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H492 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַלְמֹנִי
almoni
Pronoun (indefinite)
a certain one; anonymous; so-and-so

Definition

Almoni (אַלְמֹנִי) is an indefinite pronoun designating an unnamed person, equivalent to "a certain one," "so-and-so," or "anonymous." It derives from alam (to be silent, hidden) and appears in Ruth 4:1 paired with peloni to designate the unnamed kinsman-redeemer: peloni almoni.

Usage & Theological Significance

The use of almoni in Ruth 4 is theologically deliberate. The man who refused to redeem Ruth and Naomi — choosing self-preservation over covenant loyalty — remains nameless in Scripture. His anonymity is his legacy. In contrast, Boaz — who redeemed willingly — has his name preserved forever in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:5). Those who serve God's redemptive purposes are remembered; those who refuse fade into anonymity. The almoni stands as a foil for Christ, the true Kinsman-Redeemer who gave everything to redeem His Bride.

Key Bible Verses

Ruth 4:1 Boaz said, 'Come over here, my friend [peloni almoni], and sit down.' So he went over and sat down.
Ruth 4:6 The guardian-redeemer said, 'Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself.'
Ruth 4:21 Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed…
Matthew 1:5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth…
Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.

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