Ruth 3 12

Ruth 3:12 kjv

And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

Ruth 3:12 nkjv

Now it is true that I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I.

Ruth 3:12 niv

Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I.

Ruth 3:12 esv

And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I.

Ruth 3:12 nlt

But while it's true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am.

Ruth 3 verses

Ruth 3 12 Meaning

Ruth 3:12 reveals Boaz's honest acknowledgement of his role as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, while immediately stating a legal impediment: there is another relative with a prior right and closer claim than he. This sets the stage for the public resolution of the matter, underscoring Boaz's integrity and adherence to Mosaic Law concerning land redemption and levirate marriage.

Ruth 3 12 Context

Ruth 3 finds Naomi instructing Ruth to make a bold move at the threshing floor to secure Boaz as their kinsman-redeemer. Ruth obeys, lying at Boaz’s feet. Awakened at midnight, Boaz discovers her and understands her petition to cover her with his cloak, a request for marriage and redemption. While honored by her choice and acknowledging her virtuous reputation, Boaz reveals the critical legal nuance: though he is indeed a kinsman with rights to redeem, there is another man whose legal claim is even closer. This disclosure elevates the private midnight encounter into a matter that requires public, lawful resolution, demonstrating Boaz's commitment to upholding the legal integrity of Israelite custom rather than seizing an immediate personal opportunity.

Ruth 3 12 Word analysis

• And now (we‘attāh): This phrase often serves as a conjunction or discourse marker, introducing a logical consequence or the next stage of an argument. Here, it indicates a transition from Ruth's plea and Boaz's initial reaction to a critical statement about the practical steps forward, conveying immediate urgency and the beginning of a decisive move.

• it is true (kî ‘omnām): This emphasizes certainty and affirmation. Kî introduces a causal or explanatory clause, and ‘omnām functions as an emphatic particle meaning "indeed" or "surely." Boaz is not merely admitting but confirming the fact with solemnity.

• I am (’ānōḵî): This is the first-person singular pronoun, emphasizing Boaz himself. The stress on "I" highlights his personal commitment and the weight of his declaration.

• a redeemer (gō’ēl): This is a pivotal term in Hebrew. A gō’ēl was a blood relative who had the right or obligation to restore the rights of another relative. This included avenging blood (Num 35:19), repurchasing property sold into debt (Lev 25:25), or raising up seed for a deceased brother (Deut 25:5-10, known as levirate marriage, though the gō’ēl role extends beyond this to include close kin). The term signifies one who restores, protects, and delivers. Its usage here signifies Boaz's legal standing and familial responsibility towards Naomi and Ruth. The gō’ēl concept foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Redeemer, who restores all that was lost by humanity through sin (Eph 1:7).

• for you: Indicates Ruth as the direct beneficiary of Boaz's redeeming action. The personal connection is clear.

• however (we‘ōlām): This is a transitional conjunction, functioning like "nevertheless" or "but," introducing a contrasting or qualifying idea. It sets up the impending complication or challenge to the direct and immediate resolution.

• there is a kinsman (yēš gō’ēl): The repetition of gō’ēl reinforces the central theme of redemption. The verb yēš ("there is") simply states the existence of another person fulfilling the required legal relation.

• closer than I (qārôb mimmennî): Qārôb means "near" or "close." Mimmennî is "from me" or "than I." This phrase refers to familial proximity, dictating legal priority in matters of redemption and inheritance. Ancient Israelite law stipulated clear hierarchies of kinship in such situations, and the closer relative had the first right of refusal or obligation. This highlights Boaz's adherence to proper legal protocol.

• "And now it is true that I am a redeemer for you; however there is a kinsman closer than I": This statement represents a high point of integrity and moral uprightness from Boaz. Instead of simply accepting the desirable arrangement, he adheres strictly to the divine law, which mandated the right of the closer kinsman. This ensures the legality and moral purity of his actions, preventing any accusation of seizing a benefit illegitimately. This highlights the intricate blend of personal desire and legal requirement, resolved by Boaz's exemplary character and trust in divine order. It also builds suspense for the story's resolution.

Ruth 3 12 Bonus section

The character of Boaz in Ruth 3:12 reflects the highest ideals of a tzaddiq (righteous man) in ancient Israel. His action underscores that even when opportunity or personal desire might prompt a quicker, less formal path, upholding legal and ethical principles is paramount. This adherence to the letter of the law, specifically concerning the go'el responsibilities, highlights the divine provision embedded within the legal codes of Israel designed to protect the vulnerable and maintain familial and societal order. The fact that the narrative pauses to address this legal nuance before its resolution shows the profound theological point that God's plan is executed not through shortcuts or manipulation, but often through the meticulous observance of justice and righteousness, mirroring His own character. This scene also emphasizes the active, God-guided decisions of human agents within the divine economy, as both Ruth's initiative and Boaz's integrity lead to the ultimate outcome that establishes the line of David.

Ruth 3 12 Commentary

Ruth 3:12 encapsulates Boaz's admirable character and the legal framework guiding Israelite society. He readily affirms his qualification and willingness to act as a gō’ēl for Ruth, signifying his role as protector and restorer of her lineage and legacy. However, his immediate caveat, that another kinsman has a closer legal right, is not a hesitation but an act of profound righteousness. Boaz could have exploited the secluded nature of the threshing floor, yet he chose adherence to law over personal expediency. This reveals his fear of the LORD and his commitment to justice and ethical conduct in all dealings, even those that involve personal desire. The verse sets the narrative’s pivotal tension: how will Boaz, the righteous kinsman-redeemer, overcome the obstacle of the legally prior redeemer to ensure the welfare of Ruth and Naomi? It emphasizes that God's blessings and providence often work through lawful, integrity-driven human actions. This verse teaches the importance of not just doing what is "good," but what is "right" in the sight of God and man. For instance, in our own lives, facing a situation where personal benefit clashes with a clear principle, we are called to prioritize righteousness over immediate gain, trusting God to work through our integrity.