King James Version

What Does Ruth 1:4 Mean?

Ruth 1:4 in the King James Version says “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 d...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ruth 1:4 · KJV

Context

2

And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah . And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. continued: Heb. were

3

And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

4

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.

5

And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

6

Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The sons' marriages to Moabite women represents further assimilation into Moabite culture. The verb "took" (vayis'u, וַיִּשְׂאוּ) is the standard term for marriage but carries undertones of active choice—they selected Moabite wives rather than returning to Judah to find Israelite brides. Given Deuteronomy 23:3-6's prohibition against Moabites entering the assembly, these marriages were controversial at minimum, possibly explicitly prohibited.

"Orpah" (Orpah, עָרְפָּה) possibly derives from oref (עֹרֶף, "neck" or "back of the neck"), perhaps foreshadowing her later decision to turn back (turn the neck) to Moab. "Ruth" (Rut, רוּת) may derive from re'ut (רְעוּת, "friendship" or "association"), suggesting companionship—fitting given her loyal friendship to Naomi. Alternatively, it may relate to ravah (רָוָה, "to drink" or "be saturated"), signifying satisfaction or abundance.

The phrase "they dwelled there about ten years" indicates the family's complete settlement in Moab. What began as temporary sojourn during famine became a decade of residence, including marriages establishing permanent connections. The round number "ten years" may be literal or symbolic, suggesting a complete period. During this decade, the sons presumably could have returned to Judah (famine doesn't last ten years), yet they remained, raising questions about their commitment to covenant identity versus comfort in Moab.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Marriage to foreign women was a recurring issue in Israel's history. While the law prohibited marriage to Canaanites (Exodus 34:15-16; Deuteronomy 7:3-4) because of idolatry risk, other foreigners could be incorporated through conversion. Ruth and Rahab (both foreigners, both in Christ's genealogy) demonstrate that ethnicity wasn't the ultimate issue—covenant faith was. However, Deuteronomy 23:3-6 specifically excluded Moabites, creating tension with these marriages.

Jewish interpretation debated whether Deuteronomy 23:3's prohibition applied to women or only men. The Targum and many rabbis limited the prohibition to Moabite men, allowing marriage to Moabite women. This interpretation permitted Mahlon and Chilion's marriages while maintaining legal propriety. However, the text provides no indication the brothers consulted such legal reasoning—their marriages appear pragmatic rather than theologically considered.

The ten-year period without children (implied by the absence of grandchildren) may indicate divine disfavor. Ancient Near Eastern culture viewed children as primary blessing and barrenness as curse (Deuteronomy 28:4, 11 versus 28:18). That these marriages produced no children during a decade might signal God's disapproval, though the text doesn't explicitly state this. The marriages' barrenness creates narrative tension—no heirs to preserve Elimelech's name or provide for Naomi.

Reflection Questions

  1. What patterns of incremental compromise can you identify in your spiritual life, and how can you reverse this drift?
  2. In what areas are you expecting God's blessing while living in ways contrary to His revealed will?
  3. How does Ruth's example of faith transcending ethnicity challenge your attitudes toward those from different backgrounds coming to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ1 of 14

“And they took”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לָהֶ֗ם2 of 14
H0
נָשִׁים֙3 of 14

“of the women”

H802

a woman

מֹֽאֲבִיּ֔וֹת4 of 14

“of Moab”

H4125

a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab

וְשֵׁ֥ם5 of 14

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הָֽאַחַת֙6 of 14

“of the one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עָרְפָּ֔ה7 of 14

“was Orpah”

H6204

orpah, a moabites

וְשֵׁ֥ם8 of 14

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית9 of 14

“of the other”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

ר֑וּת10 of 14

“Ruth”

H7327

ruth, a moabitess

וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ11 of 14

“and they dwelled”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֖ם12 of 14
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

כְּעֶ֥שֶׂר13 of 14

“there about ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

שָׁנִֽים׃14 of 14

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

Study Guide

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 1:4 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 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 1:5Deuteronomy 7:3Deuteronomy 23:31 Kings 11:1-2

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Ruth 1 →

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