Ruth 2:1

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Ruth 2:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

American Standard Version ASV

And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Naomi had a relation of her husband, a man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

Free Bible Version FBV

Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side whose name was Boaz. He was a rich and influential man from the family of Elimelech.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Naomis husband had a kinsman, one of great power of the familie of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Naomi hath an acquaintance of her husband's, a man mighty in wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name [is] Boaz.

World English Bible WEB

Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now her husband Elimelech had a kinsman, a powerful man, and very rich, whose name was Booz.

Translation for Translators T4T

There was a man in Bethlehem who belonged to the clan of Naomi’s dead husband, Elimelech. He was rich and well-known/influential. His name was Boaz.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 2:1

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ruth 2:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּֽ/לְ/נָעֳמִ֞י מידע מוֹדַ֣ע לְ/אִישָׁ֗/הּ אִ֚ישׁ גִּבּ֣וֹר חַ֔יִל מִ/מִּשְׁפַּ֖חַת אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ בֹּֽעַז

וּֽ/לְ/נָעֳמִ֞י Noʻŏmîy H5281 Naomi Conj | Prep | N-proper

מידע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Pual-Inf-c

מוֹדַ֣ע môwdaʻ H4129 kinsman N-ms

לְ/אִישָׁ֗/הּ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms | Suff

אִ֚ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

גִּבּ֣וֹר gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Adj

חַ֔יִל chayil H2428 Helech N-ms

מִ/מִּשְׁפַּ֖חַת mishpâchâh H4940 family Prep | N-fs

אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ ʼĔlîymelek H458 Elimelech N-proper

וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms | Suff

בֹּֽעַז Bôʻaz H1162 Boaz N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 2:1

וּֽ/לְ/נָעֳמִ֞י Noʻŏmîy H5281 "Naomi" Conj | Prep | N-proper

Naomi was an Israelite woman who lived before the monarchy. She was the wife of Elimelech and mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and is also known as Mara. Naomi means 'my delight'.

Definition: A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Elimelech (H0458); mother of: Mahlon (H4248) and Chilion (H3630); also called Mara at Rut.1.20; Also named: ma.ra (מָרָא "Mara" H4755) § Naomi = "my delight" wife of Elimelech, mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Naomi. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 2:6; Ruth 4:17.

מידע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Pual-Inf-c

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

מוֹדַ֣ע môwdaʻ H4129 "kinsman" N-ms

This word refers to a kinsman or relative, someone closely related by blood or marriage. In the Bible, it appears in stories like Ruth and Boaz, where family ties are important. The KJV translates it as 'kinswoman'.

Definition: kinsman, relative

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: kinswoman. See also: Ruth 2:1; Proverbs 7:4.

לְ/אִישָׁ֗/הּ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אִ֚ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

גִּבּ֣וֹר gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Adj

This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.

Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.

חַ֔יִל chayil H2428 "Helech" N-ms

This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.

Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.

מִ/מִּשְׁפַּ֖חַת mishpâchâh H4940 "family" Prep | N-fs

This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.

Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats

Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.

אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ ʼĔlîymelek H458 "Elimelech" N-proper

Elimelech was an Israelite whose name means my God is king, husband of Naomi and father of Mahlon and Chilion in the book of Ruth.

Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.1.2; married to Naomi (H5281); father of: Mahlon (H4248), Chilion (H3630) § Elimelech = "my God is king" Naomi's husband

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Elimelech. See also: Ruth 1:2; Ruth 2:3; Ruth 4:9.

וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

בֹּֽעַז Bôʻaz H1162 "Boaz" N-proper

Boaz was an ancestor of King David and also the name of a pillar in Solomon's temple, symbolizing strength and support. The name means 'fleetness' or 'swiftness'.

Definition: § Boaz = "fleetness" name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Boaz. See also: Ruth 2:1; Ruth 3:7; 2 Chronicles 3:17.

Study Notes — Ruth 2:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ruth 2:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 2:1
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:1
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:1
Barnes' Notes on Ruth 2:1
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:1
Sermons on Ruth 2:1

Context — Boaz Meets Ruth

1Now 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. 3So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ruth 4:21	Salmon was the father of Boaz, Boaz was the father of Obed,
2	Ruth 3:12	Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I.
3	Ruth 3:2	Now is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been working, a relative of ours? In fact, tonight he is winnowing barley on the threshing floor.
4	Matthew 1:5	Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,
5	Deuteronomy 8:17–18	You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.” But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.
6	1 Chronicles 2:10–12	Ram was the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of the descendants of Judah. 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.
7	Ruth 1:2	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.
8	Judges 12:8–10	After Jephthah, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. He had thirty sons, as well as thirty daughters whom he gave in marriage to men outside his clan; and for his sons he brought back thirty wives from elsewhere. Ibzan judged Israel seven years. Then Ibzan died, and he was buried in Bethlehem.
9	Job 31:25	if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much,
10	Luke 3:32	the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,

Ruth 2:1 Summary

This verse tells us about a man named Boaz, who is related to Naomi's husband and is a kind and important person in their community. Boaz is from the same family as Naomi's husband, which makes him a potential helper for Naomi and Ruth, as seen in the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in Leviticus 25:25. This introduction to Boaz shows us how God is already working to provide for Naomi and Ruth, even before they know it, much like He provides for us in our own times of need, as promised in Psalm 23:4. By describing Boaz as a man of noble character, we see that God values integrity and kindness, and we can learn from Boaz's example to live out these values in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Boaz in the Bible?

Boaz is a relative of Naomi's husband and a prominent man of noble character, as seen in Ruth 2:1, and he plays a significant role in the story of Ruth, ultimately becoming her husband, as seen in Ruth 4:13, and an ancestor of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Matthew 1:5.

What does it mean that Boaz is from the clan of Elimelech?

Being from the clan of Elimelech means Boaz is part of the same family lineage as Naomi's husband, Elimelech, which is significant for the story of Ruth and the concept of a kinsman-redeemer, as explained in Leviticus 25:25 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10.

What character qualities are attributed to Boaz in this verse?

Boaz is described as a prominent man of noble character, which suggests he is a man of integrity, kindness, and wisdom, as also seen in his actions towards Ruth in Ruth 2:8-12.

How does the introduction of Boaz in this verse set the stage for the rest of the book of Ruth?

The introduction of Boaz sets the stage for the rest of the book by introducing a key character who will provide for Ruth and Naomi, and ultimately become part of the family lineage leading to Jesus Christ, as seen in the genealogy in Matthew 1:1-17.

Reflection Questions

What does the description of Boaz as a 'prominent man of noble character' reveal about God's provision for those in need?
How does the concept of family and clan relationships, as seen in this verse, relate to our own understanding of community and responsibility towards one another?
What can we learn from Boaz's character about the importance of integrity and kindness in our own lives?
How does the introduction of Boaz in this verse demonstrate God's sovereignty and care for the lives of Naomi and Ruth?

Gill's Exposition on Ruth 2:1

And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's,.... That was her kinsman by her husband's side, who now lived at Bethlehem; and yet it does not appear that Naomi made any application to him for assistance

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 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. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 2:1

Rth 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. Ver. 1. And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’ s.] Lyra saith Elimelech and Salmon - other Hebrews say Elimelech and Naasson - were brethren. Some, more probably, hold that Elimelech was the son of Salmon’ s brother, and so his son the kinsman of Boaz once removed; for there was one nearer. A mighty man of wealth.] Rich, and yet religious - a rare bird. And his name was Boaz,] i.e., Strength, or fortitude. He was strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. The rich man’ s wealth is his strong city. But good Boaz had learned better than to trust in uncertain riches: he was rich in this world, and withal rich in good works (ibid.), rich in faith, rich to Godward.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 2:1

(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 Rth 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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 2:1

CHAPTER II Ruth goes to glean in the field of Boaz, 1-3. Boaz finds her, and inquires who she is, 4-7. He speaks kindly to her, gives her permission to follow his reapers, and orders them to use her well, 8-16. She returns in the evening to Naomi, and tells her of her fare; from whom she receives encouragement and advice, 17-23. NOTES ON CHAP. II Verse 1. 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.

Cambridge Bible on Ruth 2:1

Ch. 2. The generosity of Boaz: his first meeting with Ruth 1. a kinsman] Strictly the word does not mean more than familiar friend 2 Kings 10:11, Proverbs 7:4. a mighty man of wealth] a wealthy man, 1 Samuel 9:1, 2 Kings 15:20; sometimes the phrase means a valiant man (marg.) Judges 6:12; Judges 11:1; in Rth 3:11 the word for wealth has a moral sense. Boaz] Cf. 1 Kings 7:21. The derivation of the name is uncertain: possibly, ‘in him is strength’ (for Ruth). More probably the name is traditional, and a contraction of Ba‘al-‘az i.e. ‘B. is strong’; cf. in Phoenician Bomilcar for Ba‘al-melḳ ?arth, Salambo for Ṣ ?alm-ba‘al etc.

Barnes' Notes on Ruth 2:1

A kinsman - More literally “an acquaintance”; here (and in the feminine, Rth 3:2) denoting the person with whom one is intimately acquainted, one’s near relation. The next kinsman of Rth 2:20, etc.

Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 2:1

1. A kinsman of her husband’s — An acquaintance and friend, and also a relative. But the Hebrew word is not the same as that rendered kinsman in Rth 2:20 and Rth 3:9; Rth 3:12-13.

Sermons on Ruth 2:1

	Sermon	Description
	Marriage Series #1 - Aquila & Priscilla by Don McClure	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of investing one's life into others and seeing the kingdom of heaven increase. He shares a personal story about his grandson a
	May the Lord Give You a Full Reward by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of receiving and showing kindness. He references the story of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting Ruth's choice to be kind even when
	The Rewards of Hospitality by Clement of Rome	Clement of Rome highlights the story of Rahab the harlot, emphasizing her faith, hospitality, and role in the salvation of the spies sent by Joshua to Jericho. Rahab's courageous a
	Ruth the Moabitess by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch delves into the history of the Moabites, known for immorality, seduction, and leading Israel astray through incestuous relationships, idol worship, and schemes to draw
	The Fear of God - Part 4 by Jerry Bridges	In this sermon, the speaker begins with a far-fetched illustration of a Christian leader who contemplates going to a topless dancer performance to "experience all of life." However
	Ravi-Pride by Compilations	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changing nature of ministry and the mindset of today's ministers. He contrasts the dedication and sacrifice of historical figures like H