² The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife was named Naomi, and his two sons were named Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathahites from Bethlehem in Judah. When they came to Moab, they settled there.

³ Then Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, died, and she was left with her two sons.

Ruth Meets Boaz

2 Now Naomi had a ·rich [or influential; ^Lman of great wealth/standing] relative named Boaz, from Elimelech’s ·family [clan].

² One day Ruth, the Moabite, said to Naomi, “[^LPlease] Let me go to the fields. Maybe someone ·will be kind enough to [^Lin whose eyes/sight I find grace/favor will] let me ·gather the grain he leaves behind [^Lglean among the sheaves/bundles; Deut. 24:21–22].”

Naomi said, “Go, my daughter.”

³ Then Boaz said to the ·close relative [guardian; kinsman-redeemer], “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, ·wants to sell [is selling] the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech [^Cit was important in Israel to keep property in the family].

⁹ Then Boaz said to the elders and to all the people, “You are witnesses today. I ·am buying [have bought] from Naomi everything that belonged to Elimelech and Kilion and Mahlon.