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Ruth 1:15

Ruth 1:15 in Multiple Translations

“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home.”

And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people, and unto her god: return thou after thy sister-in-law.

And Naomi said, See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods: go back after your sister-in-law.

“Look, your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back home with her,” said Naomi.

And Naomi said, Beholde, thy sister in law is gone backe vnto her people and vnto her gods: returne thou after thy sister in lawe.

And she saith, 'Lo, thy sister-in-law hath turned back unto her people, and unto her god, turn thou back after thy sister-in-law.'

She said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.”

And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law hath gone back to her people, and to her gods: return thou after thy sister-in-law.

And Noemi said to her: Behold thy kinswoman is returned to her people, and to her gods, go thou with her.

Naomi said to her, “Look! Your sister-in-law is going back to her relatives and to her gods! Go back with her!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 1:15

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ruth 1:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר הִנֵּה֙ שָׁ֣בָה יְבִמְתֵּ֔/ךְ אֶל עַמָּ֖/הּ וְ/אֶל אֱלֹהֶ֑י/הָ שׁ֖וּבִי אַחֲרֵ֥י יְבִמְתֵּֽ/ךְ
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הִנֵּה֙ hinnêh H2009 behold Part
שָׁ֣בָה shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Perf-3fs
יְבִמְתֵּ֔/ךְ Yᵉbêmeth H2994 sister-in-law N-fs | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
עַמָּ֖/הּ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/הָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
שׁ֖וּבִי shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Impv-2fs
אַחֲרֵ֥י ʼachar H310 after Prep
יְבִמְתֵּֽ/ךְ Yᵉbêmeth H2994 sister-in-law N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 1:15

וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הִנֵּה֙ hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
שָׁ֣בָה shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
יְבִמְתֵּ֔/ךְ Yᵉbêmeth H2994 "sister-in-law" N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a sister-in-law, the wife of one's brother or the sister of one's spouse. It's used in the Bible to describe family relationships and roles.
Definition: sister-in-law, brother's wife, brother's widow
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: brother's wife, sister in law. See also: Deuteronomy 25:7; Deuteronomy 25:9; Ruth 1:15.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עַמָּ֖/הּ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/הָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
שׁ֖וּבִי shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אַחֲרֵ֥י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
יְבִמְתֵּֽ/ךְ Yᵉbêmeth H2994 "sister-in-law" N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a sister-in-law, the wife of one's brother or the sister of one's spouse. It's used in the Bible to describe family relationships and roles.
Definition: sister-in-law, brother's wife, brother's widow
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: brother's wife, sister in law. See also: Deuteronomy 25:7; Deuteronomy 25:9; Ruth 1:15.

Study Notes — Ruth 1:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 11:24 Do you not possess whatever your god Chemosh grants you? So also, we possess whatever the LORD our God has granted us.
2 Joshua 24:15 But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”
3 Zephaniah 1:6 and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”
4 2 Kings 2:2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
5 2 Samuel 15:19–20 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness. ”
6 Hebrews 10:38 But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”
7 Luke 14:26–33 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’ Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.
8 Joshua 24:19 But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your rebellion or your sins.
9 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.
10 Matthew 13:20–21 The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

Ruth 1:15 Summary

In this verse, Naomi is trying to persuade Ruth to go back to her own family and culture, because she wants what's best for Ruth. However, as we see in the next verse, Ruth has other plans. This verse shows us that sometimes, people will try to persuade us to do what they think is best, but we have to make our own decisions and follow our own hearts, like Ruth did (Romans 14:4, 1 Corinthians 7:39). We can learn from Naomi's selflessness and Ruth's determination to follow God, no matter what (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37-38).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Naomi encourage Ruth to follow Orpah back to her people?

Naomi encouraged Ruth to follow Orpah back to her people because she wanted to spare Ruth the difficulties of being a widow in a foreign land, as seen in Ruth 1:13, and also to allow her to return to her own gods and people, as mentioned in Ruth 1:15, similar to the way the Israelites were warned not to intermarry with other nations in Deuteronomy 7:3-4.

What can we learn from Naomi's actions in this verse?

We can learn from Naomi's actions that even in difficult circumstances, we should prioritize the well-being of others, as Naomi did when she encouraged Ruth to return to her people, and also consider the wisdom of allowing others to make their own decisions, as seen in Romans 14:4 and 1 Corinthians 7:39.

How does this verse relate to the concept of loyalty and commitment?

This verse sets the stage for Ruth's declaration of loyalty and commitment to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17, which reflects the kind of loyalty and commitment that God desires from His people, as expressed in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37-38.

What role does culture and family play in this verse?

In this verse, culture and family play a significant role, as Naomi recognizes the strong cultural and family ties that Ruth has with her own people, similar to the way that the Bible emphasizes the importance of family and community in passages like Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 3:15.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have been encouraged to return to my 'own people' or my comfort zone, and how did I respond?
  2. How can I, like Naomi, prioritize the well-being of others, even if it means making difficult decisions?
  3. What does it mean for me to commit to following God, even when it's hard, as Ruth did in the next verse?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate loyalty and commitment to those around me, just as Ruth demonstrated to Naomi?

Gill's Exposition on Ruth 1:15

And she said,.... That is, Naomi to Ruth, after Orpah was gone: behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods; meaning Orpah, who was the wife of her husband's brother, as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 1:15

And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 1:15

Unto her people, and unto her gods; which she saith, partly, to try Ruth’ s sincerity and constancy; partly, that by upbraiding Orpah with her idolatry she might consequently turn her from it; and partly, that she might intimate to her, that if she went with her, she must embrace the true God and religion.

Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 1:15

Rth 1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.Ver. 15. Behold, thy sister-in-law is gone back.] A great temptation to Ruth - - as it was likewise to the disciples, when many fell off; to the primitive Christians, when Hymenaeus and Philetus made defection; to Galeacius, when forsaken of all. And unto her gods.] Her devil gods, Baalpeor, Chemosh, Milchom, &c. In finita deorum lerna ad triginta millia Hesiodi tempore excreverat. The Chinese are said to have a hundred thousand.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 1:15

(15) Naomi, now armed with a fresh argument, urges Ruth to follow her sister-in-law’s example. Her gods.—Naomi doubtless views the Moabite idols as realities, whose power is, however, confined to the land of Moab. She is not sufficiently enlightened in her religion to see in the Lord more than the God of Israel.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 1:15

Verse 15. Gone back - unto her gods] They were probably both idolaters, their having been proselytes is an unfounded conjecture. Chemosh was the grand idol of the Moabites. The conversion of Ruth probably commenced at this time.

Cambridge Bible on Ruth 1:15

15. unto her people, and unto her god] i.e. Chemosh, the god of the Moabites, Numbers 21:29, 1 Kings 11:33. The ancient belief here receives its simplest expression: each land and people had its own Deity inseparably connected with it; outside lay the territory of another god. The Israelites, at any rate the popular religion in Israel, did not deny the divinity of the gods of the neighbouring lands, though for themselves Jehovah was the only God; cf. Judges 11:24, 1 Samuel 26:19. So when Orpah goes back to Moab she goes back to her native god; similarly, when Ruth determines to make her home in Judah, she declares her intention of adopting the religion of her new country, Rth 1:16. See Rth 1:8 n.

Sermons on Ruth 1:15

SermonDescription
Shane Idleman A Pain Free Life by Shane Idleman This sermon acknowledges the pain many mothers face and encourages them to find hope and strength in God. It emphasizes that a life without pain is not possible, but through pain,
Paul Washer Destroying Pop-Christian Views of Marital Bliss - Part 1 by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a man loving his wife as God loves her. He highlights how many great preachers and missionaries often neglect their wives,
Chuck Smith A Deadly Choice by Chuck Smith This sermon emphasizes the importance of making the right choice regarding Jesus Christ, highlighting the biblical theme of choosing between life and death. It explores the consequ
Paul Washer Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Romans, particularly chapters 1-11. He highlights how Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, condemns the entire human race through
Paul Washer The Authority of Christ by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dedicating one's life to serving God. He encourages young men to give their strength, days, youth, and beauty to God, rath
Carter Conlon An Open Door by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher shares a testimony of a person who sought God and experienced a miraculous transformation in their life. The preacher emphasizes the importance of bein
Mark Cahill Its Not Blind Faith by Mark Cahill In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of finding a young student who had committed suicide. This traumatic event led the speaker to question the lack of truth be

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