And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Naomi's blessing highlights that Boaz's kindness isn't just for Ruth and herself (the living), but extends a legacy to Elimelech and her sons (the dead). This shows that the ancient concept of a "kinsman redeemer" wasn't just about legal rights, but also about honoring the past by caring for its survivors.
And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having discovered that Boaz has shown Ruth unexpected favor and protection in his fields, Naomi blesses him for his kindness, recognizing it extends even to the memory of their deceased family members. She then identifies Boaz as a "kinsman-redeemer," a close relative with the legal right and responsibility to care for her and Ruth, and potentially restore their family's lost land.
Naomi blesses Boaz with profound words: his kindness extends to both the living and the dead. What does this incredible statement reveal about God's faithfulness and human relationships?
A Legacy of Love
Naomi's blessing on Boaz is powerful because it recognizes a kindness that transcends even death itself. She blesses him, "whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead." This isn't just about Boaz being nice to her and Ruth (the living).
It's also about his connection to Elimelech and Mahlon (the dead). Boaz's actions show respect for the memory and the family legacy of Naomi's deceased husband and son. He's not just helping two vulnerable women; he's honoring the relationships and responsibilities that existed before they died.
This teaches us that true kindness has a deep respect for the past and the people who have gone before us. It acknowledges that our lives are woven into a larger story, and faithfulness to those who are gone is a beautiful testament to enduring love.
Naomi identifies Boaz not just as a kind man, but as 'one of our redeemers.' This ancient concept holds the key to understanding Boaz's actions and the hope for Naomi's family.
More Than Just Family
When Naomi calls Boaz 'one of our redeemers' (in Hebrew, goel), she's using a term loaded with responsibility and covenantal significance.
Under ancient Mosaic law, a goel was a close male relative with specific duties:
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Boaz, as a goel, embodies this protective and restorative role. His kindness to Ruth isn't just generosity; it's the first step in fulfilling this sacred obligation, offering a path to security and continuation for Naomi's devastated family.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A profound biblical term (Hebrew: chesed) denoting covenantal loyalty, steadfast love, kindness, and mercy that goes beyond duty. It characterizes God's faithful devotion to His people.
azab · Hebrew Verb
To abandon, leave behind, or cease to support; in a theological context, it refers to the removal of divine favor or covenantal presence.
ga'al · Hebrew Noun
A legal designation (goel) for a family member who has the right and responsibility to act on behalf of a relative to redeem land, buy back a person from slavery, or marry a widow to carry on a name.
The concept of the 'kinsman-redeemer' (Goel) was a vital part of ancient Israelite society, designed to protect families and their property. Naomi's recognition of Boaz as such a redeemer highlights the deep-seated cultural and legal expectations surrounding family obligations and land inheritance.
c. 1200-1150 BC
Period of the Judges
Israel experienced a period of decentralized leadership under judges, marked by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance. This era lacked a strong, unified national government.
Unknown, but likely during the Period of the Judges
Elimelech's move to Moab
A famine in Bethlehem prompted Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons to emigrate to the foreign land of Moab, seeking sustenance.
Unknown, following the move to Moab
Death of Elimelech and his sons
Tragically, Elimelech died in Moab, followed by his sons Mahlon and Chilion, who had married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi was left widowed and childless in a foreign land.
Unknown, after the deaths
Naomi's return to Bethlehem
After hearing that the famine had ended, Naomi decided to return to her ancestral home in Bethlehem. Ruth resolutely accompanied her, while Orpah stayed in Moab.
During the barley harvest season, upon Naomi's return— this verse
Ruth gleans in Boaz's field
Arriving in Bethlehem during the barley harvest, Ruth went to glean leftover grain in a field. She happened to choose the field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of her deceased father-in-law, Elimelech.
This passage introduces the concept of the 'kinsman-redeemer' (Goel), the very role Boaz embodies by showing kindness to Naomi and Ruth.
Deuteronomy 25:5-10These verses outline the levirate marriage law, which is a specific instance of the kinsman-redeemer's duties, highlighting the importance of continuing a deceased brother's line.
Job 19:25Job's powerful declaration, 'I know that my Redeemer lives,' echoes the hope found in the kinsman-redeemer concept, looking for ultimate vindication and restoration.
Matthew 1:5This verse lists Boaz as the father of Obed by Ruth, directly connecting the narrative of Ruth to the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus.
henryRuth 2:17-23: "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."
2:17-23 It encourages industry, that in all labour, even that of gleaning, there is profit. Ruth was pleased with what she gained by her own industry, and was careful to secure it. Let us thus take care that we lose not those things which we have wrought, which we have gained for our souls' good, 2Jo 1:8. Parents should examine their children, as Naomi did, not to frig…
clarkeRuth 2:20: "And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen."
To the living and to the dead - Naomi and Ruth were the living; and they were also the representatives of Elimelech and Mahlon, who were dead. Naomi was of the family; and Ruth, though not of the family, was a representative of one of its deceased branches, being the wi…
Naomi's blessing highlights that Boaz's kindness isn't just for Ruth and herself (the living), but extends a legacy to Elimelech and her sons (the dead). This shows that the ancient concept of a "kinsman redeemer" wasn't just about legal rights, but also about honoring the past by caring for its survivors.
Having discovered that Boaz has shown Ruth unexpected favor and protection in his fields, Naomi blesses him for his kindness, recognizing it extends even to the memory of their deceased family members. She then identifies Boaz as a "kinsman-redeemer," a close relative with the legal right and responsibility to care for her and Ruth, and potentially restore their family's lost land.
Having discovered that Boaz has shown Ruth unexpected favor and protection in his fields, Naomi blesses him for his kindness, recognizing it extends even to the memory of their deceased family members. She then identifies Boaz as a "kinsman-redeemer," a close relative with the legal right and responsibility to care for her and Ruth, and potentially restore their family's lost land.
"And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”" — Naomi's blessing highlights that Boaz's kindness isn't just for Ruth and herself (the living), but extends a legacy to Elimelech and her sons (the dead). This shows that the ancient concept of a "kin…
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Last reviewed October 2026