2:1 relative. Or “friend.” The Hebrew text leaves the technical status of Boaz unclear, but the story unfolds as if he were the “nearest redeemer” described in Lev. 25:25, whose responsibility relates primarily but not exclusively to the property of an impoverished relative (1:11; 2:20 and notes). Later on (e.g., 2:20; 3:9) Boaz will be identified as such a “close relative,” but at this point he is introduced to prepare the reader for the occurrence that places Ruth in his field.

worthy. The Hebrew usually means an outstanding fighter, but here it means someone powerful and important in society.