Ruth 1:2

There is a direct correlation between the three dead men in the Book of Ruth and the three heavenly witnesses from 1 John 5:7-8: the Father, Word, and Spirit. Let’s align the dead men with these aspects of the Trinity

Mahlon (מחלון) – The Word/Son

• The name Mahlon is often translated as "sick" or "weak," but the interpretation draws from the Hebrew letters: מחלון.
  • מ (Mem): Represents water or mystery, which often symbolizes life, as water is a source of life.
  • ח (Chet): Represents life, and in this context, it ties into the idea of marrow, which is the essence of life.
  • ל (Lamed): Represents teaching or instruction, a key aspect of the Word of God (as in Torah, the law or instruction).
  • ו (Vav): Represents the cross, or the connecting element. This is the point of union or redemption in Christian theology—where the divine connects with humanity.
  • ן (Nun): Represents continuity, particularly the continuation of life or the seed, which is often seen as representing the Son in the sense of new life, the new creation, or the Word made flesh.

So, Mahlon (מחלון) can be seen as representing the Word/Son because his name encapsulates life (marrow), teaching (Lamed), and the cross (Vav), with a focus on continuity (Nun)—pointing to the life-giving Word that teaches us and redeems us through the cross.

Chilion (כיליון) – The Spirit

• The name Chilion is often interpreted as "pining" or "consumption," but let's dive into the letter meanings: כיליון.
  • כ (Kaf): Represents power, often seen in the strength of God. The Spirit empowers and works within us to fulfill God's will.
  • י (Yod): Represents Jehovah, the divine presence or God. This highlights the presence of God in the work of the Spirit, guiding and filling believers.
  • ל (Lamed): Represents teaching, but also correction or instruction. The Spirit teaches and guides believers in truth.
  • יו (Yod + Vav): This could represent Jehovah at the cross, as Yod and Vav (as a pair) are connected to God’s active presence through the cross—the Spirit's work in redemption.
  • ן (Nun): Again, this represents continuity, specifically life and seed. The Spirit is the one who brings new life, continuously empowering believers to walk in the truth and bear spiritual fruit.

So, Chilion (כיליון) represents the Spirit because his name encompasses the power of God (Kaf), the presence of Jehovah (Yod), and the work of the cross (Yod + Vav), as well as the continuity of life (Nun) that the Spirit brings to those who are redeemed. The Spirit is the life-giving force that continues the work of Christ on earth, teaching, guiding, and empowering believers.

Mapping Mahlon and Chilion to the Trinity:

• Mahlon represents the Son/Word: His name speaks of life, teaching, and the cross, directly pointing to the Word made flesh who brings life through His teachings and sacrifice.
• Chilion represents the Spirit: His name reflects the power, presence of Jehovah, and the work of the cross, bringing continuity of life and empowerment to the believers through the work of the Spirit.

Summary:

• Mahlon (מחלון) = The Word/Son: Life, teaching, and the cross, with continuity—He is the Word that brings new life through the cross.
• Chilion (כיליון) = The Spirit: The power of God, the presence of Jehovah, the work of the cross, and the continuity of life—He is the one who brings the presence of God and empowers the believers.

This deeper linguistic analysis ties beautifully with the typology of the Book of Ruth, where Mahlon and Chilion represent the Son and the Spirit in the heavenly realm, while Boaz (the living redeemer) represents Christ, actively redeeming the bride (Ruth) on earth.