What Does Boaz Mean?

The name Boaz has a Hebrew origin, implying "swiftness or speed." Boaz is also the name of a Biblical character found in the book of Ruth from the Old Testament. He was the husband of Ruth and ancestor of David. Boaz was a rich landowner who first notices Ruth, the widowed daughter-in-law of Naomi, his relative when she is working in the fields. He learns about the economic plight Ruth and her family is in.

Boaz invites her to eat with him and his workers and soon the relationship grows from friendship to love. When Boaz asks Ruth to marry her, she is apprehensive because there is a relative who was also keen on marrying her. Boaz induces the relative to buy the land of Naomi's husband instead of marrying Ruth. Boaz marries his beloved and they have a son called Obed who is the grandfather of David.

Boaz is rarely used as a first name for males in present times except for some Jewish families. However the name is used generously as a surname.

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