Keraia
Ruth 4

Ruth 4:4

Boaz Redeems Ruth · Ruth 4:1–12
Read Ruth 4

Translations

Modern
I thought I should inform you that you may buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know, because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I will redeem it,” he replied.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…and I said, ‘I will uncover your ear,' saying, ‘Buy it before those sitting here and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not redeem it, tell me, that I may know; for there is none besides you to redeem it, and I am after you." And he said, “I will redeem it.”
Latin
…quod audire te volui, et tibi dicere coram cunctis sedentibus, et majoribus natu de populo meo. Si vis possidere jure propinquitatis, eme, et posside: sin autem displicet tibi, hoc ipsum indica mihi, ut sciam quid facere debeam: nullus enim est propinquus, excepto te, qui prior es, et me, qui secundus sum. At ille respondit: Ego agrum emam.

Original

Hebrew
English
I thought I should inform you that you may buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know, because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I will redeem it,” he replied.

Notes

Ruth 4:4

  • redeem it: The law required a close relative, known as the family redeemer, to buy land when a landowner needed to sell it (see Leviticus 25:23–34). This practice kept land within the family. The redeemer acted as a caretaker for the land until the struggling landowner could recover financially and buy it back.

  • I will redeem it: The relative saw a great opportunity—there was no male heir and no sign there would be one. He could add the land to his own estate while fulfilling his family duty.

Glossary

Elder Family Life and Relations Gate Kinsman Marriage, Marriage Customs Naomi Ransom Redeemer, Redemption Ruth, Book of

Topics

Court: Civil: Composition of, and Mode of Procedure Dowry: General Scriptures Concerning Government: Municipal: Devolving Upon a Local Senate and Executive officers Heir: General Scriptures Concerning Land: Conveyance of, by Written Deeds and Other Forms Land: Widow's Dower In Marriage: Ceremony Attested by Witnesses Redemption of Persons or Property Widows: Laws Respecting: when Left Childless, to be Married by Their Husband's Witness: To the Transfer of Land Women: Property Rights of To Sell Real Estate