Meaning of the Name Orpah
The name Orpah is commonly linked to a Hebrew word meaning 'back of the neck' or 'nape.' For that reason its basic sense is often given as 'back' or 'nape.' Detailed etymological explanation is limited, but this is the usual line of interpretation.
Origin
The name Orpah is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Orpah in the Bible?
Orpah is one of Naomi's Moabite daughters-in-law. She accompanies Naomi for a time but ultimately returns to her people and home; the scene is narrated in contrast with Ruth's loyalty to Naomi.
The story of Orpah in the Bible
Orpah appears in the book of Ruth as one of Naomi's Moabite daughters-in-law. After Naomi's family settled in Moab because of famine, her sons married Moabite women, and Orpah and Ruth joined the family, living together for about ten years. When both young men died and Naomi set out to return to Judah after hearing that the LORD had provided food for his people, both daughters-in-law walked with her. On the road Naomi urged them to go back to their mothers' homes, praying that the LORD would show them the same kindness they had shown the dead and herself, and that each would find rest in a new home. They wept loudly, and at first both wanted to stay with her. When Naomi insisted, Orpah kissed her mother-in-law farewell and went back, while Ruth clung to Naomi, who noted that Orpah had returned to her people and her gods. Nothing more is said of her; her brief appearance stands as the counterpart that highlights Ruth's extraordinary loyalty.
Is Orpah mentioned in the Quran?
The name Orpah does not appear in the Quran; in the Old Testament book of Ruth she is Naomi's Moabite daughter-in-law, whose return to her people is told alongside Ruth's loyalty.
Verses where Orpah appears
- Ruth 1:4 —
They took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they lived there about ten years.
- Ruth 1:14 —
They lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth joined with her.
- Ruth 1:15 —
She said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people, and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.”