רוּת
Rut / Ruth
“Friend/companion”
Ruth (רוּת, Rut) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “friend/companion,” pronounced “RUT.” The etymology of Ruth (רוּת) is debated. It is commonly connected to the Hebrew root ר-ע-ה (re'ah, 'friend/companion') or ר-ו-ה (ravah, 'to saturate/refresh'). Some scholars suggest a Moabite origin. The meaning 'friend/companion' perfectly captures her defining act of loyal friendship.
| Hebrew | רוּת |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Rut |
| English Name | Ruth |
| Meaning | Friend/companion |
| Pronunciation | RUT |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Rut, Rute, Routh |
| Key Scripture | Ruth 1:16 |
Ruth's story is the Bible's most beautiful tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption. A Moabite widow who had every reason to return to her own people, Ruth instead clung to her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi with words that have echoed through millennia: 'Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God' (Ruth 1:16). This foreigner, this outsider, chose covenant loyalty over comfort — and God honored her beyond imagination. She married Boaz, bore Obed, and became the great-grandmother of King David, placing her directly in the messianic line. Her name means 'friend' or 'companion,' and she redefined what both words mean.
Key Scripture: Ruth 1:16
“But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'”
What Does Ruth Mean in Hebrew?
The name רוּת (Rut) is most commonly linked to רֵעוּת (re'ut, 'friendship/companionship') from the root ר-ע-ה. An alternative derivation connects it to ר-ו-ה (ravah, 'to water/refresh'), suggesting 'refreshment' or 'satiation.' Both meanings reflect Ruth's character — she was the ultimate companion and a source of refreshment to the bereft Naomi.
Ruth in the Bible
Ruth is one of only two women with a book of the Bible named after her (the other is Esther). As a Moabite convert, she demonstrated that covenant faithfulness transcends ethnic boundaries. She is one of only five women mentioned in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, highlighting God's inclusion of outsiders in the messianic plan.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The Book of Ruth is read in synagogues on the festival of Shavuot (Pentecost), which celebrates both the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah. Ruth's acceptance of the God of Israel mirrors the nation's acceptance of Torah at Sinai. Her story is also the foundational text for Jewish conversion — she is considered the archetypal convert.
Ruth was one of the most popular girls' names in the early 20th century, ranking #3 in the US in the 1890s-1920s. While it declined in the mid-century, it's experiencing a vintage revival. In Israel, Rut is a classic name with deep emotional resonance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruth
What does Ruth mean in Hebrew?
Ruth (רוּת, Rut) means “Friend/companion” in Hebrew. The etymology of Ruth (רוּת) is debated. It is commonly connected to the Hebrew root ר-ע-ה (re'ah, 'friend/companion') or ר-ו-ה (ravah, 'to saturate/refresh'). Some scholars suggest a Moabite origin. The meaning 'friend/companion' perfectly captures her defining act of loyal friendship.
How do you pronounce Ruth in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Ruth is “RUT.” The name is written רוּת in Hebrew script.
What does Ruth mean in Hebrew?
Ruth (רוּת, Rut) most likely means 'friend' or 'companion' in Hebrew, connected to the root for 'friendship' (re'ut). Some scholars also suggest 'refreshment' from the root ravah. Both meanings fit her character perfectly — she was the most loyal companion to Naomi and brought refreshment to her mother-in-law's broken life.
Why is Ruth important in the Bible?
Ruth, a Moabite foreigner, demonstrated that covenant faithfulness and God's grace transcend ethnic boundaries. Her loyalty to Naomi, her marriage to Boaz, and her inclusion in the messianic lineage (she was David's great-grandmother) make her story a powerful narrative of redemption. She is one of only five women named in Jesus' genealogy in Matthew.
What is the significance of Ruth 1:16?
Ruth's declaration to Naomi — 'Where you go I will go; your people will be my people and your God my God' — is considered one of the most beautiful expressions of loyalty in all literature. It is used in Jewish conversion ceremonies and Christian wedding vows alike, expressing total, self-sacrificing commitment that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
Sources & Further Study
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