Ruth 1:15
What does Ruth 1:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 1:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 1:15 means
Naomi points out that Ruth’s sister-in-law has returned to her people and her god, urging Ruth to follow. Naomi is still seeking Ruth’s welfare as she understands it, steering her toward the familiar and socially sensible path. But the mention of “her god” exposes the deeper issue: to return is not only to go home; it is to re-embrace Moab’s worship. Naomi’s counsel thus sets the stark choice: people and God. Ruth’s reply will show that this is not merely about family affection; it is about allegiance to the God whom Naomi names, even in sorrow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god: return thou after thy sister-in-law.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god: return thou after thy sister-in-law.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Naomi said, See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods: go back after your sister-in-law.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And 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.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Noemi said to her: Behold thy kinswoman is returned to her people, and to her gods, go thou with her.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back to her people and to hergods: return after thy sister-in-law.
Context
After Orpah’s departure (verse 14), Naomi presses Ruth to do the same, framing Orpah’s choice as reasonable. This sharpens the spiritual dimension of the decision, paving the way for Ruth’s confession in verses 16–17. The contrast between returning to one’s god and embracing Jehovah is about to define Ruth’s identity and the path of the story.
v.14And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clave unto her.
v.15This passage
v.16And 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;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us.
- Psalms 125:5
But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Jehovah will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel.
- Psalms 36:3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: He hath ceased to be wise and to do good.
- Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.
- Joshua 24:19
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve Jehovah; for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgression nor your sins.
- Luke 24:28
And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go further.
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