Why did Orpah kiss Naomi?

Orpah’s act of kissing her mother-in-law Naomi is a moment layered with emotion and meaning. To understand why Orpah kissed Naomi, we need to look at the cultural, personal, and emotional context of their relationship, as well as what this gesture signifies both within the story and for readers today.

The Setting: Loss and Uncertainty

The Book of Ruth opens with a family tragedy. Naomi, along with her husband Elimelech and their two sons, leaves Bethlehem during a famine to seek a better life in Moab. While there, Naomi’s husband dies, and her sons marry Moabite women—Orpah and Ruth. After about ten years, both sons also die, leaving Naomi and her two daughters-in-law widowed and vulnerable in a patriarchal society where women’s security was closely tied to their male relatives.

Facing hardship, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem after hearing that the famine has ended. She urges Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab, their homeland, and seek new lives. Naomi’s plea is motivated by love and concern, knowing her daughters-in-law would have little future as foreign widows in Israel.

The Emotional Farewell

As Naomi prepares to leave, she urges Orpah and Ruth to return to their mothers’ homes. The text describes a deeply emotional scene. All three women weep together. Naomi explains the bleak prospects of accompanying her: she cannot provide them with new husbands and, as foreigners in Bethlehem, their lives would be uncertain.

Orpah and Ruth initially protest, insisting they will stay with Naomi. Naomi, however, is persistent. She emphasizes the hopelessness of her situation and urges them to think practically about their futures. It is at this point that Orpah kisses Naomi, while Ruth “clings” to her (Ruth 1:14).

The Meaning Behind the Kiss

Orpah’s kiss is not a sign of rejection or lack of love. In the ancient world, a kiss was a gesture rich with meaning—often signifying affection, respect, and a formal goodbye. Orpah’s kiss is a demonstration of love and sorrow. It acknowledges the bond she shared with Naomi and serves as a respectful farewell.

The act also carries a sense of obedience. Orpah honors Naomi’s wishes, accepting the reality that following her would bring hardship. Her kiss is a bittersweet acceptance of Naomi’s reasoning. It is a moment of letting go, done with grace, dignity, and emotion.

Orpah’s Choice: Not a Lack of Faith

Sometimes, Orpah is viewed unfavorably in contrast to Ruth, who chooses to stay with Naomi. However, it’s important to recognize the courage in Orpah’s decision. She is not turning her back out of indifference or selfishness. She is making a rational choice to return to her family and her familiar world, as Naomi suggested.

Orpah’s kiss can be seen as an act of trust in Naomi’s wisdom. She respects Naomi’s judgment and sees the practical reality of her situation. Her departure is marked by affection, not abandonment, showing a mature response to an impossible situation.

Ruth’s Clinging Versus Orpah’s Kiss

The story contrasts Orpah and Ruth’s responses. Ruth famously declares, “Where you go, I will go… your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth’s steadfastness is celebrated, but Orpah’s choice is equally human. The narrative suggests that both women loved Naomi deeply, but expressed their love differently—one through a tearful farewell, the other through unwavering accompaniment.

Lessons from Orpah’s Kiss

Orpah’s kiss teaches us about the complexity of love and loyalty. Not every act of parting is an act of betrayal. Sometimes love means letting go, respecting boundaries, and honoring the choices of others. Orpah’s farewell is filled with emotion, but also with wisdom. It reminds us that difficult decisions often involve balancing duty, affection, and practicality.

In life, we are often faced with moments where we must say goodbye, even to those we cherish. Orpah’s story assures us that these moments can be filled with love and respect, even if they lead us on different paths.