כִּלְיוֹן (kil.yon)
kil.yon
Chilion
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Chilion is a proper name found in the Book of Ruth, identifying one of the two sons born to Elimelech and Naomi. Alongside his brother Mahlon, he represents a family that left Bethlehem for Moab during a time of famine, a decision that ultimately led to their deaths in a foreign land. The name appears only three times in Scripture, anchoring it firmly within this specific genealogical narrative.
The etymology links Chilion to the Hebrew root for "wasting away" or "pining." This linguistic detail casts a somber shadow over his brief appearance; the name itself seems to foreshadow the tragic fate that awaited him and his brother in Moab. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the consequences of displacement.
While Chilion himself plays no active role in the story, his lineage is crucial for the plot. His wife Orpah returns to her people, but Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi. Through this chain of events, Chilion’s widow eventually becomes the mother of Obed, the grandfather of King David, and an ancestor of Jesus. The name thus connects a moment of personal loss to the broader redemptive history of Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Chilion carries a heavy weight in Scripture, derived from a root meaning to waste away or pine. In the Book of Ruth, it marks the tragic end of Elimelech’s family in Moab, where famine and displacement led to loss. Yet this shadow of mortality is not the final word. God’s providence works through brokenness, turning personal grief into a lineage that honors Him.
Chilion’s story reminds us that life is fragile and seasons of hardship can leave us feeling empty. But even in our deepest losses, we are held by a purpose larger than our own understanding. The path from Bethlehem to Moab and back again shows how God redeems what seems lost, weaving human sorrow into eternal hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Kilion2×
- [belonged] to/ Kilion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/כִלְי֖וֹן1×
- וְ/כִלְיוֹן֙1×
- וְ/כִלְי֑וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 1:5
Mahlon and Chilion both died, and the woman was bereaved of her two children and of her husband.
This verse marks the moment of total loss for Naomi, where Chilion’s death completes the tragedy that sets the stage for Ruth’s loyalty and God’s subsequent provision.
-
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 mentions Chilion here to establish legal continuity, showing how the redemption of his estate becomes part of the lineage leading to David and Christ.
-
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.
The introduction of Chilion alongside Mahlon highlights the family’s initial departure from Bethlehem, framing their journey as one that begins with hope but ends in sorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Chilion mean?
Why is Chilion important if he has no dialogue?
Where else does Chilion appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Ruth 3 verses
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 1:5Mahlon and Chilion both died, and the woman was bereaved of her two children and of her husband.
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,…