Ruth 4:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ruth 4:6
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.
Chapter Context
Ruth 4 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, sacrifice, obedience. Written during the period of the Judges (c. 1100 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: During the tribal confederacy period, local customs and family laws were paramount for survival.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ruth and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ruth 4:6
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.
Analysis
Refusal: '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'. The kinsman refuses when he understands full obligation. His concern about marring 'mine own inheritance' means producing heir for Mahlon would complicate his estate—children from Ruth would compete with children from his existing wife for inheritance, creating family strife and diluting his children's portions. His calculation was purely financial and self-protective, lacking covenant loyalty. He transfers rights to Boaz, unwittingly facilitating God's redemptive plan. His namelessness in Scripture contrasts with Boaz's honored remembrance—selfishness earns forgetting, covenant loyalty earns memorial.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite inheritance practices divided father's estate among sons. Taking another wife (Ruth) and producing sons who would inherit Elimelech's portion without adding permanent estate threatened existing children's inheritance shares. The kinsman's refusal showed he valued personal wealth protection over covenant responsibility to preserve brother's name and care for his widow. His choice was legally permissible (Deuteronomy 25:7-10 provided opt-out mechanism) but morally questionable—avoiding sacrifice when covenant loyalty required it. God's providence worked through this refusal, positioning Boaz for redemption and Ruth for messianic lineage.
Reflection
- What does the unnamed kinsman's refusal teach about how self-protection can blind us to kingdom opportunities?
- How does this illustrate that God's purposes often advance through others' unfaithfulness or refusals?
Word Studies
- Redeem: גָּאַל (Gaal) H1350 - To redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer