Boaz’s role as kinsman-redeemer in the book of Ruth (chapters 2–4) carries profound spiritual and theological significance. In Israelite law, the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: goel) was a close relative responsible for preserving the family’s name and inheritance by redeeming property or marrying a widow of the family (Leviticus 25:25, Deuteronomy 25:5–10).
Ruth, a Moabite widow, returned to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi after both had lost their husbands. To provide for them, Ruth gleaned in the fields, where she met Boaz, who was a wealthy and godly man, and who showed her kindness. Naomi later explained Boaz’s position:
“The man is a relation of ours, one of our close relatives.”
(Ruth 2:20)
As a kinsman-redeemer, Boaz had the right to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth, ensuring the continuation of her late husband’s lineage. Boaz willingly fulfilled this role, demons/”>demonstrating integrity, compassion, and obedience to God’s law. His redemption brought security and blessing to both Ruth and Naomi:
“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.”
(Ruth 4:13)
Their son, Obed, became the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth in the lineage of the Messiah (Matthew 1:5).
Spiritually, Boaz foreshadows Christ, our ultimate Redeemer:
Relationship – Just as Boaz was related to Ruth through family, Jesus became our kinsman by taking on human flesh (John 1:14).
Redemption – Boaz paid the price to secure Ruth’s future; Christ paid the ultimate price with His blood to redeem us from sin (1 Peter 1:18–19).
Restoration – Boaz brought Ruth into covenant blessing; Jesus brings believers into eternal life and fellowship with God.
The kinsman-redeemer role illustrates God’s faithfulness, grace, and the gospel message of redemption. Boaz’s actions remind us that God provides a Redeemer who restores what is lost and brings us into His family forever.
