Bible Strands
Ruth 1:14
Again they wept aloud, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Naomi has just declared that returning to Bethlehem is futile and urged her daughters-in-law to go back to their own people and gods. At the border between Moab and Bethlehem, the women are concluding their farewell after Naomi's second plea.
The words — The text emphasizes ע֑וֹד (od = again) to mark the repetition of their weeping, and contrasts it with Ruth's physical stance. The narrative juxtaposes Orpah's kiss of departure with Ruth's refusal to let go.
The thread — This moment of resolute attachment anticipates the biblical theme of covenant loyalty that transcends blood ties. It prefigures the New Testament call to prioritize devotion to God and His people over familial ties (Matthew 10:37; Matthew 16:24).
Why it lands — The verse forces a reader to choose between cultural comfort and costly commitment. It demands a plain decision to stay with the afflicted rather than retreat to familiar security.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
- Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
- Matthew 10:37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;
- Matthew 19:22 When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.
- John 6:66 From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.
- Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
- Deuteronomy 10:20 You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.
- 1 Kings 19:20 So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?”
- Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
- 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.