Ruth 4:6
Ruth 4:6 in Multiple Translations
The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.”
¶ And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
And the near kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: take thou my right of redemption on thee; for I cannot redeem it.
And the near relation said, I am not able to do the relation's part, for fear of damaging the heritage I have: you may do it in my place, for I am not able to do it myself.
“Well, I can't do it then,” the family redeemer replied. “If I were to redeem it, that could jeopardize what I already own. You redeem it for yourself, because I can't.”
And the kinsman answered, I can not redeeme it, lest I destroy mine owne inheritance: redeeme my right to thee, for I can not redeeme it.
And the redeemer saith, 'I am not able to redeem [it] for myself, lest I destroy mine inheritance; redeem for thyself — thou — my right of redemption, for I am not able to redeem.'
The near kinsman said, “I can’t redeem it for myself, lest I endanger my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption for yourself; for I can’t redeem it.”
And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it .
He answered: I yield up my right of next akin: for I must not cut off the posterity of my own family. Do thou make use of my privilege, which I profess I do willingly forego.
Then the close relative of Ruth’s dead husband said, “If that is so, I do not want to buy the field, because then my own children would not inherit the property; Ruth’s children would inherit it. You buy the property!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 4:6
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 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
הַ/גֹּאֵ֗ל
לֹ֤א
אוּכַל֙
ל/גאול
לִ/גְאָל
לִ֔/י
פֶּן
אַשְׁחִ֖ית
אֶת
נַחֲלָתִ֑/י
גְּאַל
לְ/ךָ֤
אַתָּה֙
אֶת
גְּאֻלָּתִ֔/י
כִּ֥י
לֹא
אוּכַ֖ל
לִ/גְאֹֽל
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/גֹּאֵ֗ל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
Art | V-Qal
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אוּכַל֙
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
ל/גאול
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לִ/גְאָל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
אַשְׁחִ֖ית
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַחֲלָתִ֑/י
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs | Suff
גְּאַל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֤
Prep | Suff
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
גְּאֻלָּתִ֔/י
gᵉʼullâh
H1353
redemption
N-fs | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לִ/גְאֹֽל
gâʼal
H1350
to redeem
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 4:6
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/גֹּאֵ֗ל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
Art | 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.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אוּכַל֙
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
ל/גאול
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
לִ/גְאָל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
אַשְׁחִ֖ית
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נַחֲלָתִ֑/י
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs | Suff
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
גְּאַל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
לְ/ךָ֤
""
Prep | Suff
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גְּאֻלָּתִ֔/י
gᵉʼullâh
H1353
"redemption"
N-fs | Suff
In the book of Ruth, this word refers to the right of a family member to redeem or buy back a relative's property, as seen in Ruth 3:9. It's about redeeming or saving something, and it's also related to family relationships.
Definition: 1) kindred, redemption, right of redemption, price of redemption 1a) kin, kindred 1b) redemption 1c) right of redemption 1d) price of redemption, redemption price
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: kindred, redeem, redemption, right. See also: Leviticus 25:24; Leviticus 25:51; Jeremiah 32:7.
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.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לִ/גְאֹֽל
gâʼal
H1350
"to redeem"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
Study Notes — Ruth 4:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 4:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 4:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 4:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 4:6
- Barnes' Notes on Ruth 4:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
- Sermons on Ruth 4:6
Context — Boaz Redeems Ruth
4I 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.
5Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.”
6The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.”
7Now 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. 8So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 25:25 | If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold. |
| 2 | Ruth 3:13 | Stay 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.” |
Ruth 4:6 Summary
The kinsman-redeemer in this verse is saying that he cannot redeem the land because it would hurt his own family's inheritance. This means that he is putting his own interests ahead of his responsibility to help his family, which is not what God wants us to do, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 and Galatians 6:2. Instead, we should be willing to help others, even if it's hard or costs us something, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40 and Luke 10:25-37. By trusting in God's provision and care, we can prioritize the needs of others and demonstrate selfless love, just like Boaz did in the book of Ruth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the kinsman-redeemer refuse to redeem the land?
The kinsman-redeemer refused to redeem the land because he was concerned that it would jeopardize his own inheritance, as stated in Ruth 4:6, similar to the concerns of the Israelites in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 when it came to levirate marriage.
What would have happened if the kinsman-redeemer had redeemed the land?
If the kinsman-redeemer had redeemed the land, he would have been required to marry Ruth, as stated in Ruth 4:5, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:5-6.
Why did the kinsman-redeemer give up his right of redemption?
The kinsman-redeemer gave up his right of redemption because he prioritized his own inheritance over his responsibility to redeem the land, as seen in Ruth 4:6, which is in contrast to the selfless actions of Boaz in Ruth 2:1 and Ruth 3:1-18.
What does this verse reveal about the character of the kinsman-redeemer?
This verse reveals that the kinsman-redeemer was more concerned with his own interests than with fulfilling his family obligations, as seen in Ruth 4:6, which is in contrast to the character of Boaz, who was a righteous and generous man, as seen in Ruth 2:20 and Ruth 3:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I prioritize my own interests over my responsibilities to others, and how can I change this?
- How can I, like Boaz, demonstrate selfless love and kindness to those in need, as seen in Ruth 2:1 and Ruth 3:1-18?
- What are some ways that I can put the needs of others before my own, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4, and how can I apply this to my relationships with others?
- How can I trust God to provide for me, even when I am faced with difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 4:6
And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself,.... On such a condition, because he had a wife, as the Targum suggests; and to take another would, as that intimates, tend to introduce contention
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 4:6
And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. I cannot redeem it ... lest I mar mine own inheritance.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
Lest I mar mine own inheritance; either, first, Because having no children of his own, he might have one, and but one, son by Ruth, who, though he should carry away his inheritance, yet should not bear his name, but the name of Ruth’ s husband; and so by preserving another man’ s name, he should lose his own. Or, secondly, Because as his inheritance would be but very little increased by this marriage, so it might be much diminished by being divided amongst his many children, which he possibly had already, and might probably have more by Ruth. Redeem thou my right, which I freely renounce and resign to thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
Rth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem [it] for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem [it].Ver. 6. I cannot redeem it.] And again, I cannot redeem it. Note here: (1.) His verbosity; see the like, Ecclesiastes 10:14; (2.) His levity and inconstancy, aliud stuns, aliud sedens, erewhile he could, but now he cannot. And why so? Lest I mar mine own inheritance.] Oh! take heed of that by any means: this is the worldling’ s greatest care; he preferreth haram domesticam arae domicae, a swine sty before a sanctuary: and feareth more iacturam regionis quam religionis, the loss of his part in Paris, than of his part in paradise, with that carnal cardinal. But what meant this man by marring his inheritance, in marrying the widow? First, she was poor; and then the old woman must be kept too, which would be a double charge. More than this: she might fill him with children, and so weaken his inheritance, while it was divided among so many. Or if he had but one child only by her, he should lack an heir to bear his own name: for the child must bear the name of his kinsman deceased: he should but beget children on another man’ s bed, &c. Quae vero illa fuit vel impudentia vel audacia? saith Lavater here.
What strange impudency was it thus to reason, and thus to resolve! Would this man be wiser than God? Is it not he who preserveth families, and blesseth those that obey his commandments, &c. But this fellow hath many fellows in these our days, &c. Una eademque de re contraria loquitur. - Lav.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
(6) Lest I mar . . .—The redemption of the land would involve the spending of money, drawn away from the Goel’s own estate; but the land thus acquired would not belong to the Goel himself, but to the son he should have by Ruth, who would yet be, in the eyes of the law, the son of Mahlon. It would, therefore, be like mortgaging one’s own estate, and that for the benefit of another. Josephus and the Targum explain it by saying that he already had a wife, and feared the discord that might arise.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
Verse 6. I cannot redeem it for myself] The Targum gives the proper sense of this passage: "And the kinsman said, On this ground I cannot redeem it, because I have a wife already; and I have no desire to take another, lest there should be contention in my house, and I should become a corrupter of my inheritance. Do thou redeem it, for thou hast no wife; for I cannot redeem it." This needs no comment. But still the gloss of the Targum has no foundation in the law of Moses. See the law, Deuteronomy 25:5-9.
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 4:6
6. lest I mar mine own inheritance] When the Go’el learns that if he redeems the estate he is expected to marry the widow, he takes back his promise (Rth 4:4). He declares that he cannot afford to be so generous. If he were to have a son by Ruth, the child would take the name and estate of the dead, and the Go’el would have only a temporary usufruct in the property, and in the end lose it altogether (Robertson Smith l.c.). take thou my right of redemption on thee] Since the Go’el declines, the right to redeem falls on Boaz as the next nearest kinsman.
Barnes' Notes on Ruth 4:6
I mar mine own inheritance - The meaning of these words is doubtful. Some explain them by saying that the גאל gā'al had a wife and children already, and would not introduce strife into his family.
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 4:6
6. I cannot — This kinsman already had, according to the Targum and the general supposition of interpreters, a wife and children.
Sermons on Ruth 4:6
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(The Book of Ruth) 4. Boaz and the Nearer Kinsman by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus' blood to redeem and transform our lives. He emphasizes that Jesus can make something beautiful out of our brokenness and |
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Ruth - Part 6 by John McGregor | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a godly heritage and how it can still happen today. Despite the challenges and distractions of the world, the preac |
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The Kinsman Redeemer by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher paints a vivid picture of a person in Israel who has lost their inheritance and is in chains, serving a cruel taskmaster. However, a relative or elder |
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The Blood of Christ - What It Does by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the significance of the blood of Jesus Christ in redeeming and justifying believers, highlighting how the blood cleanses from all sin, brings near to God, an |
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Ruth 3:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the concept of 'Goel,' or kinsman redeemer, emphasizing the biblical laws of redemption that allow a family member to reclaim lost land or responsibilities. He |
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Ruth From "The Numerical Bible" by F.W. Grant | F. W. Grant preaches on the Book of Ruth, highlighting the historical context during the times of the judges and its connection to David and the kingdom. The story shows how God's |