King James Version

What Does Ruth 4:9 Mean?

Ruth 4:9 in the King James Version says “And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elime... — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ruth 4:9 · KJV


Context

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.

10

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.

11

And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: do thou: or, get thee riches, or, power be famous: Heb. proclaim thy name


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Public declaration: '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'. Boaz publicly declares property redemption before assembled witnesses. He specifies the comprehensive nature—'all' of Elimelech's, Chilion's, and Mahlon's property. Public declaration before 'elders and all the people' creates maximum witnesses and community awareness, ensuring legal validity and preventing future disputes. Boaz's careful legal procedure demonstrates that godly redemption follows proper channels, creating secure foundation rather than questionable claims.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern property law required public witness for transactions to prevent fraud and future disputes. Boaz's specific naming of Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon establishes that he's redeeming the entire family's inheritance, not partial claim. The phrase 'of the hand of Naomi' shows she held legal rights to deceased husband's and sons' property as widow and mother, and Boaz's redemption purchased these rights from her, providing her with resources while securing property for future heir through Ruth. This comprehensive redemption foreshadows Christ's complete redemption of all believers lost through sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Boaz's public declaration model transparency in important commitments rather than secret arrangements?
  2. What does comprehensive redemption ('all that was...') teach about Christ's complete redemption leaving nothing unredeemed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩1 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֹּ֨עַז2 of 21

And Boaz

H1162

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

לַזְּקֵנִ֜ים3 of 21

unto the elders

H2205

old

וְכָל4 of 21
H3605

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

הָעָ֗ם5 of 21

and unto all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עֵדִ֤ים6 of 21

Ye are witnesses

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

אַתֶּם֙7 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הַיּ֔וֹם8 of 21

this 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

כִּ֤י9 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָנִ֙יתִי֙10 of 21

that I have bought

H7069

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

אֶת11 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל12 of 21
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֶֽאֱלִימֶ֔לֶךְ14 of 21

all that was Elimelech's

H458

elimelek, an israelite

וְאֵ֛ת15 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל16 of 21
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לְכִלְי֖וֹן18 of 21

and all that was Chilion's

H3630

kiljon, an israelite

וּמַחְל֑וֹן19 of 21

and Mahlon's

H4248

machlon, an israelite

מִיַּ֖ד20 of 21

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

נָֽעֳמִֽי׃21 of 21

of Naomi

H5281

noomi, an israelitess


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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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