Bible character profile
Who Was Ruth in the Bible?
Ruth is a Moabite woman whose loyal love and faith become part of the family line leading to David.
Known For
- Loyalty to Naomi
- Gleaning in Boaz's field
- Redemption
- Line of David
Biblical Context
Ruth takes place in the days of the judges, but instead of national chaos it focuses on loyal love, ordinary faithfulness, and quiet providence.
Life and Story
Ruth experiences widowhood and loss, yet refuses to abandon Naomi. Her words in Ruth 1:16 show loyal commitment and a turn toward Naomi's people and God.
In Bethlehem, Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz. Boaz protects and blesses her, and the story quietly shows God's providence through ordinary kindness.
Boaz redeems the family line by marrying Ruth. Their child becomes part of the genealogy leading to David.
Key Relationships
- Daughter-in-law of Naomi
- Wife of Boaz
- Great-grandmother of David
- Moabite woman included in Israel's story
Why Ruth Matters
Ruth matters because her story shows loyal love, providence, redemption, and the surprising inclusion of a Moabite woman in Israel's royal line.
Study Notes
- Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is one of Scripture's strongest pictures of covenant-like love.
- Boaz acts as redeemer, restoring hope to Naomi's family.
- Ruth's inclusion in David's line widens the reader's view of grace.
Key KJV Verses
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:”
Read Ruth 1Ruth 2:12
“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.”
Read Ruth 2Ruth 4:17
“And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
Read Ruth 4Questions about Ruth
Why is Ruth important in the Bible?
Ruth is important because her loyal love and redemption story become part of the family line leading to King David.
Where is Ruth in the Bible?
Ruth is its own Old Testament book after Judges.
