What does Ruth 1:4 mean?
"And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 1:4 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states, "And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." This verse comes from the book of Ruth, which is a beautiful story of loyalty, love, and faithfulness.
The book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges in Israel and tells the story of a woman named Ruth, a Moabite, who becomes the great-grandmother of King David. The verse is part of the background information for the story, providing important details about the characters and their relationships.
In the verse, it is mentioned that two men, Elimelech and his wife Naomi, took wives from Moab, a neighboring country to Israel. The wives were Orpah and Ruth, and they lived in Moab for about ten years. This sets the stage for the rest of the story, showing the connections between these characters and the events that will unfold.
One theme that is evident in this verse is the theme of marriage and family. It is significant that the women are identified by their relationship to their husbands, as it reflects the importance of marriage and family in this ancient society. Additionally, the fact that the women are from Moab is important, as it sets up the cultural and ethnic differences that will be explored throughout the story. The verse also introduces the characters of Orpah and Ruth, who will play crucial roles in the narrative as the story progresses.
Another theme that can be drawn from this verse is the theme of loyalty. The fact that Orpah and Ruth chose to marry men from a different culture and country shows their loyalty to their husbands and their willingness to adapt to a new way of life. This sense of loyalty will be further tested and explored as the story develops.
Furthermore, the verse hints at the theme of journey and transition. The fact that the characters dwelled in Moab for about ten years suggests that a significant amount of time has passed, and it foreshadows the journey that will take place as they return to Naomi's homeland of Israel. This journey will become a central part of the narrative, as it represents physical and spiritual transitions for the characters.
In addition to the themes, the verse can also be interpreted symbolically. The names of the characters, Orpah and Ruth, hold significant meaning. Orpah's name is thought to mean "gazelle," which carries connotations of grace and beauty. Ruth's name is thought to mean "friend" or "companion," reflecting her loyal and faithful nature. The names of the characters may serve as symbols for their personalities and roles in the story.
Overall, Ruth 1:4 sets the stage for the beautiful and moving narrative of the book of Ruth. It introduces important themes of marriage, family, loyalty, and journey, and sets the groundwork for the characters and events that will unfold. Through careful analysis and reflection, the verse provides valuable insight into the deeper meanings of the story and the significance of the characters and their relationships.
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Ruth 1:4 - "And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years."
"And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 4:13 - "¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
Ruth 4:18 - "¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 4:20 - "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,"
Ruth 4:21 - "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,"
Ruth 4:19 - "And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,"
Ruth 4:22 - "And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David."
Ruth 1:14 - "And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her."
Ruth 4:5 - "Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance."
ruth, the loyal daughter
Ruth 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
Ruth 1:22 - "So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest."
Ruth 4:10 - "Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day."
Ruth 4:1 - "Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down."
Ruth 4:8 - "Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe."
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
"¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," - Ruth 4:18
"And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David." - Ruth 4:22
"And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab," - Ruth 4:19
"And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," - Ruth 4:20
"And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed," - Ruth 4:21
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 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:"
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
"¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son." - Ruth 4:13
"And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her." - Ruth 1:14
Ruth 1:10 - "And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."