʻâzab H5800 Forsaken Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

לָ/שׁ֣וּב shûwb H7725 to return Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מֵ/אַחֲרָ֑יִ/ךְ ʼachar H310 after Prep | Prep | Suff

כִּ֠י kîy H3588 for Conj

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

תֵּלְכִ֜י yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

אֵלֵ֗ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

וּ/בַ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Conj | Prep | Rel

תָּלִ֨ינִי֙ lûwn H3885 to lodge V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

אָלִ֔ין lûwn H3885 to lodge V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

עַמֵּ֣/ךְ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

עַמִּ֔/י ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

וֵ/אלֹהַ֖יִ/ךְ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Conj | N-mp | Suff

אֱלֹהָֽ/י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 1:16

וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

רוּת֙ Rûwth H7327 "Ruth" N-proper

Ruth, a Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family and became part of the royal lineage, as described in the book of Ruth. She was the grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 1:5.

Definition: A woman of the Moabites living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.4; married to Mahlon (H4248) and Boaz (H1162); mother of: Obed (H5744) Also named: Rhouth (Ῥούθ "Ruth" G4503) § Ruth = "friendship" daughter-in-law of Naomi, wife of Boaz, and grandmother of David

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Ruth. See also: Ruth 1:4; Ruth 2:21; Ruth 4:13.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תִּפְגְּעִי pâgaʻ H6293 "to fall on" V-Qal-Juss-2fs

To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.

Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.

בִ֔/י "" Prep | Suff

לְ/עָזְבֵ֖/ךְ ʻâzab H5800 "Forsaken" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.

Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.

לָ/שׁ֣וּב shûwb H7725 "to return" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

מֵ/אַחֲרָ֑יִ/ךְ ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Prep | Suff

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

כִּ֠י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

תֵּלְכִ֜י yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

אֵלֵ֗ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

וּ/בַ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Conj | Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

תָּלִ֨ינִי֙ lûwn H3885 "to lodge" V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.

Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide

Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.

אָלִ֔ין lûwn H3885 "to lodge" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.

עַמֵּ֣/ךְ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

עַמִּ֔/י ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

וֵ/אלֹהַ֖יִ/ךְ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Conj | N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

אֱלֹהָֽ/י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Ruth 1:16

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Context
Cross References
Ruth 1:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:16
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 1:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 1:16
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 1:16
Sermons on Ruth 1:16

Context — Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi

14Again they wept aloud, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. 15“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home.”

16But 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.

17Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” 18When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to persuade her.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 15:21	But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!”
2	Ruth 2:11–12	Boaz replied, “I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth, and how you came to a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.”
3	2 Kings 2:2–6	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. Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.” And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.” 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.
4	Psalms 45:10	Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house,
5	Matthew 8:19	And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”
6	John 13:37	“Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.”
7	Acts 21:13	Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
8	Isaiah 14:1	For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob.
9	1 Thessalonians 1:9	For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God
10	2 Corinthians 6:16–18	What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Ruth 1:16 Summary

[Ruth 1:16 shows us that Ruth was deeply committed to Naomi and to the God of Israel, and she was willing to leave behind her old life to follow them. This verse means that Ruth is choosing to identify with Naomi's people and her God, and to make them her own, just like we are called to follow Jesus and make Him our Lord, as seen in Luke 9:23. In simple terms, Ruth is saying 'I'm all in, no matter what', and this kind of commitment and loyalty is something we can all learn from, as described in Romans 12:1-2.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivated Ruth to make such a strong commitment to Naomi?

Ruth's motivation stemmed from her love and loyalty to Naomi, as well as her desire to follow the one true God, as seen in her statement 'your God will be my God' (Ruth 1:16), similar to the covenant loyalty described in Deuteronomy 6:5.

Was Ruth's decision to follow Naomi a hasty or impulsive one?

Ruth's decision was not impulsive, as she had already seen the kindness of Naomi and the God of Israel, and was making a deliberate choice to leave her old life behind, as described in Ruth 1:14-17, and echoed in the call to follow God in Matthew 16:24-25.

What does Ruth's statement 'your people will be my people' mean?

Ruth's statement indicates her willingness to identify with Naomi's people, the Israelites, and to take on their customs, traditions, and faith, as seen in her adoption of the Israelite God, similar to the Gentiles' inclusion in God's people in Ephesians 2:11-22.

How does Ruth's commitment to Naomi reflect her character?

Ruth's commitment to Naomi reflects her selfless, loyal, and courageous character, as she is willing to leave behind her own family and nation to care for her mother-in-law, demonstrating a Christ-like love and devotion, as described in John 15:13.

Reflection Questions

What would it mean for me to make a similar commitment to follow God, no matter the cost, as Ruth did?
How can I demonstrate loyalty and love to those around me, just as Ruth did to Naomi?
What are some ways I can practically apply Ruth's statement 'your God will be my God' in my own life?
In what ways can I, like Ruth, show courage and determination in the face of uncertainty or adversity?

Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:16

And Ruth said, entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee,.... Do not make use of any arguments to persuade me to go back: or "do not meet me", or "be against me" (h); do

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:16

And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:16

I renounce those idols which my sister hath returned to, and I wilt worship no other God but thine, who is indeed the only true God.

Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:16

Rth 1:16 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:Ver. 16. Intreat me not.] Or, Be not troublesome to me by thy dissuasions; hinder me not from bearing thee company. She was unchangeably resolved. So was that martyr who said, The heavens shall sooner fall, than I will forsake my profession. I will follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth. The hop in its growing windeth itself about the pole, and always followeth the course of the sun from east to west, so that it can by no means be drawn to the contrary, but chooseth rather to break than yield. John Ardely.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 1:16

(16) Intreat me not.—Ruth’s nobleness is proof against all. The intensity of her feeling comes out all the more strongly now that she pleads alone: “I will undertake with thee the toilsome journey, I will lodge with thee however hardly, I will venture among a strange people, and will worship a new god.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 1:16

Verse 16. And Ruth said] A more perfect surrender was never made of friendly feelings to a friend: I will not leave thee - I will follow thee: I will lodge where thou lodgest - take the same fare with which thou meetest; thy people shall be my people - I most cheerfully abandon my own country, and determine to end my days in thine. I will also henceforth have no god but thy God, and be joined with thee in worship, as I am in affection and consanguinity. I will cleave unto thee even unto death; die where thou diest; and be buried, if possible, in the same grave. This was a most extraordinary attachment, and evidently without any secular motive. The Targum adds several things to this conversation between Naomi and Ruth. I shall subjoin them: "And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee," for I desire to become a proselyte. And Naomi said, We are commanded to keep the Sabbath and other holy days; and on it not to travel more than two thousand cubits. And Ruth said, "Whither thou goest, I will go." And Naomi said, We are commanded not to lodge with the Gentiles. Ruth answered, "Where thou lodgest, I will lodge." And Naomi said, We are commanded to observe the one hundred and thirteen precepts. Ruth answered, What thy people observe, that will I observe; as if they had been my people of old. And Naomi said, We are commanded not to worship with any strange worship. Ruth answered, "Thy God shall be my God." Naomi said, We have four kinds of capital punishment for criminals; stoning, burning, beheading, and hanging. Ruth answered, "In whatsoever manner thou diest, I will die." Naomi said, We have a house of burial. Ruth answered, "And there will I be buried." It is very likely that some such conversation as this took place between the elders and those who were becoming proselytes. This verse is famous among those who strive to divine by the Bible. I should relate the particulars, but am afraid they might lead to a continuance of the practice. In my youth I have seen it done, and was then terrified.

Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 1:16

16. Entreat me not to leave thee — Nothing in all the range of literature can surpass the beauty and tenderness of Ruth’s reply to Naomi, contained in this and the following verse.

Sermons on Ruth 1:16

	Sermon	Description
	Ruth by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the relationship between the Church and Israel from the perspective of the bride. He emphasizes the importance of the Church being a woman of
	The Book of Ruth #3 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Ruth and the importance of faith. He highlights how Ruth's faith led to immense blessings in her life, including being in the di
	The Lordship of Christ by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of making a total commitment to God. He references the story of Ruth from the book of Ruth in the Bible. The preacher highlig
	(The Book of Ruth) 4. Boaz and the Nearer Kinsman by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus' blood to redeem and transform our lives. He emphasizes that Jesus can make something beautiful out of our brokenness and
	Writings by William MacDonald	The video is a sermon on the preaching of the word of God. It emphasizes the importance of using short sentences and words, varying sentence patterns, and incorporating human inter
	Drop Your Sack by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker challenges believers to examine their lives and the evidence they present as members of the bride of Christ. He questions whether their lives reflect th
	Cmml Missions Conference 1993-02 Committment to Christ by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of total commitment to God. He shares the story of a young woman who held up a blank sheet of paper, signing her name at the b