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RUTH
Ruth was a Moabite woman whose story is one of the greatest examples of loyalty and faith in the Bible. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and follow the God of Israel. Her kindness, humility, and unwavering devotion led her to Boaz, whom she later married. Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Her story reminds us that God can bring beauty from loss and that faithfulness often leads to blessings beyond what we can imagine.
Quick Facts
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Found In
Book of Ruth, Matthew 1, Luke 3
Meaning of Her Name
*Unknown
Known For
Her loyalty to Naomi, her marriage to Boaz, and becoming part of Jesus' family line
Family
Husband: Mahlon (first husband)
Husband: Boaz
Mother-in-law: Naomi
Son: Obed
Grandson: Jesse
Great-grandson: King David
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Life Lesson
Ruth's story reminds us that faithfulness in everyday decisions can lead to extraordinary blessings. She chose love, loyalty, and obedience even when the future was uncertain, and God used her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Did You Know?
• Ruth was not an Israelite. She was a Moabite who chose to follow the God of Israel.
• Ruth is one of only five women specifically named in Jesus' genealogy. (Matthew 1)
• The Book of Ruth is one of only two books of the Bible named after a woman. (The other is Esther.)
• Ruth gathered leftover grain behind the harvesters, a practice God had provided to care for the poor. (Ruth 2; Leviticus 19:9–10)
• Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ruth in the Bible?
Ruth was a Moabite woman who chose to leave her homeland and follow Naomi and the God of Israel. Her faithfulness led her to become the wife of Boaz and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Scripture (KJV)
Ruth 1:16–17
"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go... thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."
Why is Ruth important?
Ruth's story demonstrates extraordinary loyalty, humility, and faith. God used her life to continue the family line that eventually led to King David and Jesus Christ.
Scripture (KJV)
Matthew 1:5
"And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse."
Who was Boaz?
Boaz was a wealthy and Godly man who showed kindness to Ruth. As a close relative of Naomi's family, he became Ruth's kinsman-redeemer and later married her.
Scripture (KJV)
Ruth 2:8
"Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field..."
What is a kinsman-redeemer?
A kinsman-redeemer was a close relative who could help protect a family's inheritance and care for relatives in need. Boaz fulfilled this role by redeeming Naomi's family property and marrying Ruth.
Scripture (KJV)
Ruth 4:9–10
"And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.
Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife..."
Why did Ruth stay with Naomi?
After both of their husbands died, Naomi encouraged Ruth to return to her own people. Instead, Ruth chose to remain with Naomi, care for her, and follow the God of Israel. Her commitment is one of the most beautiful examples of loyalty in the Bible
Scripture (KJV)
Ruth 1:16–17
"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:
Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."
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