Boaz
Name Origin & Meaning
From 'bo' (in him) and 'az' (strength) — 'in him is strength.' One of Solomon's Temple pillars was named Boaz, suggesting the name carried architectural and theological weight — strength as foundational. Boaz's character embodies both meanings: swift generosity and the deep strength of a man who fears God.
First Biblical Appearance
“And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.”
Boaz's introduction as the man of wealth, family connection, and latent redemptive potential.
Biblical Significance
Boaz was a wealthy Bethlehem landowner who acted as kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, marrying her and redeeming Naomi's family property. His generosity, protection of Ruth's honor, and willing assumption of the redeemer's role make him one of Scripture's clearest types of Christ. He and Ruth appear in Matthew 1 in the direct genealogy of Jesus.
Notable Bearers
- Boaz husband of Ruth, great-grandfather of David
Personality & Character
Resurrection and abundance — the number of new beginnings after the seventh day of completion
Spiritual symbolism drawn from Scripture and tradition
Modern Variants
A Blessing for This Name
May you be like Boaz — a person whose fields others run to glean in, whose generosity exceeds what is required, and whose strength is measured in the willingness to redeem what others have abandoned.