Ruth 2:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now Naomi had a relative of her husband 's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.

NIV: Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.

NASB: Now Naomi had a relative of her husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.

CSB: 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.

NLT: Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.

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.

NKJV: There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz.

Having settled Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem, the narrator introduces the hero of the story.

"Relative" is a vague term that leans more towards the idea of an "acquaintance," but placing him within the clan of Elimelech establishes the family connection (Ruth 2:20). We aren't given Elimelech's genealogy, but Boaz is descended from Nahshon (Ruth 4:20–21), the leader of the tribe of Judah during the exodus. His sister married Aaron, and Nahshon, himself, was the Israelites' third highest-ranking leader after Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:23; Numbers 2:3).

Boaz is described as a "worthy man," or gibbor hayil. Gibbor means "powerful" and describes warriors, chiefs, giants, and tyrants. When referring to a man, hayil, sometimes spelled chayil, indicates great strength, wealth, and/or honor. Gibbor hayil can refer to a war hero (Joshua 6:2; 2 Samuel 17:8; Nehemiah 11:14) or a man of wealth (1 Samuel 9:1; 2 Kings 15:20). "Boaz" isn't a Hebrew name; it is Arabic for "liveliness" and is probably a nickname. Considering the volatile times of the judges, it's reasonable to conclude that Boaz is a military hero.

Despite Boaz's noble reputation, Ruth, a widowed foreigner, is his match. Later, Boaz will note that all the men in town recognize her as a "worthy woman" (Ruth 3:11). The term is eseth hayil or "noble woman" and is found in the heading of the passage on the Proverbs 31 woman. In fact, in the scrolls used at Jewish festivals Ruth follows Proverbs, most likely to provide the living example of a noble wife.

Later, Naomi will identify Boaz as "a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers" (Ruth 2:20). One of the responsibilities of a kinsman redeemer is to buy the land of a poor relative so that it stays within the clan (Leviticus 25:25). Ruth additionally challenges Boaz to a Levirate marriage, meaning he will provide an heir for Elimelech. He is not Elimelech's brother, so he is not obligated in the same way. Yet his honorable nature extends far beyond military prowess (Deuteronomy 25:5–6; Ruth 3:9–11; 4:13).

Ruth 2:1–3 serves as a summary transition to the chapter. Naomi and Ruth are settled in Bethlehem and the next task is to find food. They arrived during the barley harvest, so Ruth sets out to glean after the harvesters. As a vulnerable foreign widow, she will only work where the manager or owner gives her favor. Before long, Ruth finds herself at the field of Boaz, one of Naomi's late husband's kinsmen. When Boaz discovers who she is, he tells his harvesters to leave her in peace and to make sure she finds plenty to take home.

Ruth 2 kindles the hope that Naomi's life might not be over. Her husband and sons died in Moab. Now, Naomi has arrived back in Bethlehem with her foreign daughter-in-law, Ruth. Ruth sets out to provide for them by gleaning behind the harvesters. She happens upon Boaz, a relative of her father-in-law, who respects her love and sacrifice for Naomi and makes incredible concessions for her throughout the barley and wheat harvests. As the harvest progresses, Naomi realizes Boaz could marry Ruth.

In Ruth 2, Ruth settles into life in Israel. Naomi, an Israelite, has returned home to Bethlehem after losing her husband and sons in Moab. Her Moabitess daughter-in-law has accompanied her. Naomi has fallen into bitterness and despair, but Ruth is ready to work. While seeking a place to gather loose grain, she wins the attention and respect of Boaz, a man who can provide the two widows with more than barley. Ruth's sacrifice and lovingkindness toward Naomi lead Boaz to act on their behalf.

Though set in a time of violence and tragedy, the book of Ruth tells one of Scripture’s most uplifting stories. Naomi, an Israelite, leaves her home during a famine. While away, in Moab, her husband and sons die. Naomi convinces one of her Moabite daughters-in-law to leave her and seek a new life. The other, Ruth, refuses, declaring her love and loyalty to Naomi. When the pair return to Israel, they encounter Boaz. This man is both kind and moral; his treatment of Ruth secures Naomi’s future and becomes part of king David’s ancestry.