King James Version

What Does Ruth 4:7 Mean?

Ruth 4:7 in the King James Version says “Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ruth 4:7 · KJV

Context

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.

8

Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.

9

And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Legal custom: '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'. The narrator explains ancient custom (no longer practiced in narrator's time—'former time') where sandal exchange confirmed transactions. This physical symbol sealed agreements before witnesses, similar to modern handshakes or signatures. The sandal possibly symbolized right to walk on/possess the land being transferred, or authority being transferred. Public witness plus physical symbol created legally binding transaction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures used various symbolic acts to seal agreements: cutting covenants (walking between divided animals), placing hands under thighs, raising hands in oath, etc. Sandal exchanges appear in multiple biblical contexts (Deuteronomy 25:9-10; Psalm 60:8; 108:9). Archaeological evidence shows ancient sandals were valuable items, not disposable, making exchange meaningful. The narrator's explanation suggests generational distance between events and writing—either Ruth lived long before narrator's time, or this specific custom had ceased by narration time. The parenthetical explanation demonstrates Scripture's historical reliability—recording customs even when no longer practiced.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the use of physical symbols in covenant-making teach about embodying spiritual realities in tangible ways?
  2. How does this explanatory note demonstrate Scripture's historical awareness and reliability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְזֹאת֩1 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְפָנִ֨ים2 of 18

“Now this was the manner in former time”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃3 of 18

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַל4 of 18
H5921

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

הַגְּאֻלָּ֤ה5 of 18

“concerning redeeming”

H1353

redemption (including the right and the object); by implication, relationship

וְעַל6 of 18
H5921

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

הַתְּמוּרָה֙7 of 18

“and concerning changing”

H8545

barter, compensation

לְקַיֵּ֣ם8 of 18

“for to confirm”

H6965

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

כָּל9 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דָּבָ֔ר10 of 18

“all things”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שָׁלַ֥ף11 of 18

“plucked off”

H8025

to pull out, up or off

אִ֛ישׁ12 of 18

“a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

נַֽעֲל֖וֹ13 of 18

“his shoe”

H5275

properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)

וְנָתַ֣ן14 of 18

“and gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ15 of 18

“it to his neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְזֹ֥את16 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַתְּעוּדָ֖ה17 of 18

“and this was a testimony”

H8584

attestation, i.e., a precept, usage

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 25:7-10

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