Ruth 4:8
Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.
Original Language Analysis
הַגֹּאֵ֛ל
Therefore the kinsman
H1350
הַגֹּאֵ֛ל
Therefore the kinsman
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
2 of 7
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
לְבֹ֖עַז
unto Boaz
H1162
לְבֹ֖עַז
unto Boaz
Strong's:
H1162
Word #:
3 of 7
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
קְנֵה
Buy
H7069
קְנֵה
Buy
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
4 of 7
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
Historical Context
The sandal exchange before ten elders created legally binding transaction that couldn't be disputed. The kinsman's willingness to transfer rights suggests he recognized financial burden exceeded potential benefit. His loss becomes Boaz's (and Ruth's, Naomi's, and ultimately all humanity's) gain. Ancient witnesses would have understood both legal implications (property rights transferred) and social implications (marriage rights transferred), making this comprehensive transfer of all redemption responsibilities and privileges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this transaction illustrate that our refusals or withdrawals can become God's providence for others?
- What does the legal formality teach about God working through proper structures rather than chaotic randomness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Transaction sealed: 'Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe'. The kinsman transfers redemption rights through sandal removal, formally relinquishing claim. Boaz now legally holds exclusive redemption right. This simple act changes Ruth's fate, Naomi's future, and ultimately enables Davidic and messianic lineage. God's sovereignty works through ordinary human transactions and legal processes to accomplish extraordinary redemptive purposes. What appeared merely as property transaction becomes pivot point in redemptive history.