A son of Elimelech and Naomi, the Bethlehemites who emigrated to Moab because of the severe famine in Judea (Ruth i. 2). This might have been the reason for the name "Chilion" (wasting), as also for his brother's name "Mahlon" (disease). In Moab, Chilion married Orpah ( ib. ), and, after living in that land for ten years, died there.
Categories: [Jewish encyclopedia 1906]