The meanings of Hebrew names can almost tell the whole story by themselves. They give insight to the hidden meaning of the allegory. For example: Ruth means “friendship.” She represents our spirit which is the only part of man which can respond to God’s offer of friendship through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Elimelech means “strength of the king.” He represents the sin nature which attempts to live by its own capabilities rather than the grace and mercy of God.
As you read through this story about Ruth, you might want to use this list of meanings to help put the story together.
Ruth
Means: Friendship
Represents: Human spirit
Naomi
Means: Beautiful Grace of God
Represents: Human soul
Elimelech
Means: The Strength of the King
Represents: Sin nature
Judah
Means: Worship
Represents: Presence with God (heaven)
Bethlehem
Means: Celebrated
Represents: Praising God
Moab
Means: Incest
Represents: Sin
Mahlon
Means: Sickly
Represents: Poorly
Kilion
Means: Failing
Represents: Unsuccessful
Orpah
Means: Stubbornness
Represents: Pride
Mara
Means: Bitterness
Represents: Broken hearted
Boaz
Means: Strong Redeemer/Pillar
Represents: Jesus
Obed
Means: Servant
Represents: Born again
David
Means: Beloved Son
Represents: Jesus
Jesus Christ
Means: Salvation
Represents: Jesus
Israel
Means: He will rule
Represents: Man as a whole