Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. New Living Translation Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech. English Standard Version Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. Berean Standard Bible Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. Berean Literal Bible And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband, a man of great wealth, from the family of Elimelech. And His name was Boaz. King James Bible And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. New King James Version There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. New American Standard Bible Now Naomi had a relative of her husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. NASB 1995 Now Naomi had a kinsman of her husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. NASB 1977 Now Naomi had a kinsman of her husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. Legacy Standard Bible Now Naomi had a kinsman of her husband, a mighty man of excellence, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. Amplified Bible Now Naomi had a relative of her husband, a man of great wealth and influence, from the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. Berean Annotated Bible Now Naomi (my delight) had a relative on her husband’s side, a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech (my God is king), whose name was Boaz (fleetness). Christian Standard Bible Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech’s family. His name was Boaz. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side named Boaz. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech’s family. American Standard Version And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz. English Revised Version And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. GOD'S WORD® Translation Naomi had a relative. He was from Elimelech's side of the family. He was a man of outstanding character named Boaz. Good News Translation Naomi had a relative named Boaz, a rich and influential man who belonged to the family of her husband Elimelech. International Standard Version Naomi had a close relative of her late husband, a man of considerable wealth from the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. NET Bible Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side of the family named Boaz. He was a wealthy, prominent man from the clan of Elimelech. New Heart English Bible Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz. Webster's Bible Translation And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. World English Bible Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Naomi has an acquaintance of her husband’s, a man mighty in wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name [is] Boaz. Berean Literal Bible And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband, a man of great wealth, from the family of Elimelech. And His name was Boaz. Young's Literal Translation And Naomi hath an acquaintance of her husband's, a man mighty in wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name is Boaz. Smith's Literal Translation And to Naomi an acquaintance to her husband, a strong man of wealth, from the family of Elimelech; and his name Boaz. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow her husband Elimelech had a kinsman, a powerful man, and very rich, whose name was Booz. Catholic Public Domain Version But there was a man related to Elimelech, a powerful man, and very wealthy, named Boaz. New American Bible Naomi had a powerful relative named Boaz, through the clan of her husband Elimelech. New Revised Standard Version Now Naomi had a kinsman on her husband’s side, a prominent rich man, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAND Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a well-known man of wealth, of the family of Elimeleck, whose name was Boaz. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Namei had one relative, a well known man from the family of Alimalek her husband, a man well known, and his name Baaz OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of valour, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Noemin had a friend an acquaintance of her husband, and the man was a mighty man of the kindred of Elimelech, and his name was Booz. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Boaz Meets Ruth1Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. 2And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.” “Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied.… Cross References Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, Leviticus 25:47-49 If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan, / he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him: / either his uncle or cousin or any close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he prospers, he may redeem himself. Leviticus 25:25 If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold. Numbers 27:8-11 Furthermore, you shall say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter. / If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. / If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. … a prominent man of noble character 1 Samuel 9:1-2 Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. / And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. 1 Samuel 16:18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.” 2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. from the clan of Elimelech, Ruth 1:1-2 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab. / The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there. Ruth 4:3-4 And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. / I thought I should inform you that you may buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know, because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I will redeem it,” he replied. Ruth 4:9-10 At this, Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. / Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.” whose name was Boaz. 1 Chronicles 2:11-12 Nahshon was the father of Salmon, and Salmon was the father of Boaz. / Boaz was the father of Obed, and Obed was the father of Jesse. Ruth 4:18-22 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, / Hezron was the father of Ram, Ram was the father of Amminadab, / Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, Nahshon was the father of Salmon, … Matthew 1:5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, Ruth 4:13-17 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And when he had relations with her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. / Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel. / He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” … Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” Ruth 3:9-11 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer.” / Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. / And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character. Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Treasury of Scripture And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. kinsman Ruth 3:2,12 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor… a mighty Deuteronomy 8:17,18 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth… Job 1:3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. Job 31:25 If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much; Ruth 4:21 And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, Judges 12:8-10 And after him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel… 1 Chronicles 2:10-12 And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah; … Booz Jump to Previous Acquaintance Boaz Bo'az Clan Elimelech Elim'elech Husband Husband's Kinsman Mighty Naomi Na'omi Relation Relative Side Standing Valour WealthJump to Next Acquaintance Boaz Bo'az Clan Elimelech Elim'elech Husband Husband's Kinsman Mighty Naomi Na'omi Relation Relative Side Standing Valour WealthRuth 2 1. Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz4. Boaz takes notice of her 8. and shows her great favor 18. That which she got, she carries to Naomi Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side This phrase introduces Boaz as a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech. In ancient Israel, family lineage and tribal affiliation were crucial for identity and inheritance rights. The mention of a relative sets the stage for the concept of the kinsman-redeemer, a key theme in the Book of Ruth. This role, outlined in Leviticus 25:25-55 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10, involved a family member stepping in to support relatives in need, often by marrying a widow to preserve the family line. a prominent man of noble character from the clan of Elimelech whose name was Boaz Persons / Places / Events 1. NaomiA widow who returned to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. She is Ruth's mother-in-law and plays a pivotal role in Ruth's integration into the Israelite community. 2. Boaz A man of standing and wealth from the clan of Elimelech. He is introduced as a potential kinsman-redeemer, a concept rooted in the Hebrew tradition of family loyalty and redemption. 3. Elimelech Naomi's deceased husband, whose family lineage is significant in the account. His clan provides the context for Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer. 4. Bethlehem The setting of the account, a town in Judah. It is significant as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ. 5. Kinsman-Redeemer A cultural and legal concept in ancient Israel where a close relative had the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress, which could include marrying a widow to preserve the family line. Teaching Points God's ProvidenceThe introduction of Boaz as a man of standing shows God's providential care in orchestrating events for the good of His people. Trust in God's timing and provision, even when circumstances seem bleak. Family Loyalty and Responsibility The role of the kinsman-redeemer underscores the importance of family loyalty and responsibility. Reflect on how you can support and uphold your family and community. Character and Integrity Boaz is described as a man of standing, highlighting the importance of character and integrity. Strive to be a person of noble character in your daily interactions. Hope and Redemption The presence of Boaz introduces a theme of hope and redemption. Consider how God can bring redemption and hope into seemingly hopeless situations in your life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ruth 2:1?2. How does Ruth 2:1 introduce Boaz's role in God's plan for Ruth? 3. What qualities of Boaz in Ruth 2:1 can we emulate in our lives? 4. How does Boaz's kinship to Naomi connect to Leviticus 25:25 on redemption? 5. Why is Boaz's wealth significant in understanding God's provision in Ruth 2:1? 6. How can we recognize and trust God's provision as seen in Ruth 2:1? 7. Who was Boaz, and what is his significance in Ruth 2:1? 8. How does Boaz's wealth influence the events in Ruth 2:1? 9. What does Ruth 2:1 reveal about the social structure of ancient Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 2? 11. Ruth 2:1 – Does the description of Boaz as a “man of great wealth” align with what we know of the economic conditions in ancient Israel? 12. Who was Boaz in the Bible? 13. Who was Boaz in the Bible? 14. If Boaz was significantly older, as some traditions suggest (Ruth 3:10), why would the text not address more clearly the potential social or power dynamics in this union? What Does Ruth 2:1 Mean Now Naomi had a relative• Scripture sets the scene by assuring us God has already provided help for Naomi before she even seeks it. • Similar moments of divine provision appear with Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 45:5–7) and with Elijah being fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:4). • The word “relative” foreshadows the kinsman-redeemer role detailed later in the chapter (Ruth 2:20) and rooted in Leviticus 25:25. on her husband’s side • Emphasizing Elimelech’s family, not Naomi’s, matters because legal redemption rights flow through the deceased husband (Deuteronomy 25:5–6). • The text subtly reminds readers that God works within ordinary family structures—just as He later does through Joseph, the legal father of Jesus (Luke 3:23). a prominent man of noble character • Boaz is introduced not merely as wealthy but as morally upright; the phrase pairs influence with integrity. • Proverbs 22:1 underscores how a good name surpasses riches, aligning with the portrait of Boaz. • The same Hebrew expression for “noble character” is used of Ruth in Ruth 3:11, showing both future spouses share the same virtue. from the clan of Elimelech • This clarifies legal eligibility for redeeming Naomi’s land and marrying Ruth (Ruth 4:3–6). • God honors family lines, preserving them for His redemptive purposes, just as He protected Judah’s line despite peril (Genesis 38:11–26). • The mention roots the unfolding story firmly in covenant history, reminding us that God’s plans are relational and generational. whose name was Boaz • Naming him early invites us to watch how God will use this man; names in Scripture often hint at destiny (compare Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:20). • Boaz later enters the messianic genealogy (Matthew 1:5), showing the events of this chapter ripple all the way to Christ. • By revealing his identity upfront, the narrator reassures us that Naomi and Ruth’s futures are not left to chance but to a known, godly man chosen by God. summary Ruth 2:1 quietly unveils God’s providence: before Naomi or Ruth take a single step in the fields, the Lord has already placed a close, qualified, and honorable redeemer in their story. Each phrase underscores divine preparation—family connection, moral strength, covenant legality, and a man whose life will bridge Moabite Ruth to the line of the Messiah. (1) Boaz.--It has been already said that if there are any gaps in the genealogy, these are most probably to be referred to its earlier portion. According to the line, however, given in Ruth 4:18 seq., Boaz is grandson of the Nahshon who was prince of the tribe of Judah during the wanderings in the desert and son of Salmon and Rahab of Jericho. It may be noted that the difficulty of date may be lessened by supposing that in the last two generations we have children of their fathers' old age.Verse 1. - And Naomi had, on her husband's side, a friend. The C'tib reading מְיֻדַּע (absolute מְיֻדָע) is much to be preferred to the K'ri מודַע. But מְיֻדָּע is ambiguous in import. It primarily means known, well-known, acquainted, an acquaintance (see Job 19:14; Psalm 55:13; Psalm 88:8, 18). But as intimate acquaintances, especially in a primitive and comparatively unwelded state of society, are generally found within the circle of kinsfolk, the word may be used, and is here used, in reference to a kinsman. The Vulgate translates it consanguineus. The translation is interpretatively correct; but the original term is less definite, and hence, in virtue of the ambiguity, there is not absolute redundancy in the appended clause, of the family or elan of Elimelech. This friend of Naomi on her husband s side is said, in King James's version, to be a mighty man of wealth. But the expression so rendered has, in the very numerous passages in which it occurs, a conventional import that stretches out in a different and nobler direction. It is the expression that is so frequently translated "a mighty man of valor (see Joshua 1:14; Joshua 6:2; Joshua 8:3; Joshua 10:7; Judges 6:12; Judges 11:1, etc.). In only one other passage is it rendered as it is by King James's translators in the passage before us, viz., in 2 Kings 15:20. There it is correctly so translated, interpretatively. Here there seems to be a leaning in the same direction, and yet it is not strongly pronounced. Cassel, however, takes the other cue, and translates "a valiant hero "Probably," says he "he had distinguished himself in the conflicts of Israel with their enemies." The expression originally means "strong in strength" (δυνατὸς ἰσχύι, Sept.), but is ambiguous in consequence of the many-sided import of the latter word מִשְׁפָחָה, which means originally, either strength, and then valor; or, clannish following (see Raabe), and then military host, or force, or forces; also, faculty or ability, and then, as so often "answering all things," riches or wealth. The idea the writer seems to be that the friend of the widow's husband was a strong and substantial yeoman. He was of the family or clan of Elimelech. The word family is conventionally too narrow, and the word elan too broad, to represent the import of שָׂדֶה as here used. The idea intended lies somewhere between. And his name was Boaz. The root of this name is not found, apparently, in Hebrew, as was supposed by the older philologists, and hence its essential idea is as yet undetermined. Raabe finds its original form in the Sanscrit bhuvanti, which yields the idea of prosperousness.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now Naomiוּֽלְנָעֳמִ֞י (ū·lə·nā·‘o·mî) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5281: Naomi -- mother-in-law of Ruth had a relative מוֹדַ֣ע (mō·w·ḏa‘) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know on her husband’s side, לְאִישָׁ֗הּ (lə·’î·šāh) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person a prominent גִּבּ֣וֹר (gib·bō·wr) Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant man אִ֚ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of noble character חַ֔יִל (ḥa·yil) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength from the clan מִמִּשְׁפַּ֖חַת (mim·miš·pa·ḥaṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people of Elimelech, אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ (’ĕ·lî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 458: Elimelech -- 'God is king', the husband of Naomi whose name וּשְׁמ֖וֹ (ū·šə·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8034: A name [was] Boaz. בֹּֽעַז׃ (bō·‘az) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1162: Boaz -- 'quickness', an ancestor of David, also a pillar before the temple Links Ruth 2:1 NIVRuth 2:1 NLT Ruth 2:1 ESV Ruth 2:1 NASB Ruth 2:1 KJV Ruth 2:1 BibleApps.com Ruth 2:1 Biblia Paralela Ruth 2:1 Chinese Bible Ruth 2:1 French Bible Ruth 2:1 Catholic Bible OT History: Ruth 2:1 Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's (Ru Rut.) |
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