Ruth 4:9 - Boaz said to the elders, and to all the people, “You are witnesses today, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi.
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What does "Ruth 4:9" mean?
This verse, Ruth 4:9, is a pivotal moment in the story and explains the business transaction Boaz is undertaking. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Boaz said to the elders, and to all the people..." This highlights the public nature of the transaction. Boaz is making this declaration in front of the community elders, who served as witnesses and legal authorities, and the general populace of the town. This ensures transparency and legitimacy.
"...“You are witnesses today..." He is explicitly calling on the community to be witnesses to the agreement. This adds weight to the transaction, making it legally binding in the community's eyes. The presence of witnesses is crucial for validating legal agreements in that era.
"...that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi." This is the core of the statement.
Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon were Naomi's deceased husband and sons, respectively. As they had died without male heirs, their property (likely land and other possessions) would have reverted to Naomi.
"Bought all that was... from the hand of Naomi" This means Boaz has legally purchased all the rights and ownership that Naomi had to the land and possessions that originally belonged to her deceased family. Naomi, in her impoverished state, needed to sell the land to survive.
Implications and Context:
This verse is crucial because it sets the stage for the next step in Boaz's plan. While the land itself is important, the purchase has implications beyond just real estate. Under the Levirate marriage law (though not strictly applied here), the close relative who redeemed the land was also expected to marry the widow of the deceased to continue the family line. By buying the land, Boaz is essentially taking on the responsibility of potentially marrying Ruth (Mahlon's widow) to redeem the family name and ensure the land stays in the family lineage.
In short, this verse shows Boaz publicly announcing his purchase of Elimelech's family property from Naomi. He is setting up the legal framework for the next step: the potential marriage to Ruth and the continuation of Elimelech's lineage. He is also making it clear that he is willing to step in and provide for Naomi and Ruth, demonstrating his kinsman-redeemer role. It shows Boaz's integrity and his adherence to the law and social customs of the time.
Ruth 4:9 - Boaz said to the elders, and to all the people, “You are witnesses today, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi.
What does "Ruth 4:9" mean?
This verse, Ruth 4:9, is a pivotal moment in the story and explains the business transaction Boaz is undertaking. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Boaz said to the elders, and to all the people..." This highlights the public nature of the transaction. Boaz is making this declaration in front of the community elders, who served as witnesses and legal authorities, and the general populace of the town. This ensures transparency and legitimacy.
"...“You are witnesses today..." He is explicitly calling on the community to be witnesses to the agreement. This adds weight to the transaction, making it legally binding in the community's eyes. The presence of witnesses is crucial for validating legal agreements in that era.
"...that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi." This is the core of the statement.
Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon were Naomi's deceased husband and sons, respectively. As they had died without male heirs, their property (likely land and other possessions) would have reverted to Naomi.
"Bought all that was... from the hand of Naomi" This means Boaz has legally purchased all the rights and ownership that Naomi had to the land and possessions that originally belonged to her deceased family. Naomi, in her impoverished state, needed to sell the land to survive.
Implications and Context:
This verse is crucial because it sets the stage for the next step in Boaz's plan. While the land itself is important, the purchase has implications beyond just real estate. Under the Levirate marriage law (though not strictly applied here), the close relative who redeemed the land was also expected to marry the widow of the deceased to continue the family line. By buying the land, Boaz is essentially taking on the responsibility of potentially marrying Ruth (Mahlon's widow) to redeem the family name and ensure the land stays in the family lineage.
In short, this verse shows Boaz publicly announcing his purchase of Elimelech's family property from Naomi. He is setting up the legal framework for the next step: the potential marriage to Ruth and the continuation of Elimelech's lineage. He is also making it clear that he is willing to step in and provide for Naomi and Ruth, demonstrating his kinsman-redeemer role. It shows Boaz's integrity and his adherence to the law and social customs of the time.