Boaz Kinsman-Redeemer, Husband of Ruth

Q: What is a kinsman-redeemer?

In Israelite law, a kinsman-redeemer (goel) was a close relative who could buy back family property, marry a widow to continue the family line, or redeem a relative from slavery. Boaz fulfilled this role for Ruth and Naomi, becoming a beautiful picture of how Christ redeems us.

Old Testament

About Boaz

Boaz was a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem who showed kindness to Ruth, a Moabite widow gleaning in his fields. As a kinsman-redeemer, he married Ruth according to the custom of levirate marriage. They became the great-grandparents of King David, placing them in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Boaz's Character Traits

Kinsman-RedeemerGenerousRighteousHonorable

Boaz's Life Timeline

View journey on map

Meeting Ruthc. 1100 BC

Boaz notices Ruth gleaning in his fields and shows her kindness.

RUT 2:1-16

Threshing Floorc. 1100 BC

Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, requesting redemption.

RUT 3:1-15

Redemptionc. 1100 BC

Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi's land and marries Ruth.

RUT 4:1-12

Birth of Obedc. 1099 BC

Ruth bears Obed, grandfather of King David.

RUT 4:13-17

Boaz's Key Relationships

RuthFamily

Wife - Boaz redeemed and married Ruth, showing chesed (loyal love).

NaomiFamily

Mother-in-law - By marrying Ruth, Boaz redeemed Naomi's family line.

Boaz's Key Locations

Bethlehem

Town where Boaz lived and where the redemption took place.

Spiritual Lessons from Boaz

Picture of Christ

Boaz as kinsman-redeemer foreshadows Christ. He had the right to redeem (he was a relative), the power to redeem (he was wealthy), and the will to redeem (he loved Ruth). Christ redeems us the same way.