King James Version
What Does Ruth 1:18 Mean?
“When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. was: Heb. strengthened herself”
Context
16
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: Intreat: or, Be not against me
17
Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
18
When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. was: Heb. strengthened herself
19
So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?
20
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. Naomi: that is, Pleasant Mara: that is, Bitter
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible CommentaryCHAPTER 14 Jud 14:1-5. Samson Desires a Wife of the Philistines.
**1-2. Timnath--**now Tibna, about three miles from Zorah, his birthplace.
**saw a woman ... of the Philistines; and told his father and his mother, and said, ... get her for me to wife--**In the East parents did, and do in many cases still, negotiate the marriage alliances for their sons. During their period of ascendency, the Philistine invaders had settled in the towns; and the intercourse between them and the Israelites was often of such a friendly and familiar character as to issue in matrimonial relations. Moreover, the Philistines were not in the number of the seven devoted nations of Canaan [De 7:1-3]--with whom the law forbade them to marry.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ruth 1:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ruth 1:18
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge