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 1:16 KJV
About the Book of Ruth
Ruth is a short story set during the time of the judges. Naomi, an Israelite, loses her husband and two sons while living in Moab. She returns to Bethlehem with her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth, who refuses to leave her. Ruth gleans barley in the field of Boaz, a kind relative, and he eventually marries her and secures Naomi's family line. The closing genealogy shows that Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David. It is a quiet account of loyalty and ordinary kindness inside a violent era.
- Testament: Old Testament
- Genre: History / Narrative
- Chapters: 4
- Verses: 85
Who Wrote Ruth, and When?
Author: Anonymous; Jewish tradition suggests Samuel.
When it was written: Set in the time of the judges; probably written during or after the early monarchy.
Main Themes in Ruth
- Loyalty
- Redemption by a family guardian
- Welcome for a foreigner
A Key Verse: 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's promise to stay with Naomi is one of the most quoted statements of commitment in the Bible.
Reading Tip
The Hebrew word 'redeemer' for Boaz refers to a relative who protects family property and lineage; knowing that makes chapters 3-4 easier to follow. Use the randomizer above to land on a verse in Ruth, then press Show context to read the verses around it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters and verses are in Ruth?
Ruth has 4 chapters and 85 verses in the King James Version.
Who wrote Ruth?
Author: Anonymous; Jewish tradition suggests Samuel. When it was written: Set in the time of the judges; probably written during or after the early monarchy.
What is Ruth about?
Ruth is a short story set during the time of the judges. Naomi, an Israelite, loses her husband and two sons while living in Moab. She returns to Bethlehem with her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth, who refuses to leave her. Ruth gleans barley in the field of Boaz, a kind relative, and he eventually marries her and secures Naomi's family line. The closing genealogy shows that Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David. It is a quiet account of loyalty and ordinary kindness inside a violent era.
Can I get a random verse from only Ruth?
Yes. This page picks a random verse from Ruth only. Every one of its 85 verses has an equal chance.