Ruth 1:16

KJV

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ruth {H7327} said {H559}, Intreat {H6293} me not to leave {H5800} thee, or to return {H7725} from following after {H310} thee: for whither thou goest {H3212}, I will go {H3212}; and where thou lodgest {H3885}, I will lodge {H3885}: thy people {H5971} shall be my people {H5971}, and thy God {H430} my God {H430}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But Rut said, "Don't press me to leave you and stop following you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God.

Berean Standard Bible

But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

American Standard Version

And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and to return from following after thee, for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:16 stands as a profound declaration of unwavering loyalty and spiritual conversion, spoken by Ruth the Moabitess to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Following the tragic deaths of their husbands, Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return to their own people and gods. While Orpah tearfully departed, Ruth made this resolute and covenantal vow, forsaking her homeland, family, and pagan deities to cleave to Naomi and, more significantly, to Yahweh, the God of Israel. This verse encapsulates Ruth's extraordinary devotion, self-sacrifice, and pivotal decision to embrace a new people and a new faith, setting the stage for her remarkable story of redemption and inclusion within the lineage of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 1:16 is the emotional climax of the opening chapter of the Book of Ruth. The narrative begins with Naomi's family migrating to Moab due to famine in Judah, only to experience profound tragedy as her husband and two sons die, leaving her and her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, as widows. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, her homeland, and urges Orpah and Ruth to remain in Moab. Orpah's tearful departure (Ruth 1:14) sets a poignant contrast for Ruth's resolute declaration. This verse marks Ruth's definitive choice to abandon her past and embrace an uncertain future with Naomi, solidifying the central relationship of the book and highlighting Ruth's exceptional character from the outset. Her words here are not merely sentimental but a covenantal pledge that drives the subsequent narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of the Book of Ruth unfold "in the days when the judges ruled" (Ruth 1:1), a tumultuous period in Israelite history characterized by moral decline and spiritual apostasy, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (compare with [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). For a widow in ancient Near Eastern society, security and provision were typically found within her patriarchal family. Ruth, as a Moabitess, would have been expected to return to her birth family and worship the gods of Moab, such as Chemosh (as seen in [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Worshippers of Chemosh")). Her decision to leave her homeland, people, and gods to follow an aging, impoverished Israelite widow into a foreign land was culturally radical and deeply counter-cultural. It signified a profound break from societal norms and a radical commitment, especially given the historical animosity between Moab and Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Moabites and Ammonites")).
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 1:16 is foundational to several key themes woven throughout the Book of Ruth. Primarily, it showcases **unwavering loyalty and covenantal love (Hebrew: _hesed_)**, as Ruth's commitment to Naomi goes far beyond familial obligation, embodying a steadfast, selfless devotion that perseveres through hardship. Secondly, it highlights **radical spiritual conversion and inclusion**, as Ruth, a Moabitess, explicitly chooses Yahweh, the God of Israel, as her own, demonstrating that faith is not limited by ethnicity or origin. This echoes the call to choose God seen in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **divine providence and redemption**, as Ruth's faithful choice initiates a chain of events that ultimately leads to her integration into the Israelite community and her place in the messianic lineage, underscoring God's sovereign hand working through human faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Intreat (Hebrew, פגע, _paga'_):** This verb means "to meet, encounter, entreat, intercede." Here, in the imperative negative, "Intreat me not," it conveys a strong plea not to press or urge her further. Ruth is not merely expressing a desire; she is issuing a firm, non-negotiable refusal to Naomi's attempts to dissuade her. It communicates the absolute resolve behind her decision.
* **Go (Hebrew, הלך, _halak_):** This common verb for "to go" or "to walk" is repeated four times in the phrase "whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge." Its repetition emphasizes the complete and utter commitment of Ruth to share Naomi's journey and destiny, no matter the destination or circumstances. It signifies a total alignment of life paths.
* **God (Hebrew, אלהים, _'elohim'_):** This is the generic Hebrew term for "God" or "gods." The phrase "thy God my God" is the theological climax of Ruth's declaration. It signifies not just an adoption of Naomi's family or people, but a profound and personal conversion to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. It marks a decisive break from the pagan gods of Moab and an embrace of true faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee:"** This opening clause immediately establishes Ruth's firm resolve. It is a direct and forceful rejection of Naomi's counsel to return to Moab. The phrase "to return from following after thee" emphasizes her commitment to continue her journey with Naomi, highlighting a steadfast pursuit rather than a casual accompaniment. Her words are not a suggestion but a definitive refusal to be separated.
* **"for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge:"** This forms the practical and relational core of Ruth's vow. She commits to sharing Naomi's physical journey and living circumstances, no matter how humble or difficult. This demonstrates a complete surrender of her own plans and comfort for the sake of companionship and care for Naomi. It speaks to an intimate solidarity and shared fate.
* **"thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God:"** This is the profound, two-fold climax of Ruth's declaration. "Thy people my people" signifies her complete cultural and social assimilation, forsaking her Moabite identity to become part of the Israelite community. More significantly, "thy God my God" is a declaration of spiritual conversion, abandoning the pagan gods of her homeland to embrace Yahweh, the God of Israel. This is the ultimate expression of her loyalty, transcending familial and national ties to embrace a new, true faith.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 1:16 is a masterpiece of literary construction, primarily employing **Parallelism** to build intensity and emphasize Ruth's unwavering commitment. The structure "whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" uses a series of corresponding phrases to underscore the totality of her vow. This repetitive and balanced phrasing creates a powerful, rhythmic declaration that is both memorable and deeply moving. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** in this verse, as Ruth's resolute declaration stands in stark opposition to Orpah's departure in the preceding verses, highlighting the unique depth of Ruth's loyalty and faith. Furthermore, the entire declaration serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the extraordinary character of Ruth and the significant role she will play in the unfolding narrative, ultimately leading to her inclusion in the lineage of King David and the Messiah. The phrase "thy God my God" functions as a powerful **Symbol** of her spiritual transformation and her embrace of a new covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 1:16 is a theological cornerstone, illustrating the profound nature of covenantal loyalty (hesed) and the radical inclusivity of God's redemptive plan. Ruth's declaration transcends mere human affection; it is a profound act of faith that signifies a spiritual conversion and a complete alignment with the God of Israel. Her choice demonstrates that true faith is not bound by ethnicity or birthright but is open to all who genuinely seek and commit to Yahweh. This verse sets the stage for the book's broader message that God's grace extends beyond the boundaries of Israel, welcoming Gentiles into His family and purpose, even to the point of including a Moabitess in the lineage of the Messiah. It underscores the truth that God honors radical faithfulness and can use unexpected individuals to fulfill His grand design.

* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [Psalm 16:1-2](/psalms/16-1 "Psalm 16:1-2 - My Goodness Is Not Apart From You")
* [Isaiah 56:3-7](/isaiah/56-3 "Isaiah 56:3-7 - My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer for All Peoples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 1:16 challenges us to examine the depth and sincerity of our own commitments—to God, to family, and to community. Ruth's vow was not made in prosperity but in the face of profound loss and uncertainty, demanding immense personal sacrifice. Her willingness to leave behind everything familiar—her homeland, her family, her gods, and her cultural security—for an unknown future with an aging widow in a foreign land speaks volumes about the quality of her love and faith. This verse calls us to consider whether our loyalty to Christ is equally unwavering, willing to forsake personal comfort, societal expectations, or even past identities for the sake of following Him completely. It reminds us that true discipleship often requires radical choices and a profound declaration, "Thy God my God," that reorients our entire life around Him, trusting that He will honor such devotion and lead us into His greater redemptive plan, just as He did for Ruth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "homeland" or "familiar comforts" might God be calling me to leave behind in order to follow Him more fully?**
* **In what ways does my commitment to God mirror Ruth's declaration, "thy God my God," especially when facing uncertainty or sacrifice?**
* **How can I embody the "hesed" (steadfast love/covenant loyalty) that Ruth demonstrated towards Naomi in my own relationships and community?**

### FAQ
**What makes Ruth's declaration in Ruth 1:16 so significant, especially given her Moabite background?**

Answer: Ruth's declaration is profoundly significant because it represents a complete and radical break from her past identity and a profound embrace of a new one, both culturally and spiritually. As a Moabitess, she belonged to a people historically estranged from Israel and worshipped pagan gods like Chemosh. Her choice to say, "thy people my people, and thy God my God," was not merely an act of familial loyalty but a deliberate and costly spiritual conversion. It meant forsaking her ancestral land, family security, and religious heritage to align herself with Naomi's God, Yahweh, and His people, the Israelites. This decision, made in a time of great personal loss and uncertainty, highlights an extraordinary depth of faith and commitment that transcends ethnic and cultural barriers, foreshadowing God's universal plan of salvation that includes Gentiles. It directly challenges the prevailing cultural norms and animosities of the time, making her an exemplary figure of faith and devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 1:16, with its powerful declaration of loyalty and spiritual conversion, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Ruth's radical decision to abandon her former life, people, and gods to cleave to Naomi and, more importantly, to Naomi's God, Yahweh, beautifully foreshadows the call of Christ to His followers. Just as Ruth left all to follow, so too does Jesus call us to "deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me")). Her declaration, "thy God my God," is a powerful Old Testament echo of the New Covenant reality, where believers, regardless of their ethnic or national origin, are brought into a new family—the Church—and adopt the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as their own through faith in Christ. The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabitess, into the lineage of David and ultimately of Jesus Christ ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")) powerfully illustrates the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Her story demonstrates that God's grace breaks down all barriers, welcoming those from every nation and tribe into His family through faith, fulfilling the promise that in Abraham "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Ruth's unwavering _hesed_ (steadfast love) for Naomi, which ultimately led to her redemption and blessing, mirrors Christ's own steadfast love and self-sacrifice that redeems humanity and brings us into covenant relationship with God.

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

2 Samuel 15:21

And Ittai answered the king, and said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

Ruth 2:11

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and [how] thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

Ruth 2:12

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

2 Kings 2:2

And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said [unto him, As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:6

And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

Psalms 45:10

¶ Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

Matthew 8:19

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.