In brief
Boaz is a mighty and wealthy man of Bethlehem, of the family of Elimelech, in the days of the judges. He notices Ruth the Moabitess gleaning in his field, protects her and feeds her. At Ruth's request, he exercises the right of redemption: he acquires Naomi's field and marries Ruth. From their union is born Obed, grandfather of David and ancestor of Jesus. He is remembered for his kindness, his integrity and as a picture of the redeemer.
What does the name Boaz mean?
The origin of the name Boaz is uncertain, and the Bible does not explain it. It is often linked to the idea of strength (“in him is strength”), but this reading remains tentative. The book of Ruth first presents him as a relative of Naomi, mighty and wealthy, of the family of Elimelech (Ruth 2:1).
The story of Boaz
He notices Ruth in his field
Ruth 2:1-7Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, a mighty and wealthy man named Boaz. Ruth, gleaning behind the reapers, happens to end up in his field. Boaz arrives from Bethlehem, greets his workers in the name of Yahweh and asks who this young woman is. The overseer tells him of her courage and her work.
A generous protector
Ruth 2:8-16Boaz asks Ruth to stay in his field with his maidservants and forbids his young men to touch her. He invites her to eat and drink with the reapers. He also tells his workers to let some grain fall on purpose for her. He blesses Ruth, who has come to take refuge under the wings of the God of Israel.
At the threshing floor, Ruth's request
Ruth 3:1-15Naomi advises Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz is winnowing barley. In the middle of the night, Ruth reminds him that he has the right of redemption and asks him to spread his wing over her. Boaz blesses her, reassures her, praises her loyalty and promises to act. He gives her six measures of barley for Naomi.
The redemption at the city gate
Ruth 4:1-10Boaz goes up to the city gate and gathers ten elders. A closer relative gives up his right of redemption. Boaz declares before all the witnesses that he is acquiring the land of Elimelech and taking Ruth the Moabitess as his wife, in order to raise up the name of the dead man on his inheritance.
A name in the genealogy of David
Ruth 4:13-22Boaz takes Ruth as his wife, and Yahweh gives her a son, Obed. The women of the town bless Naomi. The book ends with the genealogy: Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David. This family line leads to King David.
What Boaz teaches us
- Be generous toward the foreigner and the poor, and protect those who have no one.
- Speak kindly: Boaz greets his workers by placing them under God's blessing.
- Act with integrity and transparency, before witnesses, when it comes to commitments.
- God welcomes foreigners and includes them in his plan, like Ruth the Moabitess.
- The redemption Boaz carries out foreshadows the one Christ accomplishes for his people.
Key verses
Boaz wishes Ruth a full reward from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings she has come to take refuge. His blessing will become, in the course of the story, God's answer.
Ruth asks Boaz to spread his wing over her, because he is a near relative with the right of redemption. She takes up the image of the refuge he had wished for her and reminds him of the duty of a close relative.
The closing genealogy connects Boaz to Obed, Jesse and David. This small book from Bethlehem thus prepares for the kingship of David and, later, the birth of Jesus.
Sermons about Boaz
Frequently asked questions
Who was Boaz in the Bible?
Boaz was a wealthy man of Bethlehem, of the family of Elimelech. He welcomed Ruth the Moabitess into his field, protected her, then married her after redeeming Naomi's land. He is the great-grandfather of King David.
What does the name Boaz mean?
The origin of the name Boaz is uncertain and the Bible does not explain it. It is often linked to the idea of strength, with the sense “in him is strength”, but this is a tentative reading. The text only states that he was a mighty and wealthy man (Ruth 2:1).
Where can I find the story of Boaz in the Bible?
The story of Boaz is found in the book of Ruth. He appears in chapter 2 when Ruth gleans in his field, in chapter 3 at the threshing floor scene, and in chapter 4 when he redeems the field and marries Ruth. He is also named in the genealogy of Jesus.