How to Pronounce
BoazBO-az
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Meaning
or Booz, in strength
Historical Context
Boaz: Kinsman-Redeemer and Ancestor of David
Learning how to pronounce Boaz correctly—BOH-az—opens the door to one of the most beloved narratives in Scripture: a story of loyalty, generosity, and redemption set against the bleak backdrop of the period of the judges. Boaz stands as one of the most admirable figures in the entire Old Testament.
Etymology and Meaning
The name Boaz (בֹּעַז) is generally understood to mean "in him is strength" or "fleetness." Some scholars connect it to a Hebrew root suggesting quickness or agility. The name carries connotations of capable, settled power—fitting for a man described as a "worthy man" (Hebrew: gibbor hayil, literally "mighty man of valor") and a prosperous landowner in Bethlehem (Ruth 2:1).
Biblical Context
Boaz is the central male figure in the book of Ruth. He was a relative of Elimelech, Naomi's deceased husband, making him a potential kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: go'el)—a relative legally responsible to redeem family property and marry a childless widow to preserve the family line. When the Moabite widow Ruth came to glean in his fields, Boaz showed exceptional kindness: he instructed workers to let grain fall deliberately for her, invited her to drink with his workers, and protected her from harassment (Ruth 2:8–16).
At Naomi's prompting, Ruth approached Boaz at the threshing floor and asked him to "spread his cloak over her"—a symbolic request for marriage under kinsman-redeemer law (Ruth 3:9). There was one nearer kinsman with prior claim; Boaz negotiated publicly at the city gate. When the nearer kinsman declined to redeem both the land and Ruth, Boaz completed the transaction (Ruth 4:1–10). Their son Obed became the father of Jesse and grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:17), placing Boaz directly in the Messianic line (Matthew 1:5). Boaz also lends his name to one of two bronze pillars at the entrance to Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 7:21).
Pronunciation Guide
Boaz is two syllables. The first syllable is "BOH" (long O, rhyming with "go"), the second is "az" (rhyming with "jazz"). The correct pronunciation is BOH-az, stress on the first syllable. Some readers say it as one syllable ("boz") or shift stress to the second ("boh-AZ")—both are nonstandard. The Hebrew (בֹּעַז) has a long holem vowel supporting the long O: BOH-az.