Ruth 2:1

Ruth Meets Boaz in the Grain Field

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

Ruth 2:1 in Other Translations

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.

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

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

1 It so happened that Naomi had a relative by marriage, a man prominent and rich, connected with Elimelech's family. His name was Boaz.

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.

1 Naomi had a relative. He was from Elimelech's side of the family. He was a man of outstanding character named Boaz.

1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side named Boaz. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech's family.

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

2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.”

3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.

4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The LORD be with you!” “The LORD bless you!” they answered.

5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”

Cross References

• 1. Ruth 3:2; Proverbs 7:4; Ruth 3:2,12
• 2. S Ruth 1:2
• 3. 1 Samuel 9:1; 1 Kings 11:28
• 4. Ruth 4:21; 1 Chronicles 2:12; Matthew 1:5; Luke 3:32