Lexical Summary Orpah: Orpah Original Word: עָרְפָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Orpah Feminine of oreph; mane; Orpah, a Moabites -- Orpah. see HEBREW oreph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as oreph Definition sister-in-law of Ruth NASB Translation Orpah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָרְמָּה proper name, feminine sister-in-law of Ruth, Ruth 1:4,14, Ορφα. Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Orpah (עָרְפָה) is a Moabite woman known primarily from the opening chapter of the Book of Ruth. She becomes the daughter-in-law of Naomi through marriage to Chilion, son of Elimelech (Ruth 1:4). Her narrative is confined to two verses (Ruth 1:4; Ruth 1:14), yet her decision on the road from Moab to Bethlehem serves as a key foil to Ruth’s choice and frames the theological thrust of the book. Biblical Occurrences 1. Ruth 1:4 — Orpah and her sister-in-law Ruth marry the sons of Naomi during the family’s sojourn in Moab. Historical Background The marriages of Mahlon and Chilion to Moabite women follow a period of famine and relocation (Ruth 1:1–2). Intermarriage with Moab carries historical tension (see Deuteronomy 23:3) yet also anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles within God’s redemptive plan, a motif that blossoms through Ruth. Orpah’s Moabite identity therefore highlights the cultural and religious crossroads confronting Naomi’s family. Narrative Role in Ruth Orpah’s departure crystallizes the dramatic contrast between two responses to covenant opportunity: returning to the familiar gods of Moab or embracing the God of Israel. Her farewell kiss is respectful and affectionate, indicating no hostility toward Naomi, but it underscores a decision grounded in natural ties rather than covenant faith. Ruth’s clinging, by contrast, leads to her confession, “Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Thus Orpah’s brief appearance heightens the costliness and significance of Ruth’s loyalty. Theological and Practical Themes 1. Freedom of Choice: Scripture records no condemnation of Orpah; she is free to choose her people and her gods, illustrating genuine moral agency. Jewish and Early Christian Reflections Rabbinic tradition occasionally portrays Orpah unfavorably, linking her to later Philistine opposition (an extrabiblical speculation). Early Christian commentators, however, typically use her as a moral example of the soul that turns back when commitment becomes costly, contrasting her with Ruth’s perseverance. Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Pastoral Sensitivity: Naomi blesses Orpah despite her choice (Ruth 1:9), modeling grace toward those who turn away. Summary Though she appears only twice, Orpah functions as a narrative mirror reflecting the gravity of covenant commitment. Her respectful departure from Naomi amplifies Ruth’s steadfast devotion and underlines God’s unfolding plan to extend mercy beyond Israel, culminating in the redemption brought through Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations עָרְפָּ֔ה עָרְפָּה֙ ערפה ‘ā·rə·pāh ‘ārəpāh arePahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ruth 1:4 HEB: שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙ עָרְפָּ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית NAS: of the one was Orpah and the name KJV: of the one [was] Orpah, and the name INT: the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth 1:14 2 Occurrences |
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