Bible Strands
Ruth 4:3
And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Boaz addresses the kinsman-redeemer at the city gate after gathering ten elders to witness the proceeding. He announces that Naomi has returned from Moab and is actively divesting herself of the field that belonged to Elimelech.
The words — The noun גֹּאֵל (go'el) identifies the kinsman-redeemer, the familial protector responsible for preserving the lineage and estate. The verb מָכְרָה (ma'khe.rah) explicitly states that Naomi is executing a sale of the portion of the field.
The thread — The transaction mirrors the legal framework described in Psalms 112:5 regarding affairs guided by justice and Proverbs 13:10 regarding the wisdom of well-advised counsel. These references anchor the gate proceeding in the broader biblical pattern of communal oversight and righteous conduct.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to acknowledge that ancient property transfers were public, legally binding acts rather than private arrangements. It demands recognition that redemption rights operate within a fixed familial hierarchy where priority determines obligation.
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 he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s:
Cross-references
- Psalms 112:5 It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.
- Proverbs 13:10 Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.