Book of Ruth
A biblical narrative about Ruth, a Moabite widow who joins the people of Israel, marries Boaz, and becomes an ancestor of King David.
Ruth and Naomi: A central relationship in the Book of Ruth, between a Moabite widow and her Israelite mother-in-law. Their decision to remain together begins the story’s movement from bereavement toward belonging.
Gleaning: The practice of leaving some crops unharvested so poor people and strangers can gather food. Ruth’s work in Boaz’s field provides food under a biblical provision for the vulnerable.
Hebrew Bible: The collection of Jewish scriptures also known as the Tanakh. Ruth is one of its books, though its position differs among textual traditions.
Hesed: A Hebrew term for steadfast love, loyalty, or kindness expressed through committed action. The book’s acts of care are often read through this theme of enduring loyalty.
Ruth 1: The opening chapter of Ruth, recounting Naomi’s losses and Ruth’s pledge to accompany her to Bethlehem. Its pledge, “Where you go, I will go,” establishes Ruth’s defining loyalty.
Levirate marriage: A custom requiring a man to marry his deceased brother’s widow to preserve the brother’s lineage. Ruth resembles this custom’s concern for a dead man’s line, though Boaz is not the deceased’s brother.
Ketuvim: The Writings, the third major division of the Hebrew Bible in the Jewish ordering. Ruth belongs to the Writings in the Jewish canon.
Conversion to Judaism: The process by which a person joins the Jewish people and adopts Judaism. Ruth’s declaration of allegiance is often discussed as a biblical portrayal of joining Israel.
Ruth 2: The chapter in which Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field and receives his protection and generosity. The gleaning encounter makes Israel’s provision for the poor part of the plot.
Goel: A Hebrew term for a close relative who acts as a family redeemer, including in property and kinship matters. Boaz’s role as redeemer shapes the legal and familial resolution.