מַחְלוֹן (mach.lon)
mach.lon
Mahlon
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Mahlon, meaning “sick” or “weak,” belongs to a minor figure in the Book of Ruth. He is the son of Elimelech and Naomi, and the brother of Chilion. The family left Bethlehem for Moab during a famine, but both Mahlon and his brother died there without leaving children.
His significance lies not in personal deeds, but in his role as Ruth’s first husband. After his death, Ruth remained loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than returning to her own people. This decision set the stage for her meeting Boaz and ultimately joining the lineage of King David.
The meaning of his name contrasts sharply with the strength and faithfulness shown by Ruth. While Mahlon’s life ended in weakness and death, Ruth’s actions brought life and restoration to Naomi’s household. The story highlights how God works through ordinary people and difficult circumstances to bring about redemption.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mahlon means “sick” or “weak,” yet this brief mention in Ruth carries a quiet weight about how God works through fragile human moments. When famine struck, Elimelech’s family moved to Moab, seeking survival but finding loss instead. The text notes that both Mahlon and his brother Chilion died, leaving Naomi bereaved. In the ancient world, such endings often looked like finality—a lineage cut short, a home abandoned.
Yet this story does not end with their graves. Ruth, the Moabite widow, chose loyalty over safety, staying with her mother-in-law rather than returning to her own people. This decision opened a path that led her to Boaz and eventually into the lineage of King David. What began in weakness became part of God’s redemptive plan, showing us that our current struggles are not the final word on our lives.
We may feel like Mahlon’s family did—overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control. But the narrative reminds us that God is present even in seasons of loss and uncertainty. His faithfulness often works through ordinary people and difficult transitions, turning moments of weakness into opportunities for restoration and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mahlon2×
- and/ Mahlon1×
- [was] Mahlon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַחְל֤וֹן1×
- מַחְל֣וֹן1×
- מַחְל֜וֹן1×
- וּ/מַחְל֑וֹן1×
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 turning point where the family’s search for survival ends in loss, setting the stage for Ruth’s faithful response.
-
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 Mahlon here to establish his legal right to redeem Naomi’s land, showing how God honors covenant faithfulness even after death.
-
Ruth 4:10
Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, I have purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place. You are witnesses today.”
By marrying Ruth, Boaz ensures Mahlon’s name and inheritance are preserved, demonstrating God’s power to restore what seemed lost forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Mahlon mean?
Why is Mahlon mentioned if he has no direct dialogue?
How does Mahlon’s story relate to modern struggles?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Ruth 4 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,…
Ruth 4:10Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, I have purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead on…