King James Version
Ruth 4:8 in the King James Version says “Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.”
Ruth 4:8 · KJV
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.
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.
Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Therefore 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
“unto Boaz”
H1162boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
“Buy”
H7069to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
“his shoe”
H5275properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)
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 4:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.