Ruth 4:6 - 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.”
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What does "Ruth 4:6" mean?
This verse from Ruth 4:6 is part of a legal and social custom related to property and family redemption in ancient Israel. To understand it, we need to break down the key terms and context:
Near Kinsman (Go'el): This man was a close relative of Naomi's deceased husband (Elimelech). As a "go'el," he had the right and even the responsibility to redeem Elimelech's land that Naomi was being forced to sell due to hardship.
Redeem: In this context, "redeem" means to buy back the land that Naomi was selling to prevent it from permanently leaving the family. This was a way to preserve the family's name and inheritance.
My Own Inheritance: The near kinsman already had his own inherited property.
Endanger My Own Inheritance: This is the crucial part. When the near kinsman redeems the land, he also had to marry Ruth, the Moabite widow of Elimelech's son (Mahlon). Any son born from this union would be considered the heir of Elimelech and would inherit the redeemed land. This meant that the near kinsman's own inheritance would potentially be diluted or diminished, as some of it would eventually pass to Elimelech's lineage through Ruth's son.
Take My Right of Redemption: The near kinsman is relinquishing his right and responsibility to redeem the land and marry Ruth.
For I Can't Redeem It: He repeats his reason, emphasizing that redeeming the land and marrying Ruth would negatively impact his own family's financial security and inheritance.
In simpler terms:
The near kinsman was willing to buy back the land for Naomi to keep it in the family. However, he wasn't willing to marry Ruth and have a son who would inherit the land after Naomi's death. This is because that son would legally be considered Elimelech's heir, and the near kinsman's own family inheritance would be reduced as a result. He prioritized his own family's financial well-being over fulfilling the full responsibilities of a "go'el."
Significance:
This verse sets the stage for Boaz, who is a more distant relative but is willing to take on the full responsibility of being a "go'el." Boaz redeems the land and marries Ruth, demonstrating his integrity and loyalty to the family. He is willing to sacrifice for the sake of the family's name and future. Importantly, this act ultimately leads to Ruth giving birth to Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, linking the lineage of Jesus to this story of redemption and faithfulness.
The near kinsman's reluctance highlights the importance of inheritance, family name, and the complexities of adhering to social customs. Boaz's willingness to embrace the entire responsibility showcases his character and paves the way for a significant lineage in Israelite history.
Ruth 4:6 - 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.”
What does "Ruth 4:6" mean?
This verse from Ruth 4:6 is part of a legal and social custom related to property and family redemption in ancient Israel. To understand it, we need to break down the key terms and context:
Near Kinsman (Go'el): This man was a close relative of Naomi's deceased husband (Elimelech). As a "go'el," he had the right and even the responsibility to redeem Elimelech's land that Naomi was being forced to sell due to hardship.
Redeem: In this context, "redeem" means to buy back the land that Naomi was selling to prevent it from permanently leaving the family. This was a way to preserve the family's name and inheritance.
My Own Inheritance: The near kinsman already had his own inherited property.
Endanger My Own Inheritance: This is the crucial part. When the near kinsman redeems the land, he also had to marry Ruth, the Moabite widow of Elimelech's son (Mahlon). Any son born from this union would be considered the heir of Elimelech and would inherit the redeemed land. This meant that the near kinsman's own inheritance would potentially be diluted or diminished, as some of it would eventually pass to Elimelech's lineage through Ruth's son.
Take My Right of Redemption: The near kinsman is relinquishing his right and responsibility to redeem the land and marry Ruth.
For I Can't Redeem It: He repeats his reason, emphasizing that redeeming the land and marrying Ruth would negatively impact his own family's financial security and inheritance.
In simpler terms:
The near kinsman was willing to buy back the land for Naomi to keep it in the family. However, he wasn't willing to marry Ruth and have a son who would inherit the land after Naomi's death. This is because that son would legally be considered Elimelech's heir, and the near kinsman's own family inheritance would be reduced as a result. He prioritized his own family's financial well-being over fulfilling the full responsibilities of a "go'el."
Significance:
This verse sets the stage for Boaz, who is a more distant relative but is willing to take on the full responsibility of being a "go'el." Boaz redeems the land and marries Ruth, demonstrating his integrity and loyalty to the family. He is willing to sacrifice for the sake of the family's name and future. Importantly, this act ultimately leads to Ruth giving birth to Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, linking the lineage of Jesus to this story of redemption and faithfulness.
The near kinsman's reluctance highlights the importance of inheritance, family name, and the complexities of adhering to social customs. Boaz's willingness to embrace the entire responsibility showcases his character and paves the way for a significant lineage in Israelite history.