Bible Strands
Ruth 3:12
Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Boaz speaks to Ruth at the threshing floor after she has made her request, acknowledging his own status while deferring to a closer relative who holds a prior legal claim.
The words — The Hebrew גֹאֵל (go'el) identifies a kinsman-redeemer obligated by family law, and יֵשׁ (yesh) literally states "there is," confirming the existence of another with precedence.
The thread — This procedural detail carries directly into Ruth 4:1, where Boaz moves to the city gate to present the matter to the nearer redeemer.
Why it lands — The text establishes that redemption follows a fixed legal order, requiring a reader to respect established claims and wait for proper resolution rather than forcing a personal solution.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Cross-references
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.