Orpah
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Orpah was a Moabitess, wife of Mahlon, who returned to her own people after escorting Naomi on her way to Judah. Her name is derived from the Hebrew word for 'neck' or possibly means 'gazelle'.
What is the meaning of Orpah in the Bible?
Orpah was a Moabitess, wife of Mahlon, who returned to her own people after escorting Naomi on her way to Judah. Her name is derived from the Hebrew word for 'neck' or possibly means 'gazelle'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Orpah's decision to return to her own people highlights the cultural differences between Moabites and Israelites, emphasizing the challenges faced by Ruth in choosing to remain with Naomi.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.