Who was Boaz in the Bible?
Boaz was a generous landowner of Bethlehem who, as kinsman-redeemer, married Ruth — making him an ancestor of David and a beloved Old Testament picture of Christ the Redeemer.
Boaz noticed Ruth gleaning in his fields and protected her, telling her to stay close and inviting her to share his harvesters’ food. He praised her loyalty to Naomi.
As a near relative, Boaz had the right to "redeem" the family’s land and take Ruth as his wife. He did so honorably, settling the matter publicly at the town gate.
Boaz and Ruth’s son Obed continued the line to David. The book of Ruth has long been read as a quiet picture of the Greater Redeemer who, at great cost, made an outsider his bride.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.