profile.bible
Portrait of RuthPortrait · Ruth

Judges · Old Testament

Ruth

Loyal Moabite Who Chose Covenant Faith

Name meaning
Friendship or refreshment
Name origin
Hebrew: רוּת (Rut), commonly associated with "friendship"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Gleaner
  • Daughter-in-law
  • Wife and mother
Birthplace
Moab
Modern-day location
The ancient region of Moab, east of the Dead Sea in present-day Jordan.
Family
  • Daughter-in-law of Naomi
  • Widow of Mahlon
  • Wife of Boaz
  • Mother of Obed
  • Great-grandmother of David
First mention
Ruth 1:4
Last mention
Ruth 4:13-22; Matthew 1:5
Key artifacts
  • Barley sheaves
  • Threshing floor cloak
  • Bethlehem gate

Key verses

  • “thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:”

    Ruth 1:16

  • “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”

    Ruth 2:12

  • “Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman.”

    Ruth 4:14

Biography

Early Life

Ruth was a Moabite who married into Naomi's family. After her husband and Naomi's sons died, Ruth refused to leave Naomi.

Defining Biblical Moments

Ruth's vow - "thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" - led her to Bethlehem where she gleaned in Boaz's field, was protected and redeemed, and bore Obed, ancestor of David and Jesus.

Strengths

Ruth is portrayed as loyal, humble, hardworking and faithful across cultural boundaries.

Weaknesses & Lessons

The narrative presents her as exemplary; the focus is on how steadfast love (hesed) is honored.

Life Lessons for Today

Loyalty in small, costly choices and diligent work in ordinary places can become part of a larger redemptive story.

Ask about Ruth

Have a question about Ruth or the Bible passages around them? Ask our study helper.

Ask anything about Ruth — their story, the passages around them, or what their life means for yours.

This study helper uses AI to answer from the profile. Answers may be imperfect — check important details against Scripture.

Continue reading

Ruth appears in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #21 in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith

Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith front cover

Women whose courage shaped Scripture

Vivid profiles of the women of the Bible whose faith, wisdom, and quiet courage carried them through extraordinary moments.

Browse profiles

More characters