People of the Bible
Who Was Boaz in the Bible?
Boaz was a godly landowner of Bethlehem who showed kindness to the poor foreigner Ruth and became her kinsman redeemer, an ancestor of David and of Jesus.
Boaz was a man of standing whose faith showed in how he treated the vulnerable. He welcomed Ruth to glean in his fields, protected her, and made sure she was provided for, blessing her for taking refuge under the wings of God.
When Ruth sought a redeemer, Boaz acted honorably and generously, publicly taking on the cost to redeem the family land and to marry her. Their son Obed became the grandfather of King David, setting Boaz in the royal and messianic line.
Key verses
“And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”Ruth 3:11, King James Version
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife.”Ruth 4:13, King James Version
A key moment
At the town gate, before the elders, Boaz willingly pays the redemption price and claims Ruth as his bride, choosing costly love in public view.
What we learn
We learn that true godliness shows itself in kindness to the poor and the outsider, and that generous, covenant love reflects the heart of God.
How Boaz points to Jesus
Boaz the kinsman redeemer is a clear picture of Jesus, who became our near kinsman by taking on flesh and paid the full price to redeem us as His own. The One who claimed Ruth foreshadows the Bridegroom who claims His church.
Common questions
Where is Boaz in the Bible?
The book of Ruth, with his name in Matthew 1 and Luke 3.
What can we learn from Boaz?
We learn that true godliness shows itself in kindness to the poor and the outsider, and that generous, covenant love reflects the heart of God.
The same God who met Boaz is near to you today. Step inside The Living Bread to read the Scriptures, pray, and walk with the family of God.