Women of the Bible · Old Testament
The Story of Ruth
Also: Ruthu (Kiswahili)
Moabite widow who stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi, married Boaz, and became the great-grandmother of David.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Ruth, a Moabite, married one of Naomi's sons. When her husband died she refused to leave Naomi, saying, your people will be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1:4–5Ruth 1:16–17
In Bethlehem she gleaned in the field of Boaz, who later redeemed the family land and married her. Their son Obed was the grandfather of David. Ruth 2:2–3Ruth 4:9–13Ruth 4:17
Told in: Ruth
Life at a glance
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Ruth
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Stays with Naomi
After the deaths of Naomi's husband and sons, Ruth clings to Naomi and goes with her to Bethlehem.
Gleaning in Boaz's field
Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz, who shows her kindness because of her loyalty to Naomi.
At the threshing floor
On Naomi's advice Ruth asks Boaz, as a close relative, to spread his garment over her; he promises to act as redeemer.
Marriage and Obed
Boaz redeems the land before the elders and marries Ruth; she bears Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Ruth. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Genealogy
Family and relationships
Books associated with Ruth
- Ruth Book named after them
The book is named after Ruth; it does not name its author.
- Ruth Main narrative figure
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
LoyaltyRedemption
- What does Ruth promise Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17?
- What does a redeemer do in Ruth 4:1-10?
Read offline
Save this story, then download the Bible books it uses in your version: Ruth. The story uses the books already on your device; it never stores a second copy.