Boaz Redeems Ruth, Marries Her

Kinsman-redeemer Boaz steps in to marry Ruth, securing her future and continuing Elimelech's family line

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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After Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor, Boaz agrees to marry Ruth and redeem the land that belonged to her late husband Mahlon. However, there is a closer kinsman-redeemer who must first refuse the offer. The closer relative declines, allowing Boaz to officially marry Ruth and start a new family together.

Why it matters

The story of Ruth highlights the importance of kinship and community responsibility in ancient Israelite society. Boaz's willingness to take on the role of kinsman-redeemer for the widow Ruth demonstrates how family ties and obligations were highly valued. This event also sets the stage for the birth of Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, a pivotal figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

The details

After Naomi instructs Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor, Ruth lies down at his feet while he is sleeping. When Boaz wakes up, Ruth identifies herself and asks Boaz, who is a kinsman-redeemer, to marry her. Boaz agrees but explains there is a closer relative who must first refuse the offer. Boaz then goes to the city gate, where business transactions were conducted, and speaks with this closer relative. The relative initially agrees to redeem the land, but then declines when he learns he must also marry Ruth in order to continue her late husband's family line. With the closer relative's refusal, Boaz is then able to officially marry Ruth.

  • Boaz was winnowing barley on the threshing floor one night.
  • Ruth approached Boaz while he was sleeping at the threshing floor.
  • Boaz went to the city gate the next day to settle the matter with the closer kinsman-redeemer.

The players

Boaz

A wealthy landowner in Bethlehem who was a close relative of Naomi's late husband Elimelech, making him a kinsman-redeemer with the responsibility to marry Ruth and redeem the family's land.

Ruth

A Moabite widow who married Naomi's son Mahlon, and after his death, moved to Bethlehem with Naomi and became a gleaner in Boaz's fields.

Naomi

The mother-in-law of Ruth, who devised a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor in hopes that he would marry her as the kinsman-redeemer.

The Closer Kinsman-Redeemer

A relative of Elimelech who was an even closer relation to Ruth than Boaz, and therefore had the first right to redeem the family's land and marry Ruth.

Obed

The son born to Boaz and Ruth, who became the grandfather of King David.

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What they’re saying

“May the LORD make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the LORD will give you by this young woman.”

— The Elders and People at the City Gate (Bible (Book of Ruth)

“Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

— The Women of Bethlehem (Bible (Book of Ruth)

What’s next

The birth of Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, sets the stage for the lineage that will eventually lead to King David and the Messiah.

The takeaway

The story of Ruth demonstrates the importance of kinship, community responsibility, and God's providential care in the lives of the marginalized. Boaz's willingness to redeem Ruth and continue her late husband's family line is a powerful example of selfless love and obedience to God's commands.