King James Version

What Does Ruth 4:5 Mean?

Ruth 4:5 in the King James Version says “Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wi...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.”

Ruth 4:5 · KJV

Context

3

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:

4

And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it. I thought: Heb. I said, I will reveal in thine ear

5

Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.

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.

7

Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Full disclosure: 'Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance'. Boaz reveals the complete obligation—redeeming property requires marrying Ruth to produce heir who will inherit the land, perpetuating Elimelech/Mahlon's name. This changes the calculation entirely—the redeemer wouldn't permanently add to his estate but would work land temporarily for another man's heir. The phrase 'Ruth the Moabitess' emphasizes her foreign origin, potentially making marriage additionally unappealing to the kinsman. Boaz's full disclosure demonstrates integrity—he could have concealed this requirement initially but instead ensured informed decision.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) required deceased man's brother to marry the widow, with first son legally considered the dead man's heir, inheriting his property and perpetuating his name. This obligation combined with property redemption meant the kinsman would purchase land, marry Ruth, father children, but the firstborn son would legally be Mahlon's heir, inheriting the redeemed property. The kinsman would expend resources (purchasing land, maintaining household) without permanent benefit to his estate—the land would eventually go to Ruth's son as Mahlon's legal heir. This explains his subsequent refusal.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Boaz's full disclosure teach about Christian honesty in presenting complete facts, even when it might disadvantage us?
  2. How does the levirate marriage law illustrate God's concern for preserving family identity and caring for widows?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 18

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֹּ֔עַז2 of 18

“Boaz”

H1162

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

בְּיוֹם3 of 18

“What day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קָנִ֔יתָי4 of 18

“thou buyest”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה5 of 18

“the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מִיַּ֣ד6 of 18

“of the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נָֽעֳמִ֑י7 of 18

“of Naomi”

H5281

noomi, an israelitess

וּ֠מֵאֵת8 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

ר֣וּת9 of 18

“it also of Ruth”

H7327

ruth, a moabitess

הַמּֽוֹאֲבִיָּ֤ה10 of 18

“the Moabitess”

H4125

a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab

אֵֽשֶׁת11 of 18

“the wife”

H802

a woman

הַמֵּ֖ת12 of 18

“of the dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

קָנִ֔יתָי13 of 18

“thou buyest”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

לְהָקִ֥ים14 of 18

“to raise up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

שֵׁם15 of 18

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַמֵּ֖ת16 of 18

“of the dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עַל17 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

נַֽחֲלָתֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“upon his inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ruth 4:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ruth 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 25:5-6Matthew 22:24Genesis 38:8Luke 20:28Ruth 3:12-13

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