אֱלִימֶ֫לֶךְ (e.li.me.lekh)

e.li.me.lekh

Elimelech

H0458 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 6 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 6 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

Elimelech is a proper name meaning "my God is king." It appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the opening chapters of Ruth. The name identifies him as the husband of Naomi and father to Mahlon and Chilion during the time of the judges, before Israel established its monarchy.

His story begins with a migration from Bethlehem to Moab due to famine. This move sets the stage for the narrative’s central tensions, as his sons marry Moabite women and both Elimelech and his sons die in the foreign land. The name itself carries significant irony; while he declares YHWH as king, his family leaves the land associated with that kingdom during a crisis.

Though he is not a character who speaks or acts directly in the text, his presence looms large over the opening section. His death leaves Naomi widowed and childless, creating the void that Ruth’s loyalty eventually fills. The name serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty even when circumstances suggest otherwise.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Elimelech means "my God is king," a declaration of faith that anchors the story of Ruth. Yet his family left Bethlehem during a famine, choosing survival in Moab over staying in the land associated with YHWH’s rule. This contrast reminds us that even when circumstances seem to push us away from God’s presence, His sovereignty remains active behind the scenes.

Though Elimelech himself does not speak or act in the narrative, his legacy shapes the path for Naomi and Ruth. His death creates a void, but it also opens space for redemption through Boaz, a relative who steps in to restore what was lost. This shows how God can bring good out of loss, using broken situations to fulfill His purposes.

For you, this name invites trust in hard seasons. When life feels unstable or uncertain, remember that God’s kingship does not depend on your circumstances. Even in exile or grief, He works to restore and redeem. Let this truth encourage you to rest in His care, knowing He holds the future even when the present is unclear.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Elimelech3×
to/ Elimelech1×
[was] Elimelech1×
[belonged] to/ Elimelech1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

לֶֽ/אֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ1×
לֶ/אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ1×
אֱלִימֶֽלֶךְ\׃1×
אֱלִימֶ֖לֶךְ1×
אֱלִימֶ֑לֶךְ1×
אֱֽלִימֶ֡לֶךְ1×

Key Verses

Ruth 1:2
The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi. The names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. They came into the country of Moab and lived there.

This verse introduces Elimelech and his family’s move to Moab, setting the stage for the narrative’s central tensions.
Ruth 1:3
Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons.

Elimelech’s death leaves Naomi widowed, creating the void that Ruth’s loyalty eventually fills.
Ruth 4:9
Boaz said to the elders and to all the people, “You are witnesses today, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi.

Boaz publicly acknowledges his purchase of Elimelech’s property, highlighting the theme of redemption tied to the family name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Elimelech mean?

Elimelech is a Hebrew name meaning "my God is king." It reflects a declaration of faith in YHWH’s sovereignty, even though the story associated with him involves leaving the land tied to that kingship.

Why is Elimelech important in the Book of Ruth?

Elimelech’s name and family set the stage for the narrative. His death leaves Naomi widowed, creating a situation where Ruth’s loyalty and Boaz’s redemption become central to the story.

How does Elimelech’s story relate to God’s sovereignty?

Though Elimelech’s family left Bethlehem during a famine, the narrative shows God working behind the scenes. His legacy leads to redemption through Boaz, demonstrating that God’s purposes unfold even in difficult circumstances.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)

Ruth 6 verses

Ruth 1:2

The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi. The names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion,…

Ruth 1:3

Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left with her two sons.

Ruth 2:1

Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.

Ruth 2:3

She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field…

Ruth 4:3

He said to the near kinsman, “Naomi, who has come back out of the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land, which…

Ruth 4:9

Boaz said to the elders and to all the people, “You are witnesses today, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s,…