Ruth 1:10

KJV

And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} unto her, Surely we will return {H7725} with thee unto thy people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to her, "No; we want to return with you to your people."

Berean Standard Bible

and said, “Surely we will return with you to your people.”

American Standard Version

And they said unto her, Nay, but we will return with thee unto thy people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:10 powerfully captures the initial, heartfelt declaration of loyalty from Naomi's Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, who, despite Naomi's compassionate urging to return to their own families, emphatically state their intention to accompany her back to Judah. This pivotal moment underscores the depth of their affection and commitment, setting the stage for the narrative's unfolding drama of sacrifice, devotion, and the profound choices that will shape their destinies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a direct and emphatic response to Naomi's compassionate counsel in [Ruth 1:8-9](/ruth/1-8 "Ruth 1:8-9 - Naomi's Blessing and Counsel"), where she blesses her daughters-in-law and urges them to return to their mothers' homes for rest and the prospect of new husbands. The unified declaration by Orpah and Ruth in Ruth 1:10 reveals their immediate, shared rejection of this advice, highlighting their deep attachment to Naomi. This initial, collective resolve then dramatically sets up the divergence in [Ruth 1:14](/ruth/1-14 "Ruth 1:14 - Orpah's Departure"), where Orpah ultimately kisses Naomi goodbye, while Ruth "clings" to her, leading to Ruth's renowned vow of unwavering loyalty in [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty"). The repeated motif of "returning" (Hebrew: *shuv*) throughout [Ruth chapter 1](/ruth/1 "Ruth 1 - The Return to Bethlehem") emphasizes both the physical journey and the spiritual turning points faced by each woman.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, widowhood, especially without male heirs, left women in an extremely vulnerable and often destitute position, as they lacked a male provider and protector. Naomi, having lost her husband and two sons, faced precisely this precarious future. For Orpah and Ruth, as Moabite women, returning to their natal families offered the most culturally acceptable and practical path to remarriage and security within their familiar social and religious structures. Their decision to leave Moab and accompany Naomi to Judah was not merely a change of locale but a radical abandonment of their kin, their land, and implicitly, their gods (a point made explicit in [Ruth 1:15](/ruth/1-15 "Ruth 1:15 - Naomi's Counsel to Ruth and Orpah")). This choice represented a profound cultural, social, and religious shift, particularly for Ruth, who ultimately embraced the God of Israel. The phrase "thy people" underscores the vital importance of tribal and national identity, which was inextricably linked to family, land, and worship in that era.

* **Key Themes:** Ruth 1:10 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the entire [Book of Ruth](/ruth "The Book of Ruth"). Foremost among these is the theme of **loyalty and devotion**, particularly the concept of *hesed* (Hebrew for "loyal love" or "covenant faithfulness"), which is powerfully exemplified by the daughters-in-law's initial response and later perfected by Ruth's unwavering commitment. This verse also highlights the theme of **difficult choices and profound sacrifice**, as the women confront the harsh realities of their widowhood and the radical implications of leaving their homeland and familiar support systems. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine providence** working through human relationships and choices, as this initial act of loyalty, though seemingly small, is a crucial step in God's larger redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the lineage of David and, ultimately, the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root signifies a direct, often authoritative, verbal declaration. In this context, it emphasizes the immediate, unified, and vocal response of both Orpah and Ruth. Their declaration is not a hesitant or questioning remark but a firm, decisive statement, highlighting their shared resolve and the conviction behind their words.
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This verb means "to turn back," "to go back," or "to restore." It appears frequently in [Ruth chapter 1](/ruth/1 "Ruth 1 - The Return to Bethlehem"), highlighting the physical journey back to Bethlehem. However, it also carries a deeper theological resonance, hinting at a turning of allegiance or a spiritual return, particularly for Ruth, who ultimately turns from her Moabite heritage to embrace the people and God of Israel.
* **People (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to congregate," this word refers to a collective unit, a nation, tribe, or community. In this verse, "thy people" (Hebrew: *ʻammekh*) signifies Naomi's kin, her nation (Israel), and by extension, her cultural and religious identity. For the Moabite women, aligning with "thy people" meant a profound shift in allegiance, severing ties with their own Moabite heritage, their families, and their gods, a decision with immense social, economic, and religious implications.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto her,"**: This opening clause establishes the collective voice of both Orpah and Ruth. Their response is presented as a unified front, indicating a shared, immediate intention and the strong bond of affection that had developed between them and Naomi. It sets the stage for a pivotal moment of decision, emphasizing their solidarity.
* **"Surely we will return with thee"**: This is the emphatic core of their declaration. The Hebrew particle "surely" (כִּי, *ki*) underscores their firm resolve and unwavering commitment. They are not merely suggesting or considering; they are stating their definite intention to accompany Naomi. The phrase "with thee" highlights their desire for continued companionship and personal loyalty to Naomi, rather than just a general desire to leave Moab.
* **"unto thy people."**: This phrase defines the destination not just geographically but, more significantly, in terms of communal identity. It implies a profound willingness to leave their own people (Moabites) and integrate into Naomi's people (Israelites). This is a powerful statement of allegiance, carrying significant implications for their future social, cultural, and religious identity, foreshadowing Ruth's ultimate embrace of the God of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Dialogue**, presenting the direct speech of Orpah and Ruth, which immediately reveals their character and the depth of their affection for Naomi. The use of the emphatic particle "surely" (כִּי, *ki*) serves as a device of **Emphasis**, highlighting the strength of their conviction and the seriousness of their declaration. This strong initial statement also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the extraordinary loyalty that will be fully realized by Ruth in the subsequent verses, even as it contrasts with Orpah's eventual decision. The collective "they" creates an initial sense of **Unity** and shared purpose, which will soon be dramatically broken, underscoring the individual choices that follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 1:10, though concise, is rich with theological significance, introducing the foundational theme of loyal love (*hesed*) that permeates the entire Book of Ruth. The willingness of Orpah and Ruth to forsake their familiar lives and "return" with Naomi speaks to a profound, self-sacrificial love that mirrors God's own covenant faithfulness to His people. Their initial declaration of solidarity foreshadows the radical commitment that Ruth will ultimately embody, demonstrating how God often works through the faithful, compassionate choices of ordinary individuals to advance His redemptive purposes. This verse sets the stage for a narrative where human loyalty, even in the face of immense loss and uncertainty, becomes a conduit for divine blessing and the continuation of God's covenant line, illustrating that true devotion often involves costly choices.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [1 Samuel 20:42](/1_samuel/20-42 "1 Samuel 20:42 - Jonathan's Covenant with David")
* [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Love for the Sojourner")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 1:10 offers a powerful and poignant lesson on the nature of genuine commitment and the profound impact of compassionate relationships. In a world often characterized by self-interest and transient connections, the unwavering loyalty initially expressed by Orpah and Ruth serves as a compelling example of steadfast love. This verse challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitments to those we claim to love, especially during times of adversity or when personal sacrifice is required. It reminds us that true devotion often means putting the needs and well-being of others before our own comfort or convenience, mirroring the *hesed* that God extends to us. Our actions of loyalty and empathy can inspire similar devotion in others and, more importantly, reflect the very character of God. The courage to make difficult decisions rooted in faithfulness and care for others, even when it means personal cost, is a testament to the transformative power of love in our lives and communities, inviting us to live out a costly, yet rewarding, devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "loyalty" truly mean in your most significant relationships, especially when faced with difficult choices or personal cost?**
* **How does the initial, unified response of Orpah and Ruth challenge your understanding of commitment in the face of uncertainty and hardship?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate sacrificial love and *hesed* to those around you, even when it requires personal discomfort or a departure from your established routine?**

### FAQ
**What does "Surely we will return with thee unto thy people" imply for the Moabite daughters-in-law?**

Answer: This statement implies a profound and costly commitment that extends far beyond mere companionship. For Orpah and Ruth, returning "unto thy people" (Naomi's people, the Israelites) meant leaving their own Moabite homeland, their families, their culture, and their gods. In ancient Near Eastern societies, national and religious identity were deeply intertwined, and one's security and future prospects were typically tied to their kin and land. By declaring their intent to go with Naomi, they were essentially expressing a willingness to adopt a new national, cultural, and potentially religious identity, a significant and potentially life-altering decision, especially for women who relied on their familial and tribal networks for security and prospects of remarriage (as highlighted in [Ruth 1:8-9](/ruth/1-8 "Ruth 1:8-9 - Naomi's Counsel and Blessing")).

**Why is the word "surely" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "surely" (כִּי, *ki*) is an emphatic particle that adds strong conviction and certainty to their declaration. It indicates that their decision was not hesitant, casual, or a mere suggestion, but a firm, heartfelt resolve. This emphasis highlights the depth of their affection and loyalty to Naomi at this moment, setting the stage for the later contrast between Orpah's eventual departure and Ruth's unyielding commitment in [Ruth 1:16-17](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty"). It underscores the sincerity of their initial, shared intent.

**How does this verse foreshadow later events in the Book of Ruth?**

Answer: While both Orpah and Ruth initially make this declaration of loyalty, the verse powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, unwavering commitment of Ruth. It establishes the central theme of choosing to leave one's familiar life for a new path rooted in loyalty and faith. Though Orpah eventually returns to her people, Ruth's decision to "cling" to Naomi and embrace her God ([Ruth 1:14-18](/ruth/1-14 "Ruth 1:14-18 - Orpah Returns, Ruth Stays")) is the full realization of the loyal love initially expressed in Ruth 1:10. This initial shared intent highlights the extraordinary nature of Ruth's subsequent, singular devotion and sets the stage for her pivotal role in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 1:10, in its depiction of a profound, self-sacrificial loyalty that transcends familial and national boundaries, beautifully prefigures the radical call of Christ and the nature of the new covenant community. Just as Orpah and Ruth declared their willingness to leave their own people and embrace Naomi's, so too does Jesus call His followers to forsake all and follow Him, stating that whoever loves father or mother more than Him is not worthy of Him ([Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Jesus' Demands of Discipleship")). The "people" to whom Ruth ultimately committed herself were the people of God, foreshadowing the spiritual family of believers drawn from every nation, tribe, and tongue, united not by bloodline or geography but by faith in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"); [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation")). The *hesed* (loyal love) exemplified by Ruth, initially expressed in this verse, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sake, that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Sacrifice")), leaving His heavenly home to "return with us" to God, reconciling us to the Father through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Supremacy and Reconciliation")). Thus, Ruth's initial declaration of loyalty points forward to the greater loyalty of Christ to His people and the transformative loyalty He calls us to in response, inviting us into His eternal family.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 8:23

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

Psalms 119:63

¶ I [am] a companion of all [them] that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

Psalms 16:3

[But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.