Ruth 1:14 Meaning Explained

Ruth 1:14

Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The text subtly highlights the profound difference between a loving goodbye and an unbreakable commitment. While Orpah's kiss is a tender gesture of affection and farewell, Ruth's "clinging" uses a word associated with the very bond of marriage, signifying a complete and unyielding devotion that transcends familial ties and homeland.

What Ruth 1:14 means

Naomi has urged her daughters-in-law to return to their Moabite homes after their husbands have died, but they are overcome with grief and initially refuse to leave her. While Orpah eventually embraces Naomi in a tearful goodbye and heads back, Ruth, showing fierce loyalty and a profound decision, clings to Naomi, declaring she will not leave her side. This marks a pivotal moment where Ruth chooses to leave her homeland and embrace Naomi's God and people, setting the stage for their future journey together.

The Kiss of Departure vs. The Embrace of Commitment

Weeping, goodbyes, and a kiss. At first glance, Orpah and Ruth's reactions seem similar. But the text reveals a profound difference in their choices.

The verse paints a vivid picture of two distinct farewells:

Orpah's Kiss:

Orpah kisses her mother-in-law, a traditional gesture of parting. The original languages and commentaries suggest this was a final kiss, a true goodbye.
Her tears and kiss show affection, but she ultimately turns back to her own people and her familiar life in Moab. Her love for Naomi, while real, wasn't enough to overcome the challenges of relocating.

Ruth's Clinging:

Ruth doesn't just kiss; she clings. This word suggests an inseparable, determined attachment – not just physical, but emotional and spiritual.
It signifies a radical decision to leave behind everything she knows – her home, her culture, her gods – to stay with Naomi and, by extension, Naomi's God.

Counting the Cost of a New Path

Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return home. Why? Because following her meant leaving everything familiar behind. This wasn't just a trip; it was a life-altering decision.

Naomi's counsel wasn't intended to be harsh; it was a loving, realistic assessment of what following her entailed:

The Realities of Moab:

Orpah represents those who have genuine affection but choose the path of least resistance. She values her connection with Naomi but prioritizes the known comforts and security of her homeland.
Her decision highlights that love alone isn't always sufficient when faced with significant sacrifice. Returning to Moab meant returning to her family, her gods, and her culture.

Ruth's Deliberate Choice:

Understand the original words

Original language

clungדָּבַק

dabaq · Hebrew Verb

To adhere closely, stick to, or cleave to someone or something. It implies an act of deep commitment, loyalty, and unwavering devotion, often used to describe the relationship between God and His people or between covenant partners.

Historical context

Written: Likely composed during the period of the Judges, around 1350-1050 BC.
Author: Traditionally, the prophet Samuel is credited with writing the book of Ruth, though its actual authorship is uncertain.
Location: The narrative is set in the land of Moab and later Bethlehem in Judah.
Genre: Narrative, characterized by its focus on interpersonal relationships and a detailed, engaging plot.

Historical background

The profound decision of Ruth to remain with Naomi, despite the immense personal cost and cultural barriers, is highlighted against the backdrop of ordinary human affections and customs of the time. Orpah's embrace signifies a culturally appropriate farewell, while Ruth's clinging demonstrates a radical commitment beyond typical familial ties.

c. 1100 BC
Israelite Settlement in Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt and wanderings, the tribes of Israel began to settle and establish themselves in the land of Canaan. This period marked the formation of a distinct Israelite identity and society.
c. 1100-1000 BC
Period of the Judges
This era was characterized by a decentralized tribal society, with charismatic leaders called Judges emerging to deliver Israel from oppression. It was a time of both spiritual faithfulness and significant apostasy.
Date Unknown, during Judges or early Monarchy— this verse
Famine in Bethlehem
A severe famine struck the land of Judah, forcing many Israelites, including Elimelech and Naomi, to seek sustenance in the neighboring land of Moab. This displacement set the stage for the events in the book of Ruth.
Date Unknown, shortly after famine began
Death of Elimelech and Sons

Key themes

01Loyalty over belonging
02Love's decisive action
03Embracing the difficult path
04Sorrowful separation, steadfast bond

Cross-references

Genesis 31:28

This passage describes Jacob and Laban parting with a kiss, illustrating the custom of a farewell kiss that Orpah offered Naomi, showing a traditional sign of affection even in separation.

Joshua 23:8

Joshua exhorts the Israelites to 'cleave unto the Lord,' echoing the powerful imagery of Ruth 'clinging' to Naomi, highlighting a deep, committed loyalty that goes beyond ordinary relationships.

Matthew 10:37

Jesus states that anyone who loves father or mother more than Him is not worthy of Him, which resonates with the difficult choice faced by Orpah and Ruth, where loyalty to family conflicted with a call to a new path.

Proverbs 18:24

The proverb 'There are friends who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother' powerfully underscores Ruth's unwavering devotion to Naomi, portraying a bond stronger than familial ties.

John 15:13

Jesus' declaration that 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends' sets a high standard for love and sacrifice, a standard that Ruth's actions toward Naomi begin to embody.

Scholarly commentary

Ruth 1:6-14: "Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread."

1:6-14 Naomi began to think of returning, after the death of her two sons. When death comes into a family, it ought to reform what is amiss there. Earth is made bitter to us, that heaven may be made dear. Naomi seems to have been a person of faith and piety. She dismissed her daughters-in-…
henry

Ruth 1:14: "And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her."

And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law - The Septuagint add, Και επεστρεψεν εις τον λαον αυτης, And returned to her own people. The Vulgate, Syrian, and Arabic, are to the same purpose.
clarke

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What Ruth 1:14 means

Historical context

Written: Likely composed during the period of the Judges, around 1350-1050 BC.
Author: Traditionally, the prophet Samuel is credited with writing the book of Ruth, though its actual authorship is uncertain.
Location: The narrative is set in the land of Moab and later Bethlehem in Judah.
Genre: Narrative, characterized by its focus on interpersonal relationships and a detailed, engaging plot.

Historical background

c. 1100 BC

Israelite Settlement in Canaan

Following their exodus from Egypt and wanderings, the tribes of Israel began to settle and establish themselves in the land of Canaan. This period marked the formation of a distinct Israelite identity and society.

c. 1100-1000 BC

Period of the Judges

This era was characterized by a decentralized tribal society, with charismatic leaders called Judges emerging to deliver Israel from oppression. It was a time of both spiritual faithfulness and significant apostasy.

Date Unknown, during Judges or early Monarchy— this verse

Famine in Bethlehem

A severe famine struck the land of Judah, forcing many Israelites, including Elimelech and Naomi, to seek sustenance in the neighboring land of Moab. This displacement set the stage for the events in the book of Ruth.

Date Unknown, shortly after famine began

Death of Elimelech and Sons