Ruth 2:1
Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While Boaz is described as a "mighty man of wealth," the original Hebrew leans more towards "mighty man of valor" or "hero." This suggests his strength wasn't just financial, but also implied capability and perhaps even a distinguished past in protecting his people.
Having returned to Bethlehem with little more than her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth, Naomi is facing extreme poverty and the scorn of her former neighbors. This chapter introduces Boaz, a wealthy and respected landowner, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband Elimelech. Ruth, seeking to provide for Naomi, goes out to glean in the fields, and fatefully, she enters the field of this man, Boaz.
Naomi returns to Bethlehem in poverty, but the text immediately introduces a figure who will change everything. Who is this man, Boaz, and what does his status signify?
The verse introduces Boaz not just by name, but by his significant social and economic standing.
A Near Relation
He is described as a "kinsman of her husband's." This isn't just a casual acquaintance; the word often implies someone known well, perhaps intimately, within the family circle. For Naomi, who has lost her husband and sons, this connection is a crucial link to her past and potentially her future.
A Worthy Man
The description "worthy man" or "mighty man of wealth" speaks to his considerable influence and resources. This wasn't a small landowner; he was a man of substance in Bethlehem, likely respected and with authority. This indicates he wasn't just any relative, but one who could potentially offer significant help and protection.
Of Elimelech's Clan
Crucially, he belongs to Elimelech's family. This detail anchors him directly to Naomi's deceased husband, making him not just a distant acquaintance but a direct tie to the family that left Bethlehem years ago. His presence ensures that Naomi's return isn't to complete isolation, but to a community where a significant connection still exists.
The description of Boaz as a "worthy man" or "mighty man of wealth" is more than just about his bank account. What deeper qualities does this phrase imply about him?
The Hebrew phrase translated as 'worthy man' or 'mighty man of wealth' carries a rich meaning that goes beyond mere riches.
Strength and Valor
While it certainly points to his financial prosperity and influence, the root of the expression often speaks of strength, valor, and capability. This suggests Boaz was not only rich but also a capable and respected figure, possibly one who had distinguished himself.
Understand the original words
chayil · Hebrew Noun
A term often denoting a person of substance, strength, or high moral character. In this context, it highlights Boaz's status and upright nature within his community.
mishpachah · Hebrew Noun
An extended family group or lineage within Israelite society. It refers to the broader patriarchal line from which one descends, carrying obligations and rights within the covenant community.
The narrative unfolds in the land of Judah during a period when a strong kinsman-redeemer played a vital social and economic role. Boaz's established wealth and position in Bethlehem provide a crucial context for Ruth's vulnerable situation and her subsequent journey toward security and belonging.
c. 11th century BC
Boaz and Elimelech's Generation
This period in Israel's history, often associated with the Judges, was marked by relative peace but also by potential instability and economic hardship, making a man of Boaz's stature and wealth significant.
c. 11th century BC
Elimelech and Naomi Migrate to Moab
Due to famine in Bethlehem, Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, left their ancestral home for the foreign land of Moab. This sets the stage for the family's tragic losses.
c. 11th century BC
Deaths of Elimelech and His Sons
During their time in Moab, Elimelech died, followed by his sons Mahlon and Chilion, leaving Naomi widowed and with her Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth.
c. 11th century BC— this verse
Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem
Naomi, hearing the famine had ended, decided to return to Bethlehem. Ruth's profound loyalty is demonstrated as she accompanies her mother-in-law, while Orpah returns to Moab.
This passage introduces Judah's kinsman-redeemer responsibility, which is a foundational concept for understanding Boaz's role and the later unfolding of the story in Ruth.
Leviticus 25:25This Levitical law establishes the 'kinsman-redeemer' role, outlining the obligations and rights of a relative to redeem property or a family line, directly informing Boaz's actions.
Deuteronomy 25:5This passage, the 'levirate marriage' law, sets a precedent for a brother or kinsman marrying a widow to preserve her deceased husband's name and lineage, a principle echoed in Boaz's eventual actions towards Ruth.
Jeremiah 32:7This prophetic passage shows the practice of buying back ancestral land during a time of exile, illustrating the 'kinsman-redeemer' concept in a broader historical context, much like Boaz's role in restoring Naomi's family legacy.
Matthew 1:5This verse in Jesus' genealogy explicitly names Boaz as the son of Salmon and Rahab, establishing his place in the lineage leading to David and ultimately Christ, highlighting his significance beyond the immediate narrative.
clarkeRuth 2:1: "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
A mighty man of wealth - We have already seen that some suppose Boaz to have been one of the judges of Israel; he was no doubt a man of considerable property.
pooleRuth 2:1: "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
Ruth gleaning in the fields of Boaz, her deceased husband’s near kinsman, h taketh knowledge of her, Ruth 2:1-7 . He showeth her great kindness, and blesseth her, Ruth 2:8-16 . That which she got she brings to Naomi; and telleth her what had befallen her. She giveth God thanks, and exhorteth Ruth to continue in the field, Ruth 2:17-23 . No text from Poole on this vers…
While Boaz is described as a "mighty man of wealth," the original Hebrew leans more towards "mighty man of valor" or "hero." This suggests his strength wasn't just financial, but also implied capability and perhaps even a distinguished past in protecting his people.
Having returned to Bethlehem with little more than her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth, Naomi is facing extreme poverty and the scorn of her former neighbors. This chapter introduces Boaz, a wealthy and respected landowner, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband Elimelech. Ruth, seeking to provide for Naomi, goes out to glean in the fields, and fatefully, she enters the field of this man, Boaz.
Having returned to Bethlehem with little more than her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth, Naomi is facing extreme poverty and the scorn of her former neighbors. This chapter introduces Boaz, a wealthy and respected landowner, who is a relative of Naomi's deceased husband Elimelech. Ruth, seeking to provide for Naomi, goes out to glean in the fields, and fatefully, she enters the field of this man, Boaz.
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Moral and Spiritual Depth
Commentaries suggest that the term could also encompass a strong moral character or even a deep understanding of God's law. He was likely seen as a man of integrity, whose wealth was a reflection of his diligent character and possibly his right standing with God.
A Foundation for Action
This combination of resources, capability, and character prepares Boaz to be more than just a passive relative. He is positioned to be an active agent of provision and protection, especially for vulnerable individuals like Ruth and Naomi.
c. 11th century BC
Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field
Upon arrival in Bethlehem, Ruth goes to glean in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi, and her efforts lead her to the field of Boaz, a kinsman of her late father-in-law, Elimelech.
"Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz." — While Boaz is described as a "mighty man of wealth," the original Hebrew leans more towards "mighty man of valor" or "hero." This suggests his strength wasn't just financial, but also implied capabil…
