Name Meanings Are Essential to Understanding Ruth


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