בֹּ֫עַז (bo.az)
bo.az
Boaz
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Boaz, appearing twenty-two times in Scripture, primarily identifies a key figure in the Book of Ruth and later genealogies. Derived from a root meaning "fleetness" or strength, the name belongs to a Bethlehemite man who became the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. His role is central to the narrative, as he acts with loyalty and integrity to preserve the family line, ultimately becoming the grandfather of King David.
Lexical sources note that Boaz also serves as the name for one of the two bronze pillars erected at the entrance of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 7:21; 2 Chronicles 3:17). This second usage likely honors the earlier ancestor, suggesting a symbolic link between the faithfulness of David’s forefather and the stability of the temple. The New Testament Greek form Booz appears in Matthew’s genealogy, connecting this Old Testament figure to Jesus.
While the etymology points to speed or strength, the biblical character embodies steadfastness rather than haste. His actions in Ruth demonstrate that true strength lies in faithful commitment to family and covenant. The dual usage of his name—once for a man and once for a temple pillar—highlights how personal faithfulness can have enduring structural impact on Israel’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Boaz means strength or fleetness, yet the man who bore it is remembered for his steady, reliable kindness. In the Book of Ruth, he acts as a kinsman-redeemer, protecting Naomi and Ruth with integrity. His story shows that true power in God’s eyes often looks like quiet loyalty rather than loud dominance.
His faithfulness preserved the family line of Judah, leading eventually to King David and Jesus Christ. This connection reminds us that individual acts of grace have lasting impact. When we face uncertainty, we can look to Boaz as an example of how God works through faithful people to bring hope and restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Boaz16×
- and/ Boaz3×
- [is] Boaz2×
- to/ Boaz1×
- of/ Boaz1×
- [was] Boaz1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֹּֽעַז\׃4×
- בֹּ֨עַז3×
- בֹּ֙עַז֙3×
- בֹּ֔עַז3×
- בֹּ֤עַז2×
- לְ/בֹ֖עַז1×
- לְ/בֹ֔עַז1×
- וּ/בֹ֨עַז1×
- וּ/בֹ֙עַז֙1×
- וּ/בֹ֖עַז1×
- בֹּֽעַז\׃\ \ס1×
- בֹ֜עַז1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse introduces Boaz as a wealthy relative, establishing his social standing and family connection which makes his later role as redeemer possible.
-
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 declares his purchase of the land and Ruth before witnesses, demonstrating his commitment to fulfilling the duty of a kinsman-redeemer with transparency.
-
I Kings 7:21
He set up the pillars at the porch of the temple. He set up the right pillar and called its name Jachin; and he set up the left pillar and called its name Boaz.
The naming of one of Solomon’s temple pillars Boaz links the steadfastness of David’s ancestor to the stability and glory of God’s house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Boaz mean?
Who was Boaz in the Bible?
Why is Boaz named after a temple pillar?
Every Occurrence (22 verses across 4 books)
Ruth 18 verses
Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.
Ruth 2:3She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field…
Ruth 2:4Behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “May Yahweh be with you.” They answered him, “May Yahweh…
Ruth 2:5Then Boaz said to his servant who was set over the reapers, “Whose young lady is this?”
Ruth 2:8Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Don’t go to glean in another field, and don’t go from here, but stay here…
Ruth 2:11Boaz answered her, “I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your…
Ruth 2:14At meal time Boaz said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar.” She sat beside the…
Ruth 2:15When she had risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and don’t…
Ruth 2:19Her mother-in-law said to her, “Where have you gleaned today? Where have you worked? Blessed be he who noticed you.”…
Ruth 2:23So she stayed close to the maidens of Boaz, to glean to the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and she lived…
Ruth 3:2Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing…
Ruth 3:7When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. She came…
Ruth 4:1Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there. Behold, the near kinsman of whom Boaz spoke came by. Boaz said to him,…
Ruth 4:5Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must buy it also from Ruth the Moabitess, the…
Ruth 4:8So the near kinsman said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” then he took off his sandal.
Ruth 4:9Boaz said to the elders and to all the people, “You are witnesses today, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s,…
Ruth 4:13So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and he went in to her, and Yahweh enabled her to conceive, and she bore a…
Ruth 4:21and Salmon became the father of Boaz, and Boaz became the father of Obed,