Judges, Ruth: Revised Edition (The NIV Application Commentary)

by K. Lawson Younger

Verse 1 serves as a parenthetical digression in which one of the major characters is proleptically introduced. The name is withheld to the last possible moment. He is described first in relationship to Naomi, “a relative2 on her husband’s side.” It was necessary to state that Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side of the family in order to make clear that the blood relationship is with her husband and not with her (since Israelite marriage was endogamous). This relative is further described as “a man of standing” (’ish gibbor hayil), from the family/clan of Elimelek. The phrase ’ish gibbor hayil is difficult to translate into English. The word gibbor comes from a root meaning “mighty” and is frequently translated “warrior.” The word hayil can mean “strength, power, ability, capability, wealth,” and its meaning depends on the context in which it is used. In a military setting it refers to a warrior, particularly one who has distinguished himself in armed combat. In other contexts, it can refer to wealth (2 Kings 15:20) or ability (1 Kings 11:28). It designates one who possesses social standing and a good reputation. In this context, it connotes not only wealth and status but also ability, honor, and capability.3 Thus it is clearly used as a description of character4 (cf. Ruth’s description below as an ’eshet hayil, 3:11).