Ruth 1:6 - Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab; for she had heard in the country of Moab how Yahweh had visited his people in giving them bread.

Generated Verse: Ruth 1:6

What does "Ruth 1:6" mean?


This verse from Ruth 1:6 is a pivotal point in the story of Ruth. Let's break it down:

"Then she arose with her daughters-in-law...": This refers to Naomi, the central figure, and her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi's husband and sons had died in Moab, leaving her widowed and childless.

"...that she might return from the country of Moab...": Naomi is making a decision to leave Moab, where she had been living as an exile, and return to her homeland of Bethlehem in Judah.

"...for she had heard in the country of Moab...": The reason Naomi is returning is crucial. She received news while in Moab.

"...how Yahweh had visited his people in giving them bread.": This is the key. Naomi heard that Yahweh (the name of God in Hebrew) had "visited" his people in Judah. This "visit" meant that God had blessed the land of Judah with plentiful food ("giving them bread"). In other words, the famine that had driven Naomi's family to Moab had ended. There was now food and prosperity back in Bethlehem.

In summary, the verse means:

Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem from Moab because she heard that God had intervened to end the famine in Judah and provide food for his people. The implication is that life in Judah would now be better than in Moab, where she was a vulnerable widow in a foreign land. This verse sets the stage for Ruth's famous journey and commitment to Naomi. It also foreshadows God's provision and faithfulness in the story.