Ruth 1:16
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

English Standard Version
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

Berean Standard Bible
But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.

New American Standard Bible
But Ruth said, “Do not plead with me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you sleep, I will sleep. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.

NASB 1995
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.

NASB 1977
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to forsake you in turning back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.

Amplified Bible
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.

Christian Standard Bible
But Ruth replied: Don’t plead with me to abandon you or to return and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Ruth replied: Do not persuade me to leave you or go back and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

American Standard Version
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and 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;

Contemporary English Version
Ruth answered, "Please don't tell me to leave you and return home! I will go where you go, I will live where you live; your people will be my people, your God will be my God.

English Revised Version
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and 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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Ruth answered, "Don't force me to leave you. Don't make me turn back from following you. Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

Good News Translation
But Ruth answered, "Don't ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

International Standard Version
But Ruth answered, "Stop urging me to abandon you and to turn back from following you. Because wherever you go, I'll go. Wherever you live, I'll live. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.

Majority Standard Bible
But Ruth replied: ?Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

NET Bible
But Ruth replied, "Stop urging me to abandon you! For wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you live, I will live. Your people will become my people, and your God will become my God.

New Heart English Bible
Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you, and to return from following after you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay; your people shall be my people, and your God my God;

Webster's Bible Translation
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following 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:

World English Bible
Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Ruth says, “Do not urge me to leave you—to turn back from after you; for to where you go I go, and where you lodge I lodge; your people [is] my people, and your God my God.

Young's Literal Translation
And Ruth saith, 'Urge me not to leave thee -- to turn back from after thee; for whither thou goest I go, and where thou lodgest I lodge; thy people is my people, and thy God my God.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Ruth will say, Thou shalt not urge upon me to forsake thee, to turn back from after thee: for where thou shalt go, I will go; and where thou shalt lodge, I will lodge: thy people my people, and thy God my God:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
She answered: Be not against me, to desire that I should leave thee and depart: for whithersoever thou shalt go, I will go: and where thou shalt dwell, I also will dwell. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
She answered, “Do not be against me, as if I would abandon you and go away; for wherever you will go, I will go, and where you will stay, I also will stay with you. Your people are my people, and your God is my God.

New American Bible
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to go back and abandon you! Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God.

New Revised Standard Version
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Ruth said to her, Far be it from me to return from following after you, and to leave you; for where you go, I will go; and where you dwell, I will dwell; your people shall be my people, and your God my God:

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Ruth said to her: “God forbid me that I would turn from your presence and forsake you, for to the place where you will go, I shall go, and wherever you will dwell, I shall dwell. Your people is my people, and your God, my God
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Ruth said: 'Entreat me not to leave thee, and 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;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following thee; for whithersoever thou goest, I will go, and wheresoever thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi
15“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home.” 16But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”…

Cross References
Genesis 31:32
If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols.

Joshua 24:15
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

2 Kings 2:2
and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:6
And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

Song of Solomon 8:6
Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all.

Isaiah 14:1
For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob.

Jeremiah 50:5
They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten.

Zechariah 8:23
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

Matthew 8:19-20
And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” / Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

Matthew 19:27-29
“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?” / Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. / And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

Luke 9:57-62
As they were walking along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow You wherever You go.” / Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” / Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” ...

John 6:66-69
From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. / So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” / Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people shall be my people, and your God my God:

Intreat me not.

2 Kings 2:2-6
And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel…

Luke 24:28,29
And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further…

Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

whither

2 Samuel 15:21
And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

Matthew 8:19
And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

John 13:37
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

thy people

Ruth 2:11,12
And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore…

Psalm 45:10
Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

Isaiah 14:1
For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

thy God

Joshua 24:18
And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.

Daniel 2:47
The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Daniel 3:29
Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

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Ruth 1
1. Elimelech, driven by famine into Moab, dies there
4. Mahlon and Chilion, having married wives of Moab, die also
6. Naomi, returning homeward
8. dissuades her two daughters-in-law from going with her
14. Orpah leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanies her
19. The two come to Bethlehem, where they are gladly received














But Ruth replied
The name "Ruth" in Hebrew is רוּת (Rut), which is believed to mean "friend" or "companion." This sets the tone for her character throughout the book. Ruth's reply is a pivotal moment, showcasing her loyalty and commitment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such a declaration was profound, as it involved leaving one's own family and gods, which was a significant cultural and religious shift.

Do not urge me to leave you
The Hebrew word for "urge" is פָּגַע (paga), which can mean to entreat or press upon someone. Ruth's plea is heartfelt, indicating a deep emotional bond with Naomi. In the historical context, leaving one's family was not just a physical departure but a severance of social and religious ties, making Ruth's insistence even more remarkable.

or to turn back from following you
The phrase "turn back" comes from the Hebrew שׁוּב (shuv), meaning to return or go back. Ruth's determination not to "turn back" signifies a complete break from her past life. This reflects a spiritual and physical journey, symbolizing repentance and conversion, themes that resonate deeply within the Christian faith.

For wherever you go, I will go
This statement underscores Ruth's unwavering commitment. The Hebrew word for "go" is הָלַךְ (halak), which implies a way of life or conduct. Ruth is not merely speaking of physical movement but aligning her life's path with Naomi's, demonstrating a profound act of love and loyalty.

and wherever you live, I will live
The Hebrew word for "live" is לִין (lin), which can mean to lodge or dwell. Ruth's commitment to live where Naomi lives signifies her willingness to embrace a new community and identity. This reflects the Christian call to abide in Christ and the community of believers, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Your people will be my people
This declaration is a significant cultural and social commitment. In the ancient world, one's identity was closely tied to their people and land. Ruth's willingness to adopt Naomi's people as her own signifies a complete integration into a new community, reflecting the Christian concept of the church as a diverse yet unified body of believers.

and your God will be my God
This is perhaps the most profound part of Ruth's declaration. The Hebrew word for "God" here is אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), a term used for the God of Israel. Ruth's acceptance of Naomi's God signifies a conversion, a turning away from the gods of Moab to the one true God. This mirrors the Christian experience of conversion, where one turns from old allegiances to embrace faith in the God of the Bible.

(16) Intreat me not.--Ruth's nobleness is proof against all. The intensity of her feeling comes out all the more strongly now that she pleads alone: "I will undertake with thee the toilsome journey, I will lodge with thee however hardly, I will venture among a strange people, and will worship a new god."

Verse 16. - And Ruth said, Insist not on me forsaking thee: for whither thou goest, I will go. Ruth's mind was made up. Her heart would not be wrenched away from her mother-in-law. The length of the journey, its dangers, and the inevitable fatigue accompanying it, moved not, by so much as a jot, her resolution. Had not her mother-in-law the same distance to travel, the same fatigue to endure, the same perils to encounter? Might not the aged traveler, moreover, derive some assistance and cheer from the company of a young, ready-handed, and willing-hearted companion? She was resolved. Nothing on earth would separate them. Wheresoever thou lodgest, I will lodge. A better version than Luther's, "Where thou stayest, I will stay" (wo du bleibest, da bleibe ich auch). The reference is not to the ultimate destination, but to the nightly halts, לוּן is the verb employed; and it is rendered "to tarry all night" in Genesis 24:54; Genesis 28:11; Genesis 31:54; Judges 19:6, etc. It is the Latin pernoetare and the German ubernachten, the former being the rendering of the Vulgate, and the latter the translation in the Berlenburger Bibel. Thy people (is) my people, and thy God my God. There being no verb in the original, it is well to supply the simplest copula. Ruth claims, as it were, Naomi's people and Naomi's God as her own already.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But Ruth
רוּת֙ (rūṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7327: Ruth -- 'friendship', a Moabite ancestress of David

replied:
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

urge
תִּפְגְּעִי־ (tip̄·gə·‘î-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 6293: To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity

me
בִ֔י (ḇî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

to leave you
לְעָזְבֵ֖ךְ (lə·‘ā·zə·ḇêḵ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

[or] to turn
לָשׁ֣וּב (lā·šūḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from following you.
מֵאַחֲרָ֑יִךְ (mê·’a·ḥă·rā·yiḵ)
Preposition-m | second person feminine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

For
כִּ֠י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

wherever
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

you go,
תֵּלְכִ֜י (tê·lə·ḵî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

I will go,
אֵלֵ֗ךְ (’ê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and wherever
וּבַאֲשֶׁ֤ר (ū·ḇa·’ă·šer)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you live,
תָּלִ֙ינִי֙ (tā·lî·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 3885: To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate

I will live;
אָלִ֔ין (’ā·lîn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3885: To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate

your people
עַמֵּ֣ךְ (‘am·mêḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

will be my people,
עַמִּ֔י (‘am·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and your God
וֵאלֹהַ֖יִךְ (wê·lō·ha·yiḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

will be my God.
אֱלֹהָֽי׃ (’ĕ·lō·hāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT History: Ruth 1:16 Ruth said Don't entreat me to leave (Ru Rut.)
Ruth 1:15
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