King James Version

What Does Ruth 1:6 Mean?

Ruth 1:6 in the King James Version says “Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the count...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ruth 1:6 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

8

And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The word "then" (vataqam, וַתָּקָם, "she arose") marks Naomi's decision to return, shifting from passive suffering to active response. After the deaths of her husband and sons, she could have remained in Moab in despair, but instead chooses to act. This demonstrates that even in deepest grief, believers must eventually move from paralysis to purposeful action, trusting God's provision rather than remaining in places of compromise.

The phrase "the LORD had visited his people" (paqad Yahweh et-amo, פָּקַד יְהוָה אֶת־עַמּוֹ) uses the verb paqad (פָּקַד), meaning to attend to, care for, or intervene on behalf of. This same verb describes God's visitation of Sarah (Genesis 21:1), Hannah (1 Samuel 2:21), and His promise to visit Israel in Egypt (Genesis 50:24-25). Divine visitation often brings deliverance, provision, and fulfillment of promises after long waiting.

"In giving them bread" (latet lahem lachem, לָתֵת לָהֶם לָחֶם) emphasizes God's provision of physical sustenance. The famine that drove Elimelech to Moab has ended—the same God who sent famine as discipline now sends bread as restoration. That Naomi hears this news "in the country of Moab" suggests communication networks between Moab and Israel, perhaps through traders or travelers. God's care for His people in Judah reaches Naomi even in distant Moab, drawing her home.

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Historical & Cultural Context

News traveled slowly in the ancient world, typically through traders, messengers, or returning travelers. That Naomi learned of famine's end in Judah suggests she maintained some connection to her homeland despite years in Moab. The ending of famine would have been gradual—first sparse rains, then improving harvests over several seasons. By the time news reached Moab, conditions in Judah had sufficiently improved to make return viable.

The phrase "the LORD had visited his people" recalls God's pattern of covenant faithfulness throughout Israel's history. Despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness during the judges period, God continually raised up deliverers and restored His people. The cyclical pattern of Judges—apostasy, oppression, crying out, deliverance—demonstrates that God's covenant love persists despite human unfaithfulness.

Bethlehem's restoration from famine to productivity foreshadows its later significance. This small village would produce Ruth's great-grandson David, Israel's greatest king (1 Samuel 16-17), and ultimately would be the birthplace of David's greater Son, Jesus Christ, the true Bread of Life (Micah 5:2; John 6:35). The divine visitation bringing bread to Bethlehem prefigures God's ultimate visitation in the Incarnation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What truth about God's character and provision do you need to hear to motivate return from areas of spiritual compromise or backsliding?
  2. How does understanding that restoration depends on God's initiative rather than your worthiness encourage you in seasons of spiritual struggle?
  3. What evidence of God's 'visitation' in your life—His providential care and intervention—should encourage you during present trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַתָּ֤קָם1 of 18

“Then she arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הִיא֙2 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְכַלֹּתֶ֔יהָ3 of 18

“with her daughters in law”

H3618

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

וַתָּ֖שָׁב4 of 18

“that she might return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה5 of 18

“from the country”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מוֹאָ֔ב6 of 18

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

כִּ֤י7 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָֽׁמְעָה֙8 of 18

“for she had heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה9 of 18

“from the country”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מוֹאָ֔ב10 of 18

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

כִּֽי11 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

פָקַ֤ד12 of 18

“had visited”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

יְהוָה֙13 of 18

“how that the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת14 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמּ֔וֹ15 of 18

“his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לָתֵ֥ת16 of 18

“in giving”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֖ם17 of 18
H0
לָֽחֶם׃18 of 18

“them bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 132:15Exodus 4:31Exodus 3:16Psalms 111:5Jeremiah 29:10Exodus 16:4-6

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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