TO CLING, cleave, stick fast — the verb of Genesis 2:24, where a man 'clings' to his wife and the two become one flesh. In Ruth 1:14 it is used of RUTH clinging to Naomi where Orpah kisses and leaves: Ruth's loyalty to her mother-in-law is written in marriage language, a woman cleaving as a spouse cleaves. The same root is used of Israel commanded to 'cling' to Jehovah (Deuteronomy 10:20). → first discussed at Ruth 1:14