Meaning of the Name Boaz
Boaz is commonly explained from Hebrew as meaning "in him is strength" or "there is strength in him." This analysis is widespread, though the oldest form of the name is not certain in every detail. Even so, the basic semantic direction is similar across most sources.
Origin
The name Boaz is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Boaz in the Bible?
Boaz is the relative of Naomi and the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth in the book of Ruth. His marriage to Ruth matters for the continuation of David's line and is remembered in the New Testament genealogy. The name is also given to a temple pillar in 1 Kings, but this man is the best-known Boaz.
The story of Boaz in the Bible
Boaz is introduced in the book of Ruth as a wealthy, respected man of Bethlehem, a relative of Naomi's husband Elimelech. When Ruth the Moabite returns to Bethlehem with Naomi and goes out to glean, she finds herself in Boaz's field. He treats her with great kindness: she is to stay in his field, his workers must not trouble her, and he has heard all she has done for her mother-in-law, praying that the LORD, under whose wings she has taken refuge, will reward her. Naomi realizes Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer, with the right to protect the family and carry on its line. After the night meeting at the threshing floor, Boaz settles the matter at the city gate: when a nearer kinsman waives his claim, he takes on the duty of marrying Ruth and preserving Elimelech's inheritance. Obed is born; Obed fathers Jesse, and Jesse fathers King David. Boaz thus enters David's line and is named in Matthew's genealogy. The same name was given to a temple pillar, but as a person Boaz remains Ruth's generous kinsman-redeemer.
Is Boaz mentioned in the Quran?
The name Boaz does not appear in the Quran; in the Bible he appears in the book of Ruth as the kinsman-redeemer who married Ruth and became an ancestor of King David.
Verses where Boaz appears
- Ruth 2:1 —
Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.
- Ruth 4:13 —
So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife; and he went in to her, and Yahweh gave her conception, and she bore a son.
- Matthew 1:5 —
Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse.