Ruth 1

Ruth 1 sets up one of Scripture's most tender stories — Naomi's loss, and Ruth's famous vow of loyalty refusing to leave her mother-in-law. It is a portrait of covenant love (hesed) that foreshadows redemption.

The Book of Ruth · Old Testament · chapter 1 of 4.

Where this chapter sits

Famine drives Naomi's family from Bethlehem into Moab as the book begins, a move the text dates explicitly to the era of the judges, a period Judges itself portrays as unstable. Death takes her husband and both sons while they are there, and she returns home with only her Moabite daughter-in-law, asking to be called Mara instead of her own name. Gleaning in a kinsman's field follows in chapter two.

Key verses (KJV)

“Whither thou goest, I will go... thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” — Ruth 1:16 (KJV)

What to notice as you read

Weigh the famous vow to stay against the quieter contrast beside it: Orpah kisses Naomi goodbye and turns back, a reasonable choice the text never condemns, which is what makes Ruth's decision to cling to her mother-in-law read as a real departure from what was expected.

Read Ruth 1 on your iPhone

Read the full text of Ruth 1 in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.

Other chapters worth reading

• 1 Samuel 16
• 1 Kings 19
• Job 1
• Psalm 1

Explore more

• Full overview of Ruth
• Read the whole Bible offline
• Today's verse of the day

Frequently asked questions

Where does Ruth 1 come in Ruth?

It is chapter 1 of 4 in Ruth, a book of History in the Old Testament. The other widely-read chapters of Ruth are linked further down this page.

Where can I read Ruth 1?

Read the full text of Ruth 1 — and the whole Bible, offline, in your preferred translation — free in the Quiethaven app for iPhone.