Keraia
Ruth 4

Ruth 4:7

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

Translations

Modern
Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel.
Traditional
Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.
Literal
And this was formerly in Israel concerning the redemption and concerning the exchange: To confirm every matter, a man would remove his sandal and give it to his companion, and this was the testimony in Israel.
Latin
Hic autem erat mos antiquitus in Israël inter propinquos, ut siquando alter alteri suo juri cedebat, ut esset firma concessio, solvebat homo calceamentum suum, et dabat proximo suo: hoc erat testimonium cessionis in Israël.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel.

Notes

Ruth 4:7

in former times: The Book of Ruth was not written right after the events happened. By the time it was written, most people had forgotten the custom of removing a sandal and its meaning. The transfer of a sandal symbolized transferring the right to buy and redeem land. See also Deuteronomy 25:9 for a similar, but not identical, custom related to levirate marriage. In both cases, the sandal signified the right of redemption.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Elder Gate Marriage, Marriage Customs Naomi Ransom Ruth (Person) Ruth, Book of Witness

Topics

Contracts by Taking off the Shoe Covenant of Men with Men: Loosing the Shoe Dowry: General Scriptures Concerning Government: Municipal: Devolving Upon a Local Senate and Executive officers Heir: General Scriptures Concerning Inheritance: Provisions for Inheritance Under Levirate Marriages Land: Conveyance of, by Written Deeds and Other Forms Land: Widow's Dower In Marriage: Ceremony Attested by Witnesses Redemption of Persons or Property Shoe: Loosened As a Sign of Refusal to Observe the Levirate Marriage Shoes: Customs Connected With: The Right of Redemption Resigned by a Man's Giving One of Witness: To the Transfer of Land Women: Property Rights of To Sell Real Estate