King James Version

What Does Ruth 1:7 Mean?

Ruth 1:7 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ruth 1:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The phrase "she went forth out of the place where she was" (vatetzeh min-hamakom, וַתֵּצֵא מִן־הַמָּקוֹם) uses vocabulary echoing Abraham's call to leave his country (Genesis 12:1) and Israel's exodus from Egypt (Exodus 13:3). This linguistic connection suggests Naomi's return is more than geographical relocation—it's a spiritual journey from compromise back to covenant relationship with God's people. Leaving "the place" of death and barrenness to return to the land of promise mirrors every believer's call to abandon worldly systems for life in God's kingdom.

That "her two daughters in law" initially accompany her demonstrates the influence of godly character even in difficult circumstances. Despite losing husband and sons, Naomi maintained relationships characterized by sufficient love and loyalty that her Moabite daughters-in-law chose to leave their homeland with her. This testifies to authentic faith's attractive power—genuine Christianity draws others through love, not merely correct doctrine.

The phrase "on the way to return" (bederek lashuv, בַּדֶּרֶךְ לָשׁוּב) uses shuv (שׁוּב), the standard Hebrew word for repentance, meaning to turn back or return. While primarily geographical here, the theological overtones are unmistakable. Naomi's physical return to Judah represents spiritual return to covenant community and divine provision. The journey "on the way" suggests process—repentance isn't instantaneous arrival but a journey requiring sustained commitment despite difficulty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The journey from Moab to Bethlehem covered approximately 50 miles, requiring several days of travel through challenging terrain. The route descended from the Moabite plateau, crossed the Jordan River valley, then climbed into the Judean hills. For three widowed women traveling without male protection, this journey involved real danger from bandits, wild animals, and exploitation. Their willingness to undertake such hardship demonstrates serious commitment to reaching Judah.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, daughters-in-law typically returned to their birth families after husband's death, especially if childless. That both Orpah and Ruth initially chose to accompany Naomi rather than return to their Moabite families suggests unusual devotion—either to Naomi personally or to the God of Israel she represented. Ancient law codes (including Hammurabi's Code) addressed widow rights, but women's vulnerability was universal without male protection and provision.

The historical context of the judges period (ongoing apostasy and enemy oppression) makes Ruth's decision to join Israel particularly remarkable. She wasn't choosing stability and prosperity but commitment to a struggling, often-defeated people. Her choice demonstrates that genuine conversion to Yahweh depends not on material benefit but spiritual conviction. She chose covenant relationship despite apparent disadvantage.

Reflection Questions

  1. What decisive action is God calling you to take in areas of spiritual compromise, moving beyond good intentions to concrete steps of separation and return?
  2. How might your faithful endurance during present trials be influencing others toward Christ, even when you feel ineffective and broken?
  3. In what areas of Christian life are you treating repentance as a single decision rather than an ongoing journey requiring sustained commitment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַתֵּצֵ֗א1 of 15

“Wherefore she went forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִן2 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמָּקוֹם֙3 of 15

“out of the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָֽיְתָה5 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָּׁ֔מָּה6 of 15
H8033

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

וּשְׁתֵּ֥י7 of 15

“where she was and her two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

כַלֹּתֶ֖יהָ8 of 15

“daughters in law”

H3618

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

עִמָּ֑הּ9 of 15
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וַתֵּלַ֣כְנָה10 of 15
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ11 of 15

“on the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

לָשׁ֖וּב12 of 15

“to return”

H7725

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

אֶל13 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֥רֶץ14 of 15

“unto the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יְהוּדָֽה׃15 of 15

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

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 1:7 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 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 8:3Exodus 18:27Ruth 1:14Ruth 1:10

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