Who was Booz?

Booz is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Boaz (בֹּעַז, Bo‘az), which means “in him is strength” or “by strength”. He appears in the New Testament in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, specifically in Matthew 1:5 (KJV):
“And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse.”

Booz (Boaz) was a wealthy and influential man from Bethlehem in Judah during the period of the judges (Ruth 1:1). He is most prominently featured in the Old Testament Book of Ruth, where he serves as a “kinsman-redeemer” to Ruth, the Moabite widow of a relative. He is the son of Salmon and Rahab (likely the same Rahab from Jericho in Joshua 2) and the great-grandfather of King David, thus playing a critical role in the lineage of Jesus the Messiah.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Matthew 1:5 – Genealogical reference to Booz in the lineage of Christ

• Ruth 2-4 – The primary account of Boaz‘s life and role in the story of Ruth

• Ruth 2:1 – Introduction of Boaz as a “man of standing”

• Ruth 3:9; 4:1-10 – His role as kinsman-redeemer

• 1 Chronicles 2:11-12 – Further genealogical confirmation

• Luke 3:32 – Mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy traced through David

• Deuteronomy 25:5-10 – The background law of levirate marriage, which undergirds Boaz’s actions

What Happened in the Bible?

Boaz appears in the context of a time of moral and societal instability in Israel, during the days of the judges. He was a relative of Elimelek, the deceased husband of Naomi, and thereby qualified to act as a goel, or kinsman-redeemer—a person legally bound to help redeem a relative in distress, particularly by marrying a widow to preserve the family line.

Ruth, a Moabite who had converted to faith in the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16–17), came to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi. While gleaning in the fields for food, she came upon the field of Boaz, who treated her with exceptional kindness. Recognizing Ruth’s noble character, and upon learning of his role as a kinsman, Boaz took steps to legally redeem her. He did so with integrity, honoring the rights of a nearer kinsman first (Ruth 4:1–8), and ultimately married Ruth.

Their union resulted in the birth of Obed, who became the father of Jesse, the father of David. This established Boaz, a man of righteousness and faith, as a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Boaz represents faithfulness, integrity, and godly masculinity. His willingness to fulfill his role as kinsman-redeemer—even though Ruth was a foreigner and widow—demonstrates God’s inclusive and gracious heart. Boaz’s character shines as a man who honors the Law but also exhibits mercy and kindness.

For Christians today, Boaz’s example teaches the importance of sacrificial love, the defense of the vulnerable, and upholding righteousness in everyday life. His life shows that obedience and kindness, even in obscure or private matters, can have lasting kingdom impact. Every believer, regardless of their station, has a role in God’s redemptive plan.

How Booz Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Boaz is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament. Just as Boaz acted as a kinsman-redeemer to Ruth, so Christ became our Redeemer. In the same way that Ruth was an outsider, a widow, and without inheritance, we too were spiritually poor, separated from the covenant. Christ, like Boaz, fulfilled the law on our behalf and lovingly brought us into the family of God through grace.

• Boaz was willing to redeem, but did so lawfully — pointing to Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17).

• Boaz redeemed a Gentile bride — Jesus came not only for Israel but also to bring the Gentiles into His kingdom (Ephesians 2:12-13).

• Boaz’s marriage to Ruth led to David’s birthline — Christ, the greater David, came from that same line.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Redemption and Grace

Boaz’s story is soaked in the theme of redemption—not merely legal or economic, but personal and relational. It mirrors God’s work in redeeming His people through the Messiah.

2. Faithfulness in Obscurity

The story of Boaz reminds readers that faithful obedience in daily life—like honoring family responsibility or caring for the poor—has eternal consequences. Boaz’s life seemed ordinary, but it was woven into God‘s eternal plan.

3. God’s Sovereignty

The placement of Boaz in Jesus’ genealogy shows how God orchestrates history. Even in dark or unstable times (the era of the judges), God works out His sovereign plan for redemption.

4. Gentile Inclusion in God’s Covenant

Through Boaz and Ruth’s marriage, God signaled that His plan of salvation would reach beyond Israel to the nations—fulfilled ultimately in Jesus.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Boaz’s character challenge modern believers to live with integrity and compassion?

2. What does Ruth’s inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy, through Boaz, say about God‘s heart for outsiders?

3. In what ways do we see the theme of redemption illustrated through the life of Boaz?

4. How can Christians today embody the redemptive love that Boaz showed to Ruth?

5. What does the story of Boaz teach us about trusting God‘s providence even in uncertain times?

6. How does the role of the kinsman-redeemer help deepen our understanding of what Christ has done for us?

Boaz, or Booz as he is called in Matthew 1, reminds us that faithful obedience to God‘s Word, compassionate love, and courage to act in truth not only bring blessing to others but are often part of a much bigger plan—one that God is unfolding for His glory and for the redemption of the world through Jesus Christ.