King James Version
Ruth 4:6 in the King James Version says “And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; f...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Ruth 4:6 · KJV
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
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.
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.
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.
Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And the kinsman”
H1350to 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
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“And the kinsman”
H1350to 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
“And the kinsman”
H1350to 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
“it for myself lest I mar”
H7843to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“mine own inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
“And the kinsman”
H1350to 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
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“thou my right”
H1353redemption (including the right and the object); by implication, relationship
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“And the kinsman”
H1350to 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
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.
Ruth 4:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ruth 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge