Βοόζ

Boaz

Definition

Βοόζ (Boaz) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name בֹּעַז (Boaz). In the New Testament, it refers exclusively to the historical figure Boaz from the Old Testament, who was a wealthy and righteous landowner from Bethlehem (Ruth 2:1). He is most significant as the husband of Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 4:13) and the great-grandfather of King David. His inclusion in the genealogies of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5, Luke 3:32) establishes him as a direct ancestor in the messianic line, bridging the period of the judges to the monarchy.

Biblical Usage

The name Βοόζ is used only twice in the New Testament, and both instances are within genealogical lists. It appears in the genealogy of Jesus presented in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:5) and again in the genealogy provided in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 3:32). In both contexts, its usage is purely referential, identifying a specific, crucial link in the ancestry of David and, consequently, of Jesus. There is no narrative usage or development of the character within the New Testament itself.

Etymology

The Greek Βοόζ is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name בֹּעַז (Boʿaz). The etymology of the Hebrew name is uncertain but is often suggested to mean 'in him is strength' or 'swiftness.' The New Testament authors adopted the Greek form directly from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), where the name is also spelled Βοόζ, preserving the original Hebrew identity without translation.

Semantic Range

Boaz is theologically significant as a key figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's providence in salvation history. His story in the Book of Ruth portrays him as a 'kinsman-redeemer' (go'el), a concept that prefigures Christ's role as the ultimate Redeemer of his people. His marriage to Ruth, a Gentile, also highlights the inclusion of the nations in God's covenant plan, a theme fulfilled in the New Testament. Understanding this Greek name connects the reader directly to this rich Old Testament typology.

In its original Hebrew context, Boaz was a prominent, land-owning Israelite who fulfilled the levirate and kinsman-redeemer duties outlined in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10, Leviticus 25:25). This role involved protecting family lineage, redeeming property, and providing for widows. The New Testament references assume familiarity with this Old Testament narrative and cultural-legal institution. For a first-century reader, the name would immediately evoke the story of Ruth and the concept of covenant faithfulness and redemption.

There are no true synonyms for this proper name. It is uniquely tied to the individual. Related conceptual terms might include: λυτρωτής (lytrōtēs, G3086) — a redeemer or deliverer (a role Boaz fulfilled), and πρόγονος (progonos, G4269) — an ancestor or forefather (describing his place in a genealogy).

Word Details

Scripture References