A Moabite woman who leaves her homeland with her Israelite mother-in-law and comes to live in Bethlehem as a resident alien, eventually becoming the great-grandmother of King David. The events of her life are recorded in the Old Testament book of Ruth. Ruth is noted for her extraordinary loyalty and care for her mother-in-law, Naomi, after both women are widowed—which results in Ruth marrying into the line from which the Davidic dynasty later descends.
Etymology
The name “Ruth” occurs in the Bible only in relation to the main character of the book of Ruth. Outside of this book, the name occurs only in Matt 1:5, in the genealogy of Jesus. “Ruth” is related to the word meaning “friendship” (רְעוּת, re'uth). The root of this word (רעה, r'h) is well attested in the Old Testament and variously means “neighbor,” “friend,” or “female companion.”
