Who was Ruth in the Bible?

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

Published by Bible Direct Answers · Licensed under Citation License 1.0

Ruth's story is told in the Book of Ruth — a Moabite widow who returned with her mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem, married Boaz, and became an ancestor of King David.

Key passages:

"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:" — Ruth 1:16

"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." — Ruth 2:12

"So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son." — Ruth 4:13

"And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David." — Ruth 4:17

Read the full account in Ruth — the book is only four chapters.

Also asked as

  • · Book of Ruth
  • · Ruth Moabite
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