Ruth 1:4

KJV

And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one [was] Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they took {H5375} them wives {H802} of the women {H802} of Moab {H4125}; the name {H8034} of the one {H259} was Orpah {H6204}, and the name {H8034} of the other {H8145} Ruth {H7327}: and they dwelled {H3427} there about ten {H6235} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They took wives for themselves from the women of Mo'av; the name of the one was 'Orpah; and the name of the other was Rut. They lived there for about ten years.

Berean Standard Bible

who took Moabite women as their wives, one named Orpah and the other named Ruth. And after they had lived in Moab about ten years,

American Standard Version

And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelt there about ten years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 1:4 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, detailing the marriages of Naomi's sons, Mahlon and Chilion, to Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth, respectively. This verse establishes their decade-long residence in Moab, signaling a period of integration and apparent stability for the family after their relocation from Bethlehem, and crucially introduces the two women who will profoundly shape the unfolding story, setting the stage for both future tragedy and divine redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the death of Elimelech, Naomi's husband, in Moab, as recorded in [Ruth 1:3](/ruth/1-3 "Ruth 1:3 - Death of Elimelech"). The marriages of Mahlon and Chilion to Orpah and Ruth represent an attempt by the family to establish roots and continuity in their adopted land, filling the void left by Elimelech's passing. The subsequent mention of "about ten years" emphasizes a significant passage of time, during which these marriages endured, before the narrative takes another tragic turn with the deaths of both sons in [Ruth 1:5](/ruth/1-5 "Ruth 1:5 - Deaths of Mahlon and Chilion"). This verse, therefore, acts as a bridge, detailing a period of relative normalcy and the introduction of key characters before the profound losses that precipitate Naomi's return to Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The family's move to Moab was driven by a severe famine in Judah, as described in [Ruth 1:1](/ruth/1-1 "Ruth 1:1 - Famine and Move to Moab"). Moabites were descendants of Lot and were often in conflict with Israel, with the Mosaic Law generally discouraging intermarriage with foreign nations, including Moabites, to prevent the Israelites from falling into idolatry (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")). However, the book of Ruth presents a unique perspective, focusing on the loyalty and faith of an individual Moabite woman, Ruth, rather than a blanket condemnation. The decision of Mahlon and Chilion to marry Moabite women, while potentially problematic from a strict legalistic viewpoint, would have been a practical necessity for family continuity in a foreign land, highlighting the complex realities faced by Israelites living outside their homeland.
* **Key Themes:** Ruth 1:4 introduces several significant themes that resonate throughout the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **intermarriage and integration**, demonstrating how individuals from different cultural and religious backgrounds can become intertwined, ultimately serving a divine purpose. Secondly, the mention of "about ten years" underscores the theme of **time and transition**, emphasizing a period of stability and the gradual integration of Naomi's family into Moabite society before further adversity strikes. Finally, and most importantly, this verse serves as the formal **introduction of key characters**, Orpah and Ruth, whose contrasting choices later in the narrative (see [Ruth 1:15](/ruth/1-15 "Ruth 1:15 - Orpah's Return")) will drive the plot and highlight the themes of loyalty, devotion, and divine providence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took them wives (לָקַח, _laqach_):** This Hebrew verb signifies "to take," "to acquire," or "to marry." In this context, it denotes a formal act of marriage, indicating that Mahlon and Chilion entered into legitimate marital covenants with Orpah and Ruth, not merely casual relationships. This emphasizes the established nature of their lives in Moab and the depth of their commitment to their new families.
* **Orpah (עָרְפָּה, _‘Orpah_):** The name Orpah is derived from a root meaning "neck" or "back of the neck." While not explicitly stated in the text, some interpreters suggest this name subtly foreshadows her later decision to "turn her back" (return) to her people and gods, as seen in [Ruth 1:14-15](/ruth/1-14 "Ruth 1:14-15 - Orpah's Departure").
* **Ruth (רוּת, _Rut_):** The etymology of Ruth's name is debated, but common interpretations link it to concepts of "friendship," "companion," or "satisfaction/refreshment." Regardless of the precise linguistic origin, the name beautifully aligns with her character as portrayed in the book: a loyal, steadfast companion to Naomi, who ultimately brings refreshment and restoration to the family line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took them wives of the women of Moab;":** This clause describes the central action of the verse: Mahlon and Chilion entering into marriage with local Moabite women. This decision, while practical for establishing a family in a foreign land, carries significant implications given the Mosaic Law's prohibitions against intermarriage, setting up a tension that the book will ultimately resolve through God's redemptive plan.
* **"the name of the one [was] Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth:":** This segment formally introduces the two Moabite women who become central figures in the narrative. Their names are presented alongside their marital status, immediately distinguishing them as individuals who will play significant, albeit contrasting, roles in the unfolding drama.
* **"and they dwelled there about ten years.":** This final clause provides a crucial temporal marker, indicating that the family's residence in Moab, including these marriages, lasted for approximately a decade. This period suggests a time of relative stability and integration into Moabite society before the subsequent tragedies, underscoring the passage of time and the depth of their establishment in the foreign land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Character Introduction**, as Orpah and Ruth are formally named and brought into the narrative, immediately signaling their future importance. There is also subtle **Foreshadowing** through the potential etymology of Orpah's name ("neck" or "back of the neck"), which can be seen as hinting at her later decision to return to her people. Furthermore, the narrative presents a degree of **Irony** or **Paradox**: the act of intermarriage, often viewed negatively in Israelite law, becomes the very means through which God's redemptive plan unfolds, ultimately bringing a Moabitess into the lineage of David and, by extension, the Messiah. The mention of "about ten years" also functions as **Temporal Marker**, emphasizing the passage of time and the establishment of a new phase in the family's life before further upheaval.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 1:4, seemingly a simple statement of fact, carries profound theological weight. It highlights God's sovereign ability to work through unconventional circumstances and even human decisions that might appear to deviate from established norms. While the Mosaic Law discouraged intermarriage with Moabites (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Moabites from the Assembly")), the narrative of Ruth demonstrates that God's grace and redemptive purposes are not confined by human boundaries or legalistic interpretations. The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabitess, into the lineage of David and ultimately Christ, foreshadows the radical inclusivity of God's salvation, extending beyond ethnic Israel to embrace all who would trust in Him. This verse sets the stage for a story that champions loyalty, faithfulness, and divine providence, illustrating how God's plan unfolds through the lives of ordinary people, often in unexpected ways.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition against Intermarriage")
* [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1-2 - Intermarriage as a Transgression")
* [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 1:4 invites us to consider the intricate ways in which God orchestrates events, even through choices that might seem questionable or pragmatic. The decade spent in Moab, culminating in these marriages, represents a period of adaptation and integration for Naomi's family. For us, this can be a powerful reminder that life often involves seasons of transition, where we might find ourselves in unfamiliar territories, making decisions that are born out of necessity or circumstance. Yet, even in these moments, God's hand is at work, weaving together our stories for His greater purpose. The introduction of Orpah and Ruth also highlights the profound impact of relationships in our lives—how seemingly ordinary encounters can become pivotal, shaping our destinies and revealing God's unfolding plan. It challenges us to look beyond immediate appearances and trust in the sovereign wisdom of God, who can use any person or situation to bring about His perfect will, often in ways we least expect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seemingly "unconventional" decision to marry Moabite women in this verse challenge our preconceived notions of God's work?**
* **What does the "about ten years" period in Moab teach us about God's timing and the seasons of life?**
* **In what ways might God be working through unexpected relationships or circumstances in your own life to fulfill His purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why did Mahlon and Chilion marry Moabite women, given the Mosaic Law's prohibitions against intermarriage?**

Answer: While the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage") and [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Moabites"), generally discouraged intermarriage with foreign nations, including Moabites, the text of Ruth does not explicitly condemn Mahlon and Chilion for their marriages. Several factors might explain this: (1) **Necessity:** As exiles in a foreign land, their options for Israelite spouses would have been severely limited. (2) **Pragmatism:** Marrying local women was a practical way to establish family continuity and integrate into Moabite society. (3) **Divine Sovereignty:** Most importantly, the book of Ruth is a narrative that transcends strict legalism to highlight God's broader redemptive plan. The focus is not on the legality of the marriages but on the character and faithfulness of Ruth, a Moabitess, who ultimately becomes an ancestor of King David and Jesus. The story emphasizes that God's grace extends beyond ethnic boundaries, demonstrating His ability to work through all circumstances, even those that might appear to be deviations from the norm, to achieve His purposes.

**What is the significance of the phrase "and they dwelled there about ten years"?**

Answer: The phrase "about ten years" is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates a **substantial period of time**, suggesting that Naomi's family established a life in Moab, integrating into the local community and finding a degree of stability after their initial arrival due to the famine (see [Ruth 1:1](/ruth/1-1 "Ruth 1:1 - Famine and Move to Moab")). This wasn't a temporary stop but a decade-long residence. Secondly, it **sets the stage for the subsequent tragedy** detailed in [Ruth 1:5](/ruth/1-5 "Ruth 1:5 - Deaths of Mahlon and Chilion"). The decade of apparent peace makes the sudden deaths of Mahlon and Chilion even more impactful, highlighting the transience of earthly security. Thirdly, it underscores the **depth of the relationships** formed, particularly the marriages, which endured for a significant duration, making the subsequent choices of Orpah and Ruth all the more poignant. It emphasizes the passage of time and the profound changes that can occur within a family's life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 1:4, by introducing Ruth, a Moabite woman who marries into an Israelite family, subtly but profoundly foreshadows the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan culminating in Jesus Christ. The Mosaic Law often separated Israel from the nations, but in Ruth, we see a breach in that wall, as a Gentile woman is not only welcomed but becomes an integral part of the lineage of the Messiah (see [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")). This unconventional path—a "forbidden" marriage leading to divine blessing—serves as a powerful prefigurement of the gospel, which shatters ethnic and social barriers, inviting all people, Jew and Gentile, into God's family through faith in Christ. Just as Ruth, an outsider, found her place within Israel through loyalty and love, so too does Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, extend His grace to all who are "far off" (as described in [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Gentiles brought near by Christ")), bringing them near by His blood. The inclusion of Ruth in the messianic line powerfully illustrates that God's saving purpose was never exclusively for one nation, but always intended to embrace "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")).

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

Matthew 1:5

And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

1 Kings 11:1

¶ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

1 Kings 11:2

Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: [for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

Deuteronomy 7:3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

Deuteronomy 23:3

An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: