Ruth 2:1

Ruth Meets Boaz

1 Naomi had a relative on her husband's side of the family. Her husband's name was Elimelech. The relative's name was Boaz. He was a very important man.

Ruth 2:1 Meaning and Commentary

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 in her circumstances, though well known to her, as the word used signifies; which might arise from her modesty, and being loath to be troublesome to him, especially as he was a relation, not of her own family, but of her husband's; but, what is more strange, that this kinsman had taken no notice of her, nor sent to her, who yet was a very generous and liberal man, and had knowledge of her coming, for he had heard of the character of Ruth, ( Ruth 2:11 Ruth 2:12 ) but perhaps he was not acquainted with their indigent circumstances:

a mighty man of wealth;
a man of great wealth and riches, and of great power and authority, which riches give and raise a man to, and also of great virtue and honour, all which the word "wealth" signifies; to which may be added the paraphrase the Targumist gives, that he was mighty in the law; in the Scriptures, in the word of God, a truly religious man, which completes his character:

of the family of Elimelech;
the husband of Naomi; some say that his father was Elimelech's brother, (See Gill on Ruth 2:2),

and his name was Boaz;
which signifies, "in him is strength", strength of riches, power, virtue, and grace; it is the name of one of the pillars in Solomon's temple, so called from its strength. This man is commonly said by the Jews to be the same with Ibzan, a judge of Israel, ( Judges 12:8 ) (See Gill on Judges 12:8): he was the grandson of Nahshon, prince of the tribe of Judah, who first offered at the dedication of the altar, ( Numbers 7:12 ) , his father's name was Salmon, and his mother was Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, ( Matthew 1:5 ) . A particular account is given of this man, because he, with Ruth, makes the principal part of the following history.

Ruth 2:1 In-Context

1 Naomi had a relative on her husband's side of the family. Her husband's name was Elimelech. The relative's name was Boaz. He was a very important man.

2 Ruth, who was from Moab, spoke to Naomi. She said, "Let me go out to the fields. I'll pick up the grain that has been left. I'll do it behind anyone who is pleased with me." Naomi said to her, "My daughter, go ahead."

3 So Ruth went out and began to pick up grain. She worked in the fields behind those who were cutting and gathering the grain. As it turned out, she was working in a field that belonged to Boaz. He was from the family of Elimelech.

4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem. He greeted those who were cutting and gathering the grain. He said, "May the LORD be with you!" "And may the LORD bless you!" they replied.

5 Boaz spoke to the man who was in charge of his workers. He asked, "Who is that young woman?"