Old Testament
Elimelech
An Ephrathite from Bethlehem who moved his family to Moab during a famine, setting the stage for Ruth's redemption.
Elimelech was the husband of Naomi and father of Mahlon and Chilion. His decision to relocate his family to Moab due to famine led to his death and the subsequent marriage of his sons to Moabite women. His death and the loss of his sons serve as the catalyst for Naomi's return to Bethlehem and the eventual kinsman-redeemer narrative involving Boaz.
In the text
Where Elimelech appears
6 verses · 3 chaptersIn the same books
- Naomi20 versesAn Israelite woman whose return to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth leads to the lineage of King David.
- Leah32 versesThe eldest daughter of Laban and first wife of Jacob, who became the mother of six of Israel's twelve tribes.
- Ruth13 versesA Moabite widow who demonstrated steadfast loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and faith in the God of Israel.
- Mahlon4 versesThe elder son of Elimelech and Naomi who married Ruth the Moabitess before his premature death in Moab.
- Chilion3 versesThe son of Elimelech and Naomi who married Orpah before dying in Moab.
- Orpah2 versesA Moabite woman who married Mahlon, son of Elimelech, and chose to return to her people after his death.
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