Ruth 1:18
What does Ruth 1:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 1:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 1:18 means
Seeing Ruth’s firm resolve, Naomi stops urging her to turn back. Silence here is acceptance. Naomi recognizes a devotion she cannot and should not resist. The verse is brief, but it marks a settled partnership: the two women will face the future together. Naomi’s suffering has not driven Ruth away; rather, Ruth’s faithfulness now stands beside Naomi’s lament. This quiet acknowledgment prepares us to watch what God will do with such steadfast love. The path ahead is still uncertain, yet they walk it no longer as persuader and the persuaded, but as companions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking unto her.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking unto her.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when she saw that Ruth was strong in her purpose to go with her she said no more.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And she seeth that she is strengthening herself to go with her, and she ceaseth to speak unto her;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then Noemi seeing that Ruth was steadfastly determined to go with her, would not be against it, nor persuade her any more to return to her friends:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking to her.
Context
This verse concludes the exchange begun in verse 8 and intensified in verses 11–17. With Naomi’s arguments ended, the narrative can move from decision to destination. Verse 19 will bring them to Bethlehem and reveal the community’s response, while verses 20–21 will give voice to Naomi’s interpretation of her sufferings.
v.17where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: Jehovah do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.
v.18This passage
v.19So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and the women said, Is this Naomi?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.
- Acts 21:14
And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
- Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
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