Topical Lexicon
Historical BackgroundBoaz first appears in the Book of Ruth as a prominent landowner from Bethlehem of Judah during the time of the judges (Ruth 2:1). A man of integrity, he shows covenant faithfulness (ḥesed) toward the Moabitess Ruth and her widowed mother-in-law Naomi. Acting as kinsman-redeemer (gōʾēl), he purchases Elimelech’s land and marries Ruth, securing the family line (Ruth 4:9-10). Their union produces Obed, grandfather of David, placing Boaz squarely in the royal ancestry.
Occurrences in the New Testament
The Greek form Βοόζ (Strong’s 1003) appears three times, exclusively in the genealogies of Jesus Christ:
•Matthew 1:5 (twice) – “Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse.”
•Luke 3:32 – “…the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon,”
These references highlight Boaz as a vital link between the patriarchs and the Messiah.
Genealogical Significance
1. Confirmation of Prophecy: By tracing Jesus’ line through Boaz, the Gospel writers affirm Old Testament promises that the Messiah would arise from the house of David (Isaiah 11:1;Jeremiah 23:5).
2. Inclusion of Gentiles: Both Rahab and Ruth—named alongside Boaz—are non-Israelites, foreshadowing the gospel’s reach to all nations (Matthew 28:19;Ephesians 2:11-13).
3. Legitimacy of David’s Throne: Ruth concludes with a ten-generation genealogy ending in David (Ruth 4:18-22). Matthew and Luke extend that line to Christ, underscoring the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.
Old Testament Portrait
• Integrity in Business: Boaz instructs his reapers to leave extra grain for Ruth (Ruth 2:15-16), modeling generosity toward the poor.
• Covenant Loyalty: He protects Ruth’s reputation by arranging their meeting at the city gate (Ruth 4:1-11).
• Legal Acumen: By convening elders, he fulfills the requirements ofDeuteronomy 25:5-10 concerning levirate obligations.
Typological Foreshadowing of Christ
1. Kinsman-Redeemer: Just as Boaz redeems both land and widow, so Christ redeems people and creation (Romans 8:19-23;1 Peter 1:18-19).
2. Bridegroom Motif: Boaz takes Ruth, a Gentile bride, prefiguring Christ’s union with a multinational church (Revelation 19:7-9).
3. Rest Provider: Naomi exclaims that Boaz “will not rest until the matter is settled” (Ruth 3:18); likewise, Christ declares, “Come to Me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Theological Themes
• Grace over Law: While abiding by Mosaic statutes, Boaz exceeds them in kindness, illustrating that divine grace animates obedience.
• God’s Hidden Providence: Behind seemingly ordinary events—harvest timing, legal proceedings—God weaves the messianic lineage, encouraging trust in His unseen guidance (Romans 8:28).
• Redemption and Restoration: The narrative moves from famine and death to harvest and birth, mirroring God’s pattern of bringing life from despair.
Practical Applications for Ministry
• Social Justice Rooted in Faith: Boaz demonstrates that compassionate provision for the vulnerable is integral to covenant living (James 1:27).
• Male Leadership Marked by Humility: His approach invites church leaders to combine authority with servant-heartedness (1 Peter 5:2-3).
• Evangelism and Hospitality: Welcoming Ruth the foreigner anticipates the church’s mandate to embrace outsiders (Hebrews 13:2).
Legacy in Redemptive History
Boaz stands as a bridge between the chaotic era of the judges and the stability of the Davidic monarchy. By naming him in the Gospels, the Holy Spirit underscores that God’s sovereign purposes advance through faithful individuals who honor His Word in daily life. Every mention of Βοόζ in the New Testament reminds readers that the Messiah’s lineage is grounded in real people, real choices, and real acts of redemption—all orchestrated to culminate in Jesus Christ, “the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1).
Forms and Transliterations
Βοες Βοὲς Βόες Βοος Βοός Βόος βοράν Boes Boès Boos BoósLinks
Interlinear Greek •Interlinear Hebrew •Strong's Numbers •Englishman's Greek Concordance •Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •Parallel Texts
