Ruth 1:14 kjv

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

Ruth 1:14 nkjv

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

Ruth 1:14 niv

At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

Ruth 1:14 esv

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

Ruth 1:14 nlt

And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi.

Ruth 1 verses

Ruth 1 14 Meaning

Ruth 1:14 describes a poignant moment of decision as Naomi's two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, face a crossroads. After Naomi urged them to return to their own people, they express deep sorrow, lifting their voices in renewed weeping. This emotional climax leads to divergent choices: Orpah sorrowfully kisses Naomi goodbye and returns to Moab, while Ruth demonstrates profound loyalty by refusing to leave, choosing instead to cling to her mother-in-law. This verse marks the pivotal distinction between the two women and sets the stage for Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi and to the God of Israel.

Ruth 1 14 Context

Ruth 1:14 is the pivotal turning point in the prologue of the book of Ruth. Following the deaths of Naomi's husband and two sons in Moab, she decides to return to Judah. In the preceding verses (Ruth 1:8-13), Naomi earnestly implores her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to return to their Moabite families, emphasizing her inability to provide for their future in Israel. She speaks with great bitterness about the Lord's hand being against her, projecting a hopeless outlook. Initially, all three women weep at the prospect of parting (Ruth 1:9). However, Naomi's insistence, driven by her personal grief and theological understanding that she has no more sons to marry them (a custom of levirate marriage or kinsman-redeemer), presses the issue to a final decision point. This renewed, intensified weeping in verse 14 signals the profound emotional weight of their choice, leading to the divergence of their paths, which is central to the narrative.

Ruth 1 14 Word analysis

• Then they lifted up their voices and wept (וַתִּשֶּֽׂאינָה֙ קוֹלָן֙ וַתִּבְכֶּ֣ינָה, va-tissei-na qolan va-tivkena):

  • וַתִּשֶּֽׂאינָה֙ (va-tissei-na): From the verb נשׂא (nasa’), meaning "to lift," "to bear," or "to carry." Here, in a reflexive sense, they "lifted up" their voices, indicating a public and unrestrained outburst.
  • קוֹלָן֙ (qolan): "Their voices." Emphasizes the audible, powerful nature of their distress.
  • וַתִּבְכֶּ֣ינָה (va-tivkena): From the verb בכה (bakhah), "to weep," "to cry." Denotes deep sorrow and grief.
  • Significance: This phrase describes an intense emotional release, typical of ancient Near Eastern expressions of mourning or despair. It's a second occurrence of weeping in the narrative (cf. Ruth 1:9), indicating a renewed and deeper emotional anguish as the final separation seems imminent. The repetition highlights the weight of the decision.

• again (עוֹד֙, ‘od):

  • Significance: This adverb means "again," "still," or "more." It signifies a continuation or repetition of a previous action. Here, it underlines that their initial weeping was not the end, but they broke down emotionally once more, reflecting the difficulty of their decision and Naomi's persistent refusal to allow them to accompany her. It deepens the pathos.

• And Orpah (וְעָרְפָּ֔ה, ve-‘orfah):

  • Significance: Orpah's name is phonetically similar to a Hebrew word for "neck" (ערף, ‘oreph), which can be associated with turning one's back. While perhaps coincidental, her action of turning back to Moab contrasts starkly with Ruth's forward movement. The "And" connects her action to the preceding weeping but foreshadows the contrasting choice.

• kissed her mother-in-law (נָֽשְׁקָה֙ חֲמוֹתָ֔הּ, nashqah chamotah):

  • נָֽשְׁקָה֙ (nashqah): From the verb נשק (nashaq), "to kiss."
  • Significance: A kiss in this context is a traditional sign of affection, respect, and, crucially, farewell or departure. Orpah's kiss is her definitive act of severance, acknowledging the finality of her decision to return home. It's a culturally appropriate and loving gesture of leaving.

• but Ruth (וְרוּת֙, ve-rut):

  • Significance: The Hebrew simply has "And Ruth," but the conjunction waw (וְ) often implies contrast when juxtaposing two distinct actions or subjects. The literary juxtaposition vividly highlights the diverging paths of the two women. Ruth, whose name possibly means "companion" or "friend," embodies her namesake in her actions.

• clung to her (דָּבְקָה־בָּֽהּ, dabaqah-bah):

  • דָּבְקָה־ (dabaqah): From the verb דבק (dabaq), "to cleave," "to stick fast," "to hold tight," "to be joined to." This is a profoundly significant theological term.
  • Significance: Unlike Orpah's kiss of departure, Ruth's action is one of adherence and steadfast commitment. This verb dabaq is used in other parts of the Old Testament to describe profound loyalties: a man clinging to his wife (Gen 2:24), Israel clinging to the Lord (Deut 4:4, Josh 23:8), and even a soul clinging to God (Ps 63:8). Ruth's choice to "cling" to Naomi is not merely emotional attachment but a deliberate act of loyalty, covenant-like fidelity, and an embrace of Naomi’s people and God, signifying her unwavering dedication even in the face of despair and uncertainty.

• Words-group Analysis: "they lifted up their voices and wept again... but Ruth clung to her"

  • This phrase illustrates a dramatic literary technique of contrast. The repeated weeping establishes the high emotional stakes, while the differing responses of Orpah and Ruth create a clear moral and theological distinction. Orpah makes a rational, understandable, and socially acceptable decision based on family and security, representing the Moabite way. Ruth's action, in contrast, transcends worldly logic, demonstrating an uncommon loyalty that foreshadows her embracing of Yahweh and Israel, setting her apart as a central figure in God's redemptive plan.

Ruth 1 14 Bonus section

The concept of dabaq (clinging) found in Ruth 1:14 is a significant theme within the biblical narrative. It moves beyond simple emotional attachment to signify a deliberate, unshakeable covenantal bond. Ruth's dabaq to Naomi mirrors the theological call for Israel to dabaq to the Lord. Her actions establish a prime example of steadfast faith and loyalty that echoes throughout the Old and New Testaments as a model for devotion, both in human relationships and in one's commitment to God. Ruth's choice here highlights that faith can often involve abandoning what is comfortable or familiar and embracing an unknown future rooted in faithful allegiance.

Ruth 1 14 Commentary

Ruth 1:14 is a hinge moment in the narrative, powerfully depicting the contrasting choices that emerge from deep emotional anguish. The renewed weeping signifies the depth of sorrow and the difficulty of the impending separation. Orpah's kiss, while affectionate and respectful, symbolizes a culturally appropriate departure and return to her Moabite roots and gods. Her choice is entirely understandable from a human perspective; she seeks security within her own people. Ruth's decision to "cling" (דָּבַק, dabaq) is a radical act of unwavering commitment. This word, imbued with covenantal and relational depth throughout Scripture, indicates more than mere affection; it implies resolute faithfulness, solidarity, and an adoption of Naomi’s destiny, which ultimately means embracing the God and people of Israel. Her choice demonstrates exceptional selflessness, transforming sorrow into a decision that profoundly impacts not only her life but also the redemptive history of Israel, leading directly to her inclusion in the lineage of Christ.