of Hebrew origin (רוּת); Ruth, a Moabitess:--Ruth.
Transliteration:Rhoúth
Pronunciation:hrooth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G4503}}` (Rhoúth) is a transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun `{{H7327}}` (Ruth). As a proper noun, its primary meaning is simply the name of the individual it denotes. The underlying Hebrew root רוּת (rut) is often associated with concepts such as "friendship," "companion," "loyalty," or "refreshment." While the precise etymology remains debated among scholars, the prevailing understanding connects the name to the character's defining attribute of steadfast loyalty and companionship, particularly as demonstrated towards her mother-in-law, Naomi. Thus, while the direct semantic range of the Greek transliteration is limited to the person, the conceptual richness of the name is derived from the character and her narrative in the Hebrew Scriptures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek transliteration `{{G4503}}` appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 1:5]]: "Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse..."
This single occurrence is profoundly significant. Ruth is listed as one of four women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah/Bathsheba) included in Matthew's patrilineal genealogy, which is unusual for ancient genealogies. Her inclusion immediately draws the reader's attention to her unique story. As a Moabitess, she was an outsider, a Gentile, whose people were traditionally excluded from the assembly of the Lord ([[Deuteronomy 23:3]]). Yet, she is grafted into the lineage of David and, by extension, into the messianic line leading to Jesus. Her presence underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community through Christ. Her narrative in the Book of Ruth details her unwavering *hesed* (loyal love) towards Naomi and her eventual marriage to Boaz, who acts as a kinsman-redeemer, ensuring the continuation of Naomi's family line and providing Ruth with a son, Obed, the grandfather of King David.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{G4503}}` requires a deep appreciation of its Hebrew origin, `{{H7327}}`, and the narrative surrounding the person of Ruth. Key related concepts and figures include:
* **Naomi:** Ruth's mother-in-law, to whom Ruth demonstrates extraordinary loyalty and devotion, saying, "Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God" ([[Ruth 1:16]]).
* **Boaz:** The kinsman-redeemer (גֹּאֵל, `{{H1350}}`) who marries Ruth, exemplifying the concept of redemption and restoration within Israelite law and custom.
* **Obed:** Ruth's son by Boaz, who becomes the father of Jesse and grandfather of David, directly linking Ruth to the royal line of Israel and the messianic lineage.
* ***Hesed* (חֶסֶד):** This Hebrew term, often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," or "covenant faithfulness," is a central theme in the Book of Ruth. Ruth's actions epitomize *hesed*, and Boaz's actions towards her are also described in terms of *hesed*.
* **Redemption:** The narrative of Ruth is a powerful illustration of redemption, both personally for Naomi and Ruth through Boaz, and corporately for the continuation of the family line that would lead to the Messiah.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ruth, and by extension `{{G4503}}`, is profound and multi-faceted:
* **Divine Providence:** Ruth's story is a testament to God's sovereign hand guiding the lives of individuals, even through hardship and displacement, to fulfill His overarching redemptive plan. Her journey from Moab to Bethlehem, her providential encounter with Boaz, and her place in the messianic lineage are all orchestrated by divine grace.
* **Inclusion of the Gentiles:** Perhaps the most striking theological implication is the inclusion of a Moabitess in the genealogy of Christ. This inclusion, alongside Rahab (a Canaanite), powerfully foreshadows the New Covenant reality where the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is broken down ([[Ephesians 2:14]]), and salvation is extended to all who believe, regardless of ethnic origin. Ruth's presence in the Messiah's lineage underscores that God's plan of salvation was never exclusively for Israel but always intended to encompass all nations.
* **Foreshadowing of Christ as Redeemer:** The role of Boaz as the *go'el*, the kinsman-redeemer, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Boaz redeemed Naomi's family line and took Ruth as his bride, so Christ redeems humanity from sin and death, taking His Church as His bride. The themes of loyal love, selfless action, and restoration are deeply embedded in both narratives.
* **Continuity of God's Covenant:** Ruth's story demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, even through unexpected and unconventional means. Her life ensures the continuation of the lineage through which the promised Seed, the Messiah, would come.
### Summary
`{{G4503}}` (Rhoúth) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Ruth, signifying a woman renowned for her loyalty and faithfulness. Though appearing only once in the New Testament in [[Matthew 1:5]], her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ is of immense theological weight. As a Moabitess, her presence highlights God's universal plan of salvation, extending His grace beyond ethnic boundaries to include Gentiles. The narrative of Ruth in the Old Testament beautifully illustrates divine providence, the concept of *hesed* (steadfast love), and the profound theme of redemption through a kinsman-redeemer, thereby foreshadowing the ultimate redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Ruth's life stands as an enduring testament to God's sovereign hand guiding history towards the fulfillment of His messianic promises.
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