Lexical Summary Boaz: Boaz Original Word: בֹּעַז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Boaz From an unused root of uncertain meaning; Boaz, the ancestor of David; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple -- Boaz. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition "quickness," an ancestor of David, also a pillar before the temple NASB Translation Boaz (24). Brown-Driver-Briggs בֹּ֫עַז proper name, masculine (quickness ?) — 1 kinsman of Naomi, who married Ruth Ruth 2:1,3,4,5,8,11,14,15,19,23; Ruth 3:2,7; Ruth 4:1 (twice in verse); Ruth 4:5; Ruth 4:8; Ruth 4:9; Ruth 4:13; also Ruth 4:21 (twice in verse); 1 Chronicles 2:11,12 (ᵐ5 Βοος, Βοοζ). 2 name of the left hand of two pillars set up before temple (compare also יָכִין below כון) 1 Kings 7:21 2Chronicles 3:17; (meaning obscure; ᵑ0 apparently reference to 1, compare ᵑ72Chronicles 3:17; Thes supposes name of architect or donor; Ew perhaps sons of Solomon, etc.; read possibly בְּעֹז in strength, ᵐ52Chronicles 3:17 ἰσχύς; Th thinks יכין בעז a sentence, one word being engraved on each pillar, he (God) establisheth in strength; against him, however, Ke Be; Öttli thinks an exclamation, in strength ! expressing satisfaction of architect; Klo proposes for בעז, בַּעַל עֹז (compare B 1 Kings 7:21 Βαλαζ)). Topical Lexicon Historical SettingBoaz appears exclusively in the days “when the judges ruled” (Ruth 1:1), a turbulent era in which covenant faithfulness was rare. His account unfolds in Bethlehem of Judah, anchoring the narrative of Ruth at the heart of Israel’s ancestral homeland. Status and Reputation Ruth 2:1 introduces him as “a man of great wealth”, a phrase that also conveys valor and noble standing. Boaz’s first recorded words reveal spiritual depth: “The LORD be with you” (Ruth 2:4). His servants’ immediate response, “The LORD bless you,” indicates mutual respect and a God‐centered workplace. Kinsman-Redeemer Under Mosaic law the nearest male relative could redeem property or raise an heir for a deceased kinsman (Leviticus 25; Deuteronomy 25). Boaz fulfills both aspects: • He preserves Elimelech’s land (Ruth 4:9). His willingness contrasts sharply with the closer relative who relinquishes the right (Ruth 4:6–8), highlighting Boaz’s self-sacrificial character. Provision and Protection Boaz safeguards Ruth’s dignity while she gleans, commanding his men, “Do not rebuke her” (Ruth 2:15). He ensures abundant provision and personal refreshment (Ruth 2:14–16). These acts embody covenant kindness (ḥesed), reflecting the LORD’s own care for the vulnerable. Marriage to Ruth At the threshing floor Boaz perceives Ruth’s proposal as a call to redeem, not immorality (Ruth 3:9–13). His conduct in the gate before witnesses (Ruth 4:1–12) models transparency and legal integrity. When “the LORD enabled her to conceive” (Ruth 4:13), their union becomes the conduit of redemptive history. Genealogical Legacy Boaz fathers Obed, grandfather of David (Ruth 4:21–22; 1 Chronicles 2:11–12). Matthew 1:5 records the same line, placing Boaz in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Thus the kindness of one man in Bethlehem foreshadows the incarnation of the Redeemer born in the same town. Typological Significance 1. Redeemer: By paying the price and taking Ruth as his bride, Boaz prefigures Christ, “who gave Himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6). Boaz and the Temple Pillar The name reappears in Solomon’s Temple: “He set up the pillars... and named the left pillar Boaz” (1 Kings 7:21; 2 Chronicles 3:17). As the pillar symbolized strength, it memorialized the steadfast faith of Boaz and pointed worshipers to the LORD as the source of enduring support. Ministerial Applications • Godly Leadership: Boaz shows how material influence can be used to bless others and uphold righteousness. Key References Ruth 2:1, 4, 11; 3:9–13; 4:9–13 1 Kings 7:21; 2 Chronicles 3:17 Forms and Transliterations בֹ֗עַז בֹ֙עַז֙ בֹ֜עַז בֹּ֔עַז בֹּ֙עַז֙ בֹּ֤עַז בֹּ֨עַז בֹּֽעַז׃ בעז בעז׃ וּבֹ֖עַז וּבֹ֙עַז֙ וּבֹ֨עַז ובעז לְבֹ֔עַז לְבֹ֖עַז לבעז bō‘az ḇō‘az bō·‘az ḇō·‘az Boaz lə·ḇō·‘az ləḇō‘az leVoaz ū·ḇō·‘az ūḇō‘az uVoaz VoazLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ruth 2:1 HEB: אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ וּשְׁמ֖וֹ בֹּֽעַז׃ NAS: of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. KJV: of Elimelech; and his name [was] Boaz. INT: of Elimelech name was Boaz Ruth 2:3 Ruth 2:4 Ruth 2:5 Ruth 2:8 Ruth 2:11 Ruth 2:14 Ruth 2:15 Ruth 2:19 Ruth 2:23 Ruth 3:2 Ruth 3:7 Ruth 4:1 Ruth 4:1 Ruth 4:5 Ruth 4:8 Ruth 4:9 Ruth 4:13 Ruth 4:21 Ruth 4:21 1 Kings 7:21 1 Chronicles 2:11 1 Chronicles 2:12 2 Chronicles 3:17 24 Occurrences |
    |