Ruth 3:12
Ruth 3:12 in Multiple Translations
Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I.
And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
And now it is true that I am a near kinsman; howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Now it is true that I am a near relation: but there is a relation nearer than I.
However, even though I'm one of your family redeemers, there's one who is more closely related than I am.
And now, it is true that I am thy kinsman, howbeit there is a kinsman neerer then I.
And now, surely, true, that I [am] a redeemer, but also there is a redeemer nearer than I.
Now it is true that I am a near kinsman. However, there is a kinsman nearer than I.
And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: yet there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Neither do I deny myself to be near of kin, but there is another nearer than I.
But there is one problem. Although it is true that I am a close relative of your mother-in-law’s dead husband, there is another man who is a closer relative than I am, and therefore he should be the one to marry you and take care of you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 3:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ruth 3:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּה֙
כִּ֣י
אָמְנָ֔ם
כִּ֥י
אם
גֹאֵ֖ל
אָנֹ֑כִי
וְ/גַ֛ם
יֵ֥שׁ
גֹּאֵ֖ל
קָר֥וֹב
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָמְנָ֔ם
ʼomnâm
H551
truly
Adv
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
גֹאֵ֖ל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal
אָנֹ֑כִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
וְ/גַ֛ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
יֵ֥שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
גֹּאֵ֖ל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal
קָר֥וֹב
qârôwb
H7138
near
Adj
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 3:12
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָמְנָ֔ם
ʼomnâm
H551
"truly"
Adv
This Hebrew word means truly or surely, used to emphasize the truth of something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Genesis and Deuteronomy. It confirms the authenticity of a statement.
Definition: verily, truly, surely
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: indeed, no doubt, surely, (it is, of a) true(-ly, -th). See also: Ruth 3:12; Job 19:4; Isaiah 37:18.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
גֹאֵ֖ל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
אָנֹ֑כִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
וְ/גַ֛ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
יֵ֥שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
גֹּאֵ֖ל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
קָר֥וֹב
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Ruth 3:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 3:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 3:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 3:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 3:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 3:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 3:12
- Barnes' Notes on Ruth 3:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 3:12
- Sermons on Ruth 3:12
Context — Ruth’s Redemption Assured
10Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.
11And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.
12Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I.
13Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, good. Let him redeem you. But if he does not want to redeem you, as surely as the LORD lives, I will. Now lie here until morning.” 14So she lay down at his feet until morning, but she got up before anyone else could recognize her. Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 4:1 | Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 4:6 | and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you. |
| 3 | Matthew 7:12 | In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. |
Ruth 3:12 Summary
[This verse means that Boaz is saying he is a relative who can help Ruth, but there is another relative who is even closer and should be asked first. This is like when someone in our family needs help, and we want to make sure the person who is closest to them is taking care of them. Boaz is being humble and kind by saying this, and it shows he cares about following God's rules, like in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. He is also showing that he values family and wants to do what is right, just like we should try to do in our own lives, as seen in Proverbs 22:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a kinsman-redeemer in the Bible?
In the Bible, a kinsman-redeemer is a close relative who has the responsibility to rescue or redeem a family member from a difficult situation, as seen in Leviticus 25:25 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10. In this verse, Boaz is acknowledging his role as a potential kinsman-redeemer for Ruth.
Why did Boaz say there was a redeemer nearer than him?
Boaz said this because, according to the customs of the time, a closer relative had the first right to redeem Ruth and marry her, as outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. This other relative is not named in the verse, but Boaz is deferring to him out of respect for tradition and family ties.
Is this verse related to the concept of Jesus as our redeemer?
While the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in the Old Testament is not directly related to Jesus, it does foreshadow the idea of a redeemer who rescues us from sin and its consequences, as seen in Galatians 4:4-5 and Titus 2:14. Jesus is our ultimate redeemer, who paid the price to set us free from sin and its penalty.
What can we learn from Boaz's humility in this verse?
Boaz's humility and willingness to defer to a closer relative demonstrate his character and integrity, as seen in Proverbs 22:1. We can learn from his example to prioritize humility and put the needs of others before our own desires, as taught in Philippians 2:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- How does Boaz's statement reflect his commitment to following God's laws and customs?
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of family ties and responsibilities in biblical times?
- How can we apply the principle of prioritizing humility and deferring to others, as seen in Boaz's example, to our own relationships and decisions?
- What does this verse teach us about the concept of redemption and how it relates to our spiritual lives?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 3:12
And now it is true, that I am thy near kinsman,.... Her husband and he being brothers' sons, so own cousins: howbeit, there is a kinsman nearer than I, who was, the Jews say (w), the brother of her
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 3:12
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 3:12
Rth 3:12 And now it is true that I [am thy] near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.Ver. 12. And now it is true.] He easily yieldeth to the truth of her allegation, as being φιλαληθης, a lover of truth - a title given to Arrian the historian - and a promoter of it, as it is said of Vespasian. Howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.] Whose first right unto thee I freely acknowledge, and to whom thou shouldst first have addressed thyself. This was justice, - to give to every one his own.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 3:12
Verse 12. There is a kinsman nearer than I.] It is very likely that Naomi was not acquainted with this circumstance. Some have supposed that there was a brother of Elimelech remaining, who was nearer than Boaz, who is supposed to have been only a nephew; the former, therefore, must have a prior right.
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 3:12
12. there is a kinsman nearer than I] with a better right to do the kinsman’s part. Boaz displays a nice sense of honour, and a desire to adhere strictly to the rules of social usage.
Barnes' Notes on Ruth 3:12
By “kinsman,” understand the גאל gā'al (Rth 2:20 note).
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 3:12
12. There is a kinsman nearer than I — From this it appears that Naomi had laboured under some mistake.
Sermons on Ruth 3:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
May the Lord Give You a Full Reward by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of receiving and showing kindness. He references the story of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting Ruth's choice to be kind even when |
|
Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c |
|
The Kinsman Redeemer by G.W. North | G.W. North explores the concept of the Kinsman Redeemer, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of redemption as presented in both the Old and New Testaments. He highlights that redem |
|
Destination Purity by Jim Van Gelderen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the challenges of living in a world filled with temptation and inappropriate content. He emphasizes the importance of guiding young people in |
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Importance of Purity in Our Life by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful message on the importance of purity in the sexual area as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. He emphasizes the need to possess our bodies in sanctifi |
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Day 61, 1 Thessalonians 4 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on Paul's teachings to the Thessalonians, emphasizing the importance of obeying all of Jesus' commandments and living a life of holiness and sanctification. |
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Of Heaven and Hell by Jacob Boehme | Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'defraud' (pleonekteo), emphasizing the act of selfishly taking advantage of others for personal gain, especially in the context of se |