The land and the judges · Old Testament
The Story of Ruth and Naomi
After famine and the deaths of their husbands, Ruth the Moabite stays with her mother-in-law Naomi; in Bethlehem she gleans in Boaz’s field, and Boaz redeems the family land and marries her.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
In the days of the judges a family from Bethlehem moves to Moab because of famine. Naomi’s husband and both her sons die there. When she decides to go home, her daughter-in-law Ruth refuses to leave her. Ruth 1:1–5Ruth 1:16–17
In Bethlehem Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz, a relative, who treats her with kindness. At the town gate Boaz redeems the family’s land and marries Ruth, and their son Obed becomes the grandfather of King David. Ruth 2:8–12Ruth 4:9–10Ruth 4:13–17
Principal passages
People in this story
Places named
- Bethlehem in Judah Ruth 1:1Ruth 1:19
- Moab Ruth 1:1–2
Only places the passages name. Locations are not guessed.
The story, event by event
In the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here.
Loss in Moab
Famine drives Elimelech, Naomi and their two sons to Moab. Elimelech dies, the sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, and after about ten years both sons die.
“Where you go, I will go”
Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their mothers’ homes. Orpah goes back, but Ruth clings to Naomi: “Your people will be my people, and your God my God.”
Return to Bethlehem
The town is stirred at their arrival. Naomi asks to be called Mara, “bitter”, because the Almighty has dealt bitterly with her. They arrive at the beginning of the barley harvest.
Gleaning in Boaz’s field
Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech. Boaz has heard of her loyalty to Naomi, protects her and gives her extra grain. Naomi blesses the LORD for his kindness.
At the threshing floor
Naomi sends Ruth to Boaz at night at the threshing floor. Ruth asks him to spread his garment over her, as a redeemer. Boaz promises to act, but says there is a nearer relative.
At the town gate
Boaz meets the nearer relative before the elders. The man will buy the land but not marry Ruth, so he gives up his right, and Boaz redeems the land and takes Ruth as his wife.
A son for Naomi
Ruth bears a son. The women of Bethlehem praise the LORD and say a son has been born to Naomi; they name him Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Later in the Bible
Later passages that recall or interpret this story. They are not events within it.
- Matthew 1:5–6 Genealogy — Boaz, Ruth and Obed appear in the genealogy of Jesus, leading to David.
Connected themes
- Hospitality Illustrates the theme
Boaz welcomes Ruth, a foreigner, into his field. Ruth 2:8–12
- Love Illustrates the theme
Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi. Ruth 1:16–17
- Redemption Illustrates the theme
Boaz acts as kinsman-redeemer. Ruth 4:9–10
- Providence
Ruth “happens” upon the field of Boaz. Ruth 2:3
Related life situations
- Unemployment
Ruth gleans to provide for Naomi. Ruth 2:2–3
- Grief and Loss
Naomi names her bitterness after losing her husband and sons. Ruth 1:20–21
- Marriage
Boaz and Ruth’s marriage, marked by kindness. Ruth 3:10–11Ruth 4:13
Questions for study
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- What does Ruth give up when she chooses to go with Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17)?
- How does Boaz explain his kindness to Ruth in Ruth 2:11-12?
- How does Naomi’s outlook change between Ruth 1:20-21 and 2:20?
- What does the genealogy at the end of Ruth add to the story?
Use offline
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