Ruth 2:1
What does Ruth 2:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 2:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 2:1 means
This opening note introduces Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech. He is described as a “mighty man of wealth,” signaling not just material resources but standing, strength, and integrity. In a story marked by famine, bereavement, and poverty, the mention of such a man near to the family hints at hope and provision. The text invites us to see God’s quiet care: before Ruth begins to glean, there is already someone in place who can help. Though no obligation is stated yet, Boaz’s kinship and character lay essential groundwork for the coming theme of redemption within the family line.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Naomi had a relation of her husband, a man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Naomi hath an acquaintance of her husband's, a man mighty in wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name <FI>is<Fi> Boaz.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now her husband Elimelech had a kinsman, a powerful man, and very rich, whose name was Booz.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Naomi had a relation of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.
Context
After chapter 1’s sorrowful return to Beth-lehem, the narrative pivots from loss to potential hope. Verse 1 serves as a thoughtful introduction of a key figure before Ruth takes any action. Knowing Boaz is both wealthy and related to Elimelech prepares readers to understand the significance of Ruth’s later “chance” encounter in his field. This verse frames the entire chapter with the possibility of provision and protection arising within Naomi’s wider family network, even before any human plan is formed.
v.1This passage
v.2And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 1:3
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she-asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the children of the east.
- Matthew 1:5
and Salmon begat Boaz of Rahab; and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
- Job 31:25
If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gotten much;
- 1 Chronicles 2:10
And Ram begat Amminadab, and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;
- Deuteronomy 8:17
and lest thou say in thy heart, My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth.
- Ruth 3:12
And now it is true that I am a near kinsman; howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
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