Ruth 1:14 - They lifted up their voices, and wept again; then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth joined with her.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ruth 1:14" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth and Naomi. Let's break down the meaning:
"They lifted up their voices, and wept again..." The "they" refers to Orpah and Ruth, the two daughters-in-law of Naomi. They are weeping because Naomi has just urged them to return to their own mothers' houses in Moab, since their husbands (Naomi's sons) have died and Naomi feels she has nothing to offer them. The weeping signifies their grief, loyalty, and the difficult decision they face.
"...then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law..." This shows a gesture of affection and respect. Orpah is acknowledging Naomi's wisdom and blessing her departure. The kiss serves as a farewell.
"...but Ruth joined with her." This is the crucial part. "Joined with her" implies a deeper connection and commitment than a mere farewell. It symbolizes Ruth's steadfast loyalty and decision to stay with Naomi. This is the setup for Ruth's famous declaration in the following verses, where she vows to stay with Naomi, adopt her people, and worship her God.
In essence, this verse highlights the contrast between Orpah and Ruth:
Orpah: Represents a practical, understandable decision. She returns home, likely to remarry and rebuild her life within her own culture and family.
Ruth: Represents unwavering loyalty, sacrifice, and a willingness to embrace the unknown for the sake of love and devotion. Her decision sets her apart and ultimately leads to her becoming a significant figure in the lineage of King David and, according to the New Testament, Jesus Christ.
The verse is a turning point that emphasizes the extraordinary character of Ruth and the profound bond between the two women. It is a story of love, loyalty, and the power of choice.
Ruth 1:14 - They lifted up their voices, and wept again; then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth joined with her.
What does "Ruth 1:14" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Ruth and Naomi. Let's break down the meaning:
"They lifted up their voices, and wept again..." The "they" refers to Orpah and Ruth, the two daughters-in-law of Naomi. They are weeping because Naomi has just urged them to return to their own mothers' houses in Moab, since their husbands (Naomi's sons) have died and Naomi feels she has nothing to offer them. The weeping signifies their grief, loyalty, and the difficult decision they face.
"...then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law..." This shows a gesture of affection and respect. Orpah is acknowledging Naomi's wisdom and blessing her departure. The kiss serves as a farewell.
"...but Ruth joined with her." This is the crucial part. "Joined with her" implies a deeper connection and commitment than a mere farewell. It symbolizes Ruth's steadfast loyalty and decision to stay with Naomi. This is the setup for Ruth's famous declaration in the following verses, where she vows to stay with Naomi, adopt her people, and worship her God.
In essence, this verse highlights the contrast between Orpah and Ruth:
Orpah: Represents a practical, understandable decision. She returns home, likely to remarry and rebuild her life within her own culture and family.
Ruth: Represents unwavering loyalty, sacrifice, and a willingness to embrace the unknown for the sake of love and devotion. Her decision sets her apart and ultimately leads to her becoming a significant figure in the lineage of King David and, according to the New Testament, Jesus Christ.
The verse is a turning point that emphasizes the extraordinary character of Ruth and the profound bond between the two women. It is a story of love, loyalty, and the power of choice.