Ruth 4:8

KJV

Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy [it] for thee. So he drew off his shoe.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the kinsman {H1350} said {H559} unto Boaz {H1162}, Buy {H7069} it for thee. So he drew off {H8025} his shoe {H5275}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the redeemer said to Bo'az, "Buy it for yourself," and took off his shoe.

Berean Standard Bible

So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”

American Standard Version

So the near kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thyself. And he drew off his shoe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:8 marks the formal and public transfer of redemption rights concerning Naomi's land and Ruth's future from the unnamed closer kinsman to Boaz. This pivotal moment, sealed by the symbolic act of the kinsman drawing off his shoe, signifies his legal relinquishment of all claims and obligations, thereby clearing the way for Boaz to fully assume the role of kinsman-redeemer and integrate Ruth into the lineage of Israel, ultimately leading to the birth of Obed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of the dramatic scene unfolding at the city gate in [Ruth 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - The Marriage of Boaz and Ruth"). Having secured the agreement of the closer kinsman to meet him publicly, Boaz presents the legal dilemma: the right to redeem Naomi’s ancestral land (which she, as a widow, was entitled to sell) was intrinsically linked to the obligation of marrying Ruth, the widow of her deceased son, to raise up an heir for Elimelech’s line. The kinsman initially expresses willingness to redeem the land, but upon realizing the full extent of the obligation – specifically, that marrying Ruth would "mar his own inheritance" by potentially diverting family assets or diluting his existing heirs' claims – he publicly declines. Ruth 4:8 captures the precise moment of his formal refusal, making Boaz's subsequent action legally permissible and publicly witnessed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society placed immense importance on land inheritance and the preservation of family lines. The city gate served as the primary legal and commercial hub, where elders and prominent men gathered to witness and validate transactions, ensuring transparency and accountability. The custom of "drawing off one's shoe" was a deeply symbolic and legally binding act, primarily rooted in the levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:7-10). While the situation in Ruth 4 is not a strict levirate marriage (Boaz is not Elimelech's brother, but a kinsman), the underlying principle of preserving a deceased man's name and inheritance through his widow was similar. The shoe act publicly declared the renunciation of a right or obligation, making the transaction irreversible and legally sound before witnesses. It was a tangible sign of a transfer of rights, signifying that the one who removed his shoe had "slipped away" from his duty or claim.
* **Key Themes:** [Ruth 4:8](/ruth/4-8 "Ruth 4:8 - The Kinsman's Refusal") is central to the themes of **Redemption and Restoration**, showcasing how Boaz's willingness to act as a kinsman-redeemer ultimately restores Naomi's family line and property, aligning with God's covenant faithfulness to His people. It vividly illustrates **Ancient Legal Customs** and the rigorous, public nature of legal transactions in Israel, emphasizing the importance of integrity and witness in agreements that shaped family and societal structures. Furthermore, it subtly highlights **Divine Providence**, as God orchestrates human decisions and legal frameworks to achieve His overarching purposes, particularly in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, as detailed in [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David"). The kinsman's refusal, though seemingly a human choice, is ultimately part of God's sovereign plan to elevate Boaz and Ruth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kinsman (Hebrew, _go'el_):** This term refers to a relative who has the right and responsibility to act on behalf of another family member, especially in matters of redemption (of land, person, or life). The _go'el_ was a protector, avenger, and redeemer. In this context, the unnamed kinsman is the closest _go'el_ to Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech, and thus has the first right of redemption. His refusal to act as the _go'el_ for both the land and Ruth is the catalyst for Boaz, the next in line, to fulfill this crucial role.
* **Drew off his shoe (Hebrew, _shalaf na'alo_):** This specific phrase describes a highly symbolic and legally binding act. As detailed in [Deuteronomy 25:7-10](/deuteronomy/25-7 "Deuteronomy 25:7-10 - Levirate Marriage and the Shoe Custom"), the removal of a shoe signified the public renunciation of a right or obligation, particularly in the context of levirate marriage where a brother refused to marry his deceased brother's widow. In Ruth 4:8, it functions as a public declaration of the kinsman's forfeiture of his right to redeem the land and marry Ruth, transferring that right to Boaz. The shoe, being a personal item, symbolized one's right to "tread" or claim property; its removal signified giving up that claim.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy [it] for thee."**: This clause captures the direct and public declaration of the closer kinsman. "Therefore" links back to his earlier refusal to redeem the land *with* Ruth, fearing it would "mar his own inheritance." His instruction to Boaz, "Buy [it] for thee," is a formal invitation and authorization for Boaz to assume the redemption rights. This is not merely a suggestion but a legal pronouncement, publicly ceding his prior claim. The phrase "buy [it]" here carries the weight of "redeem" or "acquire," signifying the full legal transfer of the property and, by extension, the associated obligation to Ruth.
* **"So he drew off his shoe."**: This action immediately follows the kinsman's verbal declaration and serves as the physical, undeniable seal of the transaction. It is a non-verbal, performative act that confirms and validates his verbal renunciation of rights. In the presence of the elders and the people at the city gate, this public gesture made the transfer of rights legally binding and irreversible. It communicated to all present that the kinsman had fully relinquished his claim, allowing Boaz to proceed without any legal challenge.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Ruth 4:8](/ruth/4-8 "Ruth 4:8 - The Kinsman's Refusal and the Shoe Custom") employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the act of "drawing off his shoe" serving as a potent visual symbol of renunciation and transfer of rights. The shoe, an item of personal possession and a marker of one's claim to land (as one "walks" or "treads" upon it), becomes a tangible representation of the kinsman's relinquished authority and obligation. This symbolic act is further amplified by the **Public Witness** provided by the elders and the people at the city gate, transforming a private decision into a public, legally binding event. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the kinsman, in his attempt to protect his "inheritance" by refusing Ruth, unwittingly facilitates the very lineage that will produce King David and ultimately the Messiah, a far greater inheritance than he could have imagined. This highlights the overarching **Divine Providence** at play, subtly guiding human actions toward a preordained divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:8 encapsulates profound theological truths concerning God's meticulous providence and the nature of redemption. The kinsman's refusal and the subsequent transfer of rights to Boaz are not merely legal formalities but a testament to God's sovereign hand guiding seemingly mundane human transactions to fulfill His grand redemptive plan. This moment underscores the theme of a willing redeemer, one who is able and available to pay the necessary price and assume the required obligations to restore what was lost. It highlights that God often works through human laws and customs, even through the choices of individuals who are unaware of the larger divine narrative, to bring about His purposes of restoration and blessing for His people.

* [Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - The Law of Redemption for Land")
* [Deuteronomy 25:7-10](/deuteronomy/25-7 "Deuteronomy 25:7-10 - Levirate Marriage and the Shoe Custom")
* [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4-5 - God Sent His Son to Redeem Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 4:8, though detailing an ancient legal custom, offers enduring principles for our lives today. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not limited to grand miracles but is often at work in the intricate details of life, even in legal agreements and everyday decisions. The public nature of the transaction at the city gate emphasizes the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in our commitments, both personal and professional. Just as the kinsman's refusal opened the door for Boaz, our own limitations or unwillingness can sometimes be the very means through which God orchestrates a greater good, bringing forth a more willing and capable redeemer. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem complex or when human choices appear to dictate outcomes, knowing that He is always working for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the kinsman's refusal in Ruth 4:8 highlight the concept of divine providence in your own life?**
* **What does the public nature of this transaction teach us about integrity and accountability in our commitments today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be called to "release" a right or expectation, trusting that God has a greater plan?**

### FAQ
**Why did the kinsman refuse to redeem Ruth and the land?**

Answer: The kinsman initially expressed willingness to redeem Naomi's land, as it was a valuable asset. However, when Boaz clarified that redeeming the land came with the obligation to marry Ruth, the widow, and raise up an heir for her deceased husband Elimelech, the kinsman balked. He feared that marrying Ruth and raising an heir for Elimelech would "mar his own inheritance" ([Ruth 4:6](/ruth/4-6 "Ruth 4:6 - The Kinsman's Refusal")). This likely meant that any child born to Ruth would inherit Elimelech's property, not the kinsman's, potentially diminishing his own family's wealth or complicating his existing heirs' claims. He prioritized his own financial and familial interests over the broader obligation to preserve Elimelech's name and lineage.

**What was the significance of "drawing off his shoe"?**

Answer: "Drawing off his shoe" was a deeply symbolic and legally binding custom in ancient Israel, particularly associated with the levirate marriage law outlined in [Deuteronomy 25:7-10](/deuteronomy/25-7 "Deuteronomy 25:7-10 - Levirate Marriage and the Shoe Custom"). In that context, if a man refused to marry his deceased brother's widow, she would publicly remove his shoe, signifying his refusal to fulfill his duty. In Ruth 4:8, while not a strict levirate marriage, the custom was adapted to signify the public renunciation of a right or obligation. By removing his shoe, the unnamed kinsman formally and publicly declared that he was relinquishing his right to redeem the land and marry Ruth, transferring that right and its associated obligations to Boaz. It was a tangible, irreversible sign witnessed by the elders and the people, making the transaction legally valid.

**How does this specific legal custom relate to the broader narrative of Ruth?**

Answer: This specific legal custom is crucial because it provides the legal framework through which Boaz is able to become Ruth's kinsman-redeemer. Without the kinsman's public refusal and the symbolic act of the shoe, Boaz would not have had the legal right to step in. The custom ensures that the transfer of rights is transparent and binding, validating Boaz's subsequent marriage to Ruth and the birth of their son, Obed. This legal precision underscores the providential nature of the entire story, demonstrating how God works within the established laws and customs of His people to bring about His redemptive purposes, ultimately securing the lineage of King David and the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The legal transaction in [Ruth 4:8](/ruth/4-8 "Ruth 4:8 - The Kinsman's Refusal") profoundly foreshadows the ultimate redemption offered through Jesus Christ. Just as the closer kinsman was unable or unwilling to pay the full price and assume the full obligation to redeem Naomi and Ruth, so too humanity was utterly incapable of redeeming itself from the bondage of sin and death. We were in need of a Kinsman-Redeemer who was both able and willing. Boaz, as the willing and able redeemer, steps in to secure the inheritance and raise up a name for the deceased, at great personal cost. This mirrors Christ, our divine Kinsman-Redeemer, who, being fully God and fully man, became our relative by taking on human flesh ([Hebrews 2:14-17](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-17 - Jesus Shares in Humanity")). He willingly paid the ultimate price, His own life, to redeem us from the curse of the law and the power of sin ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law"); [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Through His sacrifice, Christ not only secures our eternal inheritance but also raises us up to a new life, giving us a new name and a secure future within God's family ([Romans 8:15-17](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15-17 - Adopted as Sons and Heirs")). The kinsman's refusal in Ruth 4:8 thus highlights the necessity of a perfect, selfless redeemer, perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who alone could and would accomplish our salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.