Bible Dictionary
Chilion
Chilion was one of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi. He married Orpah in Moab and died there before Naomi and Ruth returned to Bethlehem.
Definition
Chilion, whose name means “pining” or “wasting away,” was one of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi. He was an Ephrathite of Bethlehem-judah and married Orpah, a Moabite woman.
Biblical Usage
Chilion went with Naomi and Elimelech’s family to Moab, where he died. His property is later mentioned with that of Mahlon in connection with Boaz’s marriage to Ruth.
Historical Background
Chilion and his brother died early in Moab. Orpah remained there, while Ruth returned with Naomi to Bethlehem.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The pining one, the younger son of Elimelech and Naomi, and husband of Orpah, Ruth’s sister (Ruth 1:2; 4:9).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kil'-i-on (kilyon, "pining," "wasting away"): One of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi, "Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem-judah" (Ru 1:2). With his mother and brother he came into Moab and there both married Moabite women, Orpah being the name of Chilion's wife and Ru that of the wife of Mahlon (Ru 4:9,10). Both died early and Orpah remained in Moab while Ru accompanied Naomi back to Bethlehem. When Boaz married Ru he "bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's, and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi" (Ru 4:9).</p><p>W. L. Walker</p>