chayil

What it means

A broad word covering strength, ability, wealth, and character. It's used of Boaz ("a worthy man," 2:1) and of Ruth ("a worthy woman," 3:11), so the wealthy Israelite landowner and the poor Moabite widow are described with the same word.

Range of meaning

• Strength or valorPhysical might, often of warriors.
• WealthResources and standing in the community.
• An armyA force of fighting men.
• Worth or excellenceNoble, capable character.

In Ruth

• Chapter 2

  Boaz is introduced as a "worthy man" (2:1), a man of strength, standing, and character.

• Chapter 3

  Boaz calls Ruth "a worthy woman" (3:11), the same word used of him in 2:1.

• Chapter 4

  The elders pray that Boaz would "act worthily" in Ephrathah (4:11).