### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Kilyôwn**, represented by `{{H3630}}`, is defined as **Chilion**, an Israelite. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, exclusively within the book of Ruth. The name identifies one of the sons of Elimelech and Naomi, whose family journey from Bethlehemjudah to Moab forms the basis of the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Chilion is introduced as one of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi. He is an Ephrathite from Bethlehemjudah who travels with his family to the country of Moab [[Ruth 1:2]]. The story quickly turns to tragedy as it is stated that both Chilion and his brother Mahlon **died** in Moab, leaving their mother Naomi without her husband or her two sons [[Ruth 1:5]]. His name appears a final time when Boaz declares to the elders that he has bought all the property that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon, tying Chilion's legacy to the redemption of the family's inheritance [[Ruth 4:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Chilion's identity and story:
* `{{H4248}}` **Machlôwn** (sick; Machlon, an Israelite): This is the name of Chilion's brother. They are consistently mentioned together, highlighting their shared fate as the two sons who die in Moab ([[Ruth 1:2]], [[Ruth 1:5]]).
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is used to establish Chilion's identity as one of the two **sons** of Elimelech and Naomi, a relationship central to the themes of lineage and inheritance in the book [[Ruth 1:2]].
* `{{H3206}}` **yeled** (something born, i.e. a lad or offspring): When Naomi is left alone, the narrative notes her loss is of her two **sons**, using this term to emphasize her bereavement as a mother [[Ruth 1:5]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This verb directly states the fate of Chilion and his brother. The stark statement that they **died** sets in motion the central conflict of the story [[Ruth 1:5]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H3630}}` is tied to the themes of loss, emptiness, and eventual redemption.
* **Emblem of Loss:** Chilion’s life and death, along with his brother's, represent the profound loss experienced by Naomi. His death in a foreign land signifies the potential end of his family's lineage, a critical concern in the Old Testament narrative [[Ruth 1:5]].
* **The Peril of Leaving Home:** The deaths of Chilion, Mahlon, and Elimelech in Moab underscore the hardship and risk associated with their family's decision to leave Bethlehemjudah.
* **Posthumous Redemption:** Although Chilion dies early in the story, his name is not forgotten. The redemption of his family's property by Boaz ensures that his inheritance is preserved within the community of Israel, preventing the family line from being completely cut off [[Ruth 4:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3630}}` is the proper name of a key figure whose story, though brief, is essential to the book of Ruth. Chilion is defined by his role as a son who leaves home and dies in a foreign land, creating the tragic circumstances from which the story's main themes of loyalty and redemption emerge. His name is ultimately preserved not through his own offspring, but through the lawful and compassionate actions of Boaz.
TRV