How to Pronounce Orpah
Audio Pronunciation of Orpah
Phonetic Pronunciation of Orpah
AWR-puhHow to Say Orpah
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Introduction to Orpah
Orpah is a relatively minor but notable figure in the Old Testament, known primarily from the Book of Ruth. Her name, which may mean “back of the neck” or “gazelle,” comes from the Hebrew root עָרֶף (ʿāref), related to turning the neck or back. Orpah is one of the two Moabite daughters-in-law of Naomi, the other being Ruth. Her role in the narrative is crucial in highlighting themes of loyalty, choice, and divine providence.
Orpah Pronunciation
“Orpah” is pronounced as OR-pah, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The Hebrew spelling is עָרְפָּה (ʿOrpah).
Orpah in the Bible
Orpah appears in the Book of Ruth, a beautifully composed short narrative that occurs during the time of the Judges. She is the Moabite wife of Chilion, one of the sons of Elimelech and Naomi.
- Ruth 1:4–5: Orpah marries Chilion after Elimelech and his family settle in Moab due to a famine in Bethlehem. Both sons, Mahlon and Chilion, die, leaving their widowed mother Naomi and daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah.
- Ruth 1:6–14: After hearing the famine has ended in Judah, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. She urges her daughters-in-law to return to their mothers’ homes. While Ruth famously clings to Naomi and chooses to go with her, Orpah eventually heeds Naomi’s advice and returns to her people and gods.
This act of departure marks a key turning point in the narrative. Though Orpah’s decision is not condemned, it contrasts with Ruth’s covenantal loyalty to Naomi and to the God of Israel. Orpah fades from the story after this moment, but her decision remains a significant literary and theological contrast to Ruth’s path.
Related Themes and Meanings to Orpah
- Choice and Free Will: Orpah and Ruth represent two responses to grief and uncertainty. Orpah’s return to Moab is sensible and culturally expected, while Ruth’s choice is radical and sacrificial.
- Loyalty vs. Pragmatism: Orpah’s departure is not framed as betrayal. Instead, it shows a natural, even kind, response to Naomi’s insistence. Ruth’s stay, however, elevates the theme of hesed (covenantal loyalty).
- Moabite Identity: Orpah remains within her ethnic and religious context. Ruth, by contrast, crosses into Israelite identity, which later links her to the Davidic and Messianic line.
Trivia and Interesting Facts about Orpah
- Jewish tradition, particularly the Talmud (Sotah 42b), offers a non-biblical legend that Orpah was the mother of Goliath and other giants, thereby symbolically placing her lineage in contrast with Ruth’s Davidic line. Though not scriptural, this tradition emphasizes the narrative dichotomy between Orpah and Ruth.
- Orpah is not portrayed negatively in the biblical text. Her return is presented as a reasonable and emotionally difficult choice.
- Her name meaning "neck" subtly foreshadows her decision to turn back—literally showing the back of her neck to Naomi. This wordplay enriches the literary artistry of the narrative.
- Some ancient manuscripts and interpretations occasionally confuse Orpah’s name with “Ruth,” but the canonical Hebrew text maintains a clear distinction.
Orpah’s Role in Biblical Theology
Though her appearance is brief, Orpah plays an important role in the larger theological arc of the Book of Ruth. Her decision helps spotlight Ruth’s radical devotion and frames the contrast necessary to highlight the story's message about loyalty, redemption, and the inclusion of foreigners into the covenant people of God. In this way, Orpah is essential, not as a villain or foil, but as a meaningful contrast whose choice allows the light of Ruth’s commitment to shine more brightly.