Ruth 1:18 kjv

When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

Ruth 1:18 nkjv

When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.

Ruth 1:18 niv

When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

Ruth 1:18 esv

And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

Ruth 1:18 nlt

When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.

Ruth 1 verses

Ruth 1 18 Meaning

This verse signifies a pivotal moment where Naomi, having observed Ruth's unwavering and deliberate resolve to accompany her, ceased all attempts to persuade her to return to Moab. It indicates Naomi's acknowledgment and acceptance of Ruth's profound commitment.

Ruth 1 18 Context

This verse is set after Naomi's desperate attempts to send her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, back to their homes (Ruth 1:8-15). Naomi emphasizes the practical hardships and lack of hope for them if they remained with her, particularly given their widowhood and the unlikelihood of her providing future husbands. While Orpah tearfully returns, Ruth makes an iconic declaration of unwavering loyalty and commitment to Naomi and, implicitly, to Naomi's God and people (Ruth 1:16-17). Ruth 1:18 marks the moment when Naomi, seeing the genuine depth and immovability of Ruth's determination, acknowledges its reality and ceases her persuasive efforts. Historically, the story takes place during the tumultuous period of the Judges, a time of famine and moral decline, yet it subtly reveals God's redemptive work through an unexpected Gentile woman.

Ruth 1 18 Word analysis

• When she saw: Naomi's observation here is not merely visual but encompasses a deep discernment and understanding (ra'ah, רָאָה). She perceives the inner steadfastness and conviction of Ruth's heart, indicating an astute recognition of true intent.
• that she was steadfastly minded: This translates the Hebrew ki mitḥazzeqet (כִּי־מִתְחַזֶּקֶת). The verb is a Hithpael participle of ḥazaq (חזק), meaning "to be strong, courageous, firm." The Hithpael stem often implies an action performed by oneself, on oneself, or by reciprocal action. Here, it denotes that Ruth was actively strengthening herself, taking a firm stand, or holding herself firm against Naomi's persistent dissuasion. It highlights Ruth's active choice, internal resolve, and unwavering determination.
• to go with her: This specifies the object of Ruth's profound commitment: to accompany Naomi back to Bethlehem, signifying an adherence to Naomi's people and God.
• then she left speaking: The Hebrew va-tek-ḥdal (וַתֶּחְדַּל) comes from the verb ḥadal (חָדַל), meaning "to cease, stop, desist, refrain." Naomi's cessation of speaking indicates her acceptance of Ruth's firm decision. It reflects her wisdom in discerning Ruth's true and unmovable heart, understanding that further argument would be futile and potentially disrespectful of such profound commitment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• When she saw that she was steadfastly minded: This phrase highlights Naomi's keen discernment. She wasn't simply noticing Ruth's physical presence, but truly "seeing" the unyielding nature of Ruth's commitment. The word "steadfastly minded" underscores the active and deliberate strength of will Ruth displayed against the compelling arguments Naomi presented for her return. It wasn't passive adherence but active fortitude.
• to go with her, then she left speaking unto her: This segment marks the climax of the interaction between the two women in this phase. Ruth's resolve was firmly set on staying, demonstrating a loyalty that transcended typical cultural expectations and immediate family ties. Naomi's act of ceasing to speak reveals her acceptance of Ruth's conviction. This implies an understanding that Ruth's decision was deep-seated, possibly divinely influenced, and irreversible, clearing the path for their joint journey into an uncertain but providentially guided future.

Ruth 1 18 Bonus section

The active participle mitḥazzeqet uniquely emphasizes Ruth's internal strength and deliberate act of making herself strong against persuasive efforts. This contrasts sharply with Orpah's tears and return. Naomi's ḥadal (ceased speaking) implies that she moved past her initial bitterness (as expressed later in Ruth 1:20-21) to acknowledge God's guiding hand, recognizing that Ruth's steadfastness was potentially divine providence. This moment serves as an archetypal example of commitment in faith and loyalty, a principle applicable to discipleship where unwavering resolve in following God or others is tested and proves true.

Ruth 1 18 Commentary

Ruth 1:18 marks a pivotal transition, demonstrating the power of resolute commitment and the wisdom of recognizing its authenticity. After attempting to dissuade Ruth and seeing Orpah depart, Naomi recognizes the unyielding strength of Ruth's will, embodied in the term mitḥazzeqet. This isn't mere stubbornness but a profound, active resolve. Naomi's cessation of speaking isn't resignation, but a discerning acceptance, signaling that Ruth's decision stemmed from a deep-seated loyalty that would not be swayed. This moment effectively integrates Ruth into Naomi's life, initiating her journey towards a new land, a new people, and ultimately, a role in the redemptive history of Israel, setting the stage for divine providence to unfold through human devotion.