Book of Ruth — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 4 · Written by: Unknown · Approximate date: c. 1050 BC · Theme: Loyal Love & Redemption
Summary of the Book of Ruth
Ruth is a beautiful story of loyal love set during the time of the judges. Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi and to Jehovah becomes a picture of how Jehovah rewards those who take refuge under his wings.
Why the Book of Ruth Matters Today
Ruth shows that Jehovah's mercy reaches beyond Israel to anyone who takes refuge under his wings (Ruth 2:12). A Moabite widow becomes the great-grandmother of King David — and an ancestor of Jesus Christ himself (Matthew 1:5). For Witnesses today doing field ministry, Ruth is a powerful reminder that Jehovah has 'sheep' in unexpected places and that loyal love (hesed) toward Jehovah and his people draws notice. The book's depiction of Boaz as kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Christ's redemptive role and gives the personal study reader a tender picture of how Jehovah arranges the lives of his loyal ones.
Key Verses in Ruth
- Ruth 1:16
- Ruth 2:12
- Ruth 4:14
Notable Passages in Ruth
Ruth 1:16
Ruth's declaration 'your people will be my people and your God my God' is a powerful expression of loyal love and wholehearted devotion to Jehovah.
Ruth 2:12
Boaz's blessing that Jehovah would reward Ruth for seeking refuge 'under his wings' illustrates Jehovah's protective care for those who draw close to him.
Ruth 4:14
The women's blessing over Naomi celebrates Jehovah as the one who never leaves his people without a redeemer, pointing to the ultimate redemption through Christ.
Study Questions for Ruth
As you read the book of Ruth, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What does Ruth's declaration of loyalty to Naomi — 'Where you go I will go' — teach about the quality of loyal love (hesed) and commitment?
- How did Ruth's willingness to leave her homeland for Jehovah reflect true faith, and how might her sacrifice be compared to choices Jehovah's Witnesses make today?
- What does the role of Boaz as 'kinsman-redeemer' teach about Jehovah's arrangement for protecting and redeeming those who belong to him?
- How did Ruth's humble diligence and faithfulness eventually lead to her being included in the ancestry of Jesus Christ?
- What does this book teach about how Jehovah rewards those who take refuge under his wings, even when circumstances seem hopeless?
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruth
- Who wrote the book of Ruth?
- Samuel is generally identified as the writer of Ruth, completing it around 1090 BCE — placing David in his proper genealogical context just as the monarchy was being established.
- When was the book of Ruth written?
- Ruth was written approximately 1090 BCE, though the events it records — set during the time of the Judges — took place about 1100 BCE during the early days of Boaz and Ruth in Bethlehem.
- What is the main theme of Ruth?
- Ruth celebrates loyal love (hesed) and shows that Jehovah rewards those who take refuge under his wings. The book also establishes the line of David and ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great Kinsman-Redeemer.
How to Study Ruth with JW Study
Track your progress through all 4 chapters of Ruth in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Ruth
The book of Ruth is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures
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- Next book: Book of 1 Samuel
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