AI illustration: Elimelech - Head of the household
AI illustration

Who was Elimelech?

Husband of Naomi

Elimelech was a biblical figure from the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible. He was the husband of Naomi and the father of Mahlon and Chilion.

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The story of Elimelech

Elimelech was from the tribe of Judah and was a wealthy landowner. He and his family lived in Bethlehem, but due to a famine, Elimelech decided to move his family to Moab. Unfortunately, Elimelech died in Moab, leaving his wife and two sons behind.

Elimelech is best known for his role in the Book of Ruth. After his death, his sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. When his sons died, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem with her daughters-in-law.

Ruth, however, chose to stay with Naomi and follow the God of Israel. Ruth and Boaz eventually married and had a son, Obed, who was the grandfather of King David. Elimelech's story is an example of faithfulness and loyalty.

He was a devoted husband and father who was willing to move his family to a foreign land in order to provide for them. His story is also a reminder of the importance of faith and loyalty to God, as Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and follow the God of Israel. Elimelech's legacy is one of faithfulness and loyalty, and his story is an important part of the Bible.

Name meaning
The name "Elimelech" is of Hebrew origin and is found in the Bible. It is most commonly recognized as the name of Naomi's husband in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. The name "Elimelech" is typically understood to mean "My God is King" or "God is King," derived from the Hebrew elements: "Eli" (my God) and "Melech" (king). This name reflects a strong religious sentiment, emphasizing the sovereignty of God
Name origin
Hebrew
Role
Head of the household
First mention
Ruth 1:2
Appearances in the Bible
6 mentions

Family of Elimelech

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Elimelech in the Bible

Chapters that mention Elimelech

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Questions about Elimelech

Who was Elimelech in the Bible?

Elimelech was a biblical figure from the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible. He was the husband of Naomi and the father of Mahlon and Chilion. Elimelech was from the tribe of Judah and was a wealthy landowner. He and his family lived in Bethlehem, but due to a famine, Elimelech decided to move his family to Moab. Unfortunately, Elimelech died in Moab, leaving his wife and two sons behind. Elimelech is best known for his role in the Book of Ruth. After his death, his sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. When his sons died, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem with her daughters-in-law. Ruth, however, chose to stay with Naomi and follow the God of Israel. Ruth and Boaz eventually married and had a son, Obed, who was the grandfather of King David. Elimelech's story is an example of faithfulness and loyalty. He was a devoted husband and father who was willing to move his family to a foreign land in order to provide for them. His story is also a reminder of the importance of faith and loyalty to God, as Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and follow the God of Israel. Elimelech's legacy is one of faithfulness and loyalty, and his story is an important part of the Bible.

What does the name Elimelech mean?

The name Elimelech means “The name "Elimelech" is of Hebrew origin and is found in the Bible. It is most commonly recognized as the name of Naomi's husband in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. The name "Elimelech" is typically understood to mean "My God is King" or "God is King," derived from the Hebrew elements: "Eli" (my God) and "Melech" (king). This name reflects a strong religious sentiment, emphasizing the sovereignty of God”. Origin: Hebrew.

Where is Elimelech first mentioned in the Bible?

Elimelech is first mentioned in Ruth 1:2.

How many times is Elimelech mentioned in the Bible?

Number of mentions in the Bible: 6.

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