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Ruth 4:4

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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].

And I thought {H559} to advertise {H1540}{H241} thee, saying {H559}, Buy {H7069} it before the inhabitants {H3427}, and before the elders {H2205} of my people {H5971}. If thou wilt redeem {H1350} it, redeem {H1350} it: but if thou wilt not redeem {H1350} it, then tell {H5046} me, that I may know {H3045}: for there is none to redeem {H1350} it beside {H2108} thee; and I am after {H310} thee. And he said {H559}, I will redeem {H1350} it.

I thought I should tell you about it and say, 'Buy it in the presence of the people sitting here and in the presence of the leaders of my people. If you want to redeem it, redeem it. But if it is not to be redeemed, then tell me, so that I can know, because there is no one else in line to redeem it, and I'm after you." He said, "I want to redeem it."

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.

and I thought to disclose it unto thee, saying, Buy it before them that sit here, 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 besides thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.

Commentary

Ruth 4:4 captures a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Ruth, where Boaz publicly addresses the unnamed closer kinsman, presenting the choice to fulfill the duty of a kinsman-redeemer. This verse highlights the ancient Israelite legal and social customs surrounding land redemption and the perpetuation of family lines, setting the stage for the book's resolution.

Context of Ruth 4:4

This verse takes place at the city gate of Bethlehem, a traditional location for legal and business transactions in ancient Israel. Boaz, having identified himself as a kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 2:20) and having promised to act on Naomi's and Ruth's behalf (Ruth 3:13), now brings the matter before ten elders of the city and other inhabitants. Naomi, having returned from Moab, had a parcel of land belonging to her deceased husband, Elimelech, that needed to be redeemed. According to Israelite law, if land had to be sold due to poverty, a close relative had the first right and duty to redeem it, bringing it back into the family possession. Boaz, being next in line after this unnamed man, is ensuring that the proper legal procedure is followed.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Kinsman-Redeemer (Goel): The central theme here is the role of the goel, a relative who had the responsibility to protect the family's interests, including redeeming property, avenging blood, and in certain cases, marrying a childless widow to raise up an heir. Boaz is meticulously following this custom, ensuring that the first in line has the opportunity.
  • Legal Integrity and Public Witness: The transaction is conducted "before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people," emphasizing the transparency and legal validity of the proceedings. The presence of the elders served as official witnesses, affirming the legitimacy of the agreement. This public declaration was crucial for establishing legal precedent and ensuring the community's acceptance.
  • Choice and Consequence: Boaz clearly lays out the choice for the nearer kinsman: "If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me." This highlights the importance of individual decision within the framework of communal law and responsibility. The kinsman's decision not only affects the land but also the potential marriage to Ruth, which is revealed in the subsequent verse (Ruth 4:5).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "redeem" used here is ga'al (גָּאַל), from which the noun goel (גֹּאֵל) derives. It signifies the act of reclaiming, buying back, or delivering. This term carries deep theological significance throughout the Bible, pointing ultimately to God as the ultimate Redeemer of His people, and later, to Christ's redemptive work. In this context, it refers specifically to the legal and social obligation to restore family property and lineage.

Related Scriptures

The concept of redemption and the kinsman-redeemer are vital throughout the Old Testament. The responsibility for land redemption is outlined in Leviticus 25:25. The custom of levirate marriage, though distinct from the goel's duty in Ruth, shares the purpose of raising up an heir for a deceased brother and is described in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. The ultimate fulfillment of this concept is seen in Jesus Christ, our spiritual Kinsman-Redeemer, who bought us back from sin and death, as highlighted in passages like Ephesians 1:7, where we have "redemption through his blood."

Practical Application

Ruth 4:4 reminds us of the importance of integrity, fulfilling one's obligations, and the public nature of certain commitments. Just as Boaz ensured a proper and transparent legal process, we are called to conduct our affairs with honesty and in accordance with established principles. Furthermore, the narrative underscores God's providential hand working through human choices and societal structures to bring about His purposes, ultimately leading to the lineage of King David and, eventually, Jesus Christ. It teaches us to trust that even in seemingly complex situations, God is orchestrating events for the good of those who trust in Him and for the fulfillment of His divine plan.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 32:7 (3 votes)

    Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that [is] in Anathoth: for the right of redemption [is] thine to buy [it].

  • Jeremiah 32:12 (3 votes)

    And I gave the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, in the sight of Hanameel mine uncle's [son], and in the presence of the witnesses that subscribed the book of the purchase, before all the Jews that sat in the court of the prison.

  • Leviticus 25:25 (3 votes)

    If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away [some] of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.

  • Leviticus 25:29 (3 votes)

    And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; [within] a full year may he redeem it.

  • Genesis 23:18 (2 votes)

    Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.

  • Philippians 4:8 (2 votes)

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

  • Jeremiah 32:25 (2 votes)

    And thou hast said unto me, O Lord GOD, Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.