THE BOOK OF RUTH Introduction Ancient versions and modern translations consistently entitle this book after Ruth the Moabitess the heroine, who is mentioned by name twelve times (1:4–4:13). Only two Old Testament books receive their names from women—Ruth and Esther. The Old Testament does not again refer to Ruth, while the New Testament mentions her just once—in the context of Christ’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5; see Ruth 4:18–22). The name “Ruth” most likely comes from a Moabite or Hebrew word meaning
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