Ruth 4 4

Ruth 4:4 kjv

And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.

Ruth 4:4 nkjv

And I thought to inform you, saying, 'Buy it back in the presence of the inhabitants and the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.' " And he said, "I will redeem it."

Ruth 4:4 niv

I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line." "I will redeem it," he said.

Ruth 4:4 esv

So I thought I would tell you of it and say, 'Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.' If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you." And he said, "I will redeem it."

Ruth 4:4 nlt

I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish. If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don't want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you." The man replied, "All right, I'll redeem it."

Ruth 4 verses

Ruth 4 4 Meaning

Ruth 4:4 encapsulates the critical juncture in Boaz's plan to redeem the land belonging to Naomi and secure the future of Elimelech's family line. Boaz, acting with integrity, approaches the closer unnamed kinsman-redeemer at the city gate—the public legal forum. He clearly presents the opportunity to the kinsman to purchase (or redeem) the land, legally obliging him to make a decision before witnesses. Boaz articulates the order of legal right, stating that the unnamed kinsman has the first right and obligation to redeem, and if he declines, Boaz is the next in line prepared to fulfill the role. This declaration ensures due process and transparency in the intricate matter of land and lineage redemption according to Israelite law.

Ruth 4 4 Context

This verse takes place at the gate of Bethlehem, the central public space where legal and commercial matters were conducted by the city's elders and inhabitants. Following Naomi's instruction (Ruth 3:18) and his own honorable intentions, Boaz diligently positions himself to intercept the closer kinsman. In Ruth 4:1-3, Boaz has already gathered ten elders, establishing a legal tribunal. He first introduces the matter of Naomi selling the parcel of land that belonged to Elimelech, effectively offering it for redemption. Verse 4 is Boaz's direct communication to the kinsman, clearly stating the choice he must make regarding his legal obligation and right. This setup demonstrates Boaz’s careful adherence to Israelite law, ensuring transparency and legitimacy in the upcoming transaction concerning not only property but also the family line.

Ruth 4 4 Word analysis

• "And I thought to inform you" (אָמַרְתִּי אֶגְלֶה אָזְנְךָ – āmārtî ’eḡleh ’oznəḵā): Literally, "I said, I will uncover your ear." This is a Hebrew idiom meaning to reveal, make known, or inform someone explicitly and directly. It signifies Boaz's commitment to transparent and clear communication, leaving no room for misunderstanding about the legal obligation and opportunity being presented. Boaz acts honorably, not seeking to trick or circumvent the primary kinsman.
• "saying, 'Buy it...'" (קְנֵה – qəneh): This word primarily means "to acquire," "to purchase," or "to buy." While connected to the concept of redemption (ga'al), here it refers to the legal act of acquiring the land property that is now available from Naomi. The focus is initially on the real estate transaction.
• "before the inhabitants and before the elders of my people": This highlights the public and formal nature of the proceedings.
  • "inhabitants" (יֹשְׁבִים – yošəḇîm): Refers to the common dwellers or citizens, serving as general witnesses to ensure public knowledge and prevent future disputes.
  • "elders" (זְקֵנִים – zəqēnîm): These were the respected, experienced, and authoritative leaders who presided over judicial matters at the city gate. Their presence lent legal weight and legitimacy to the transaction, akin to a court. This ensured the validity and permanence of the legal act according to the traditions of the time.
• "If you will redeem it, redeem it" (גְאָלֶהּ – gə’āleh): This crucial term comes from the root ga'al, signifying "to redeem," "to ransom," or "to act as a kinsman-redeemer" (go'el). It implies a deeper familial obligation beyond a mere commercial purchase. The go'el was duty-bound to restore alienated property, ransom an enslaved relative, avenge blood, and in this context, ensure the family line's continuation. This phrase is a direct challenge to the kinsman to fulfill his legal and social responsibility.
• "but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know.": Boaz presses for a definite, unambiguous decision. This is not a casual offer but a demand for a legal declaration, essential for Boaz to proceed correctly as the next eligible redeemer. This underscores Boaz's respect for legal protocol and order.
• "For there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I am after you.": This clarifies the precise legal order of priority in the right of redemption.
  • "no one besides you" (אֵין זוּלָתְךָ – ʾên zûlātəḵā): Emphasizes the unnamed kinsman's primary and sole first right and duty.
  • "I am after you" (וְאָנֹכִי אַחֲרֶיךָ – wəʾānōḵî ’aḥărêḵā): Boaz explicitly states that he is the next in line to perform the redemption if the first kinsman declines. This legitimizes his eventual action, demonstrating his adherence to proper legal succession and preventing any challenge to his claim later.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And I thought to inform you, saying": This opening phrase emphasizes Boaz's honorable, transparent approach, showcasing his ethical conduct and full adherence to legal procedures. It sets the tone for a just and orderly transaction.
• "Buy it before the inhabitants and before the elders of my people": This establishes the imperative for the transaction to be public and legally witnessed. It reinforces the weight and authority behind the proposed exchange, making it a binding agreement and not a private negotiation.
• "If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know": This constitutes a clear legal ultimatum, demanding an unequivocal "yes" or "no" answer. It eliminates ambiguity, compelling the kinsman to make a formal decision concerning his ancestral responsibility for the land and, by implication, the family line.
• "For there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I am after you": This clarifies the established hierarchy of the kinsman-redeemer, confirming the first kinsman's unique priority and explicitly establishing Boaz's legal standing as the secondary option. It leaves no room for confusion about the chain of succession or the legitimacy of Boaz's subsequent actions.

Ruth 4 4 Bonus section

• Implicit Polemics: While not an explicit condemnation, Boaz's scrupulous adherence to legal and moral protocols at the city gate stands in stark contrast to the common societal decay described elsewhere in the Book of Judges (e.g., Jdg 17:6, 21:25), where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Ruth 4:4 provides a model of proper governance and ethical behavior rooted in covenant loyalty amidst a time of moral relativism.
• The Unnamed Kinsman: The fact that the closer kinsman is left unnamed throughout the narrative subtly emphasizes his detachment from the deep familial and redemptive obligation. His anonymity underscores his spiritual distance and lack of willingness to undertake the responsibility, setting a foil for the readily identified and characterized Boaz, whose name ("in him is strength") aligns with his virtuous actions.
• The Double Duty: Although Ruth 4:4 explicitly speaks of the land redemption, it is inextricably linked to the unspoken but implied duty of levirate marriage. According to Mosaic law, the redeemer of the land would also inherit the responsibility to raise up an heir for the deceased relative by marrying his widow. Boaz skillfully frames the initial offer as concerning the land, understanding that the full implications (including Ruth) would be clarified by the elders if the first kinsman accepted, or presented by him, Boaz, as per Ruth 4:5, when the decision regarding the land became final.

Ruth 4 4 Commentary

Ruth 4:4 is a testament to Boaz's impeccable character and strict adherence to God's law regarding kinship redemption. Set within the solemn atmosphere of the city gate and under the watchful eyes of the elders, this verse encapsulates Boaz's methodical and righteous approach. He presents the unnamed kinsman with the clear choice to exercise his legal obligation as go'el for Elimelech's land. By highlighting both the "buying" (commercial aspect) and "redeeming" (familial obligation), Boaz ensures the kinsman understands the full scope of what is being offered and required. This pivotal moment underscores the divine providence at play, as Boaz's integrity paves the way for the kinsman to decline, thereby enabling Boaz to fulfill a far greater purpose than simply land acquisition—the preservation of Elimelech's lineage, which eventually leads to the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This transaction serves as an example of ethical conduct and faithful living within the communal laws of Israel, demonstrating how righteousness within legal frameworks contributes to divine purposes.