What does Ruth 4:10 mean?
"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." - Ruth 4:10
The Bible verse Ruth 4:10 from the King James Version reads: "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."
This verse comes from the Old Testament book of Ruth, which tells the story of a Moabite woman, Ruth, who is loyal to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, and eventually becomes the great-grandmother of King David. In this particular verse, Boaz, a wealthy landowner and kinsman of Ruth's late husband, speaks before witnesses at the gate of the city, claiming his right to redeem the land and take Ruth as his wife.
One of the central themes of this verse and the book of Ruth as a whole is the idea of redemption. Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, is fulfilling his responsibility to redeem the land and keep the family line alive by marrying Ruth, the widow of his relative. This act of redemption not only secures Ruth's future and well-being but also ensures the continuation of her late husband's name and inheritance. This reflects the Old Testament tradition of preserving family lineage and ensuring that the name and possessions of the deceased are not lost.
Another important theme in this verse is the concept of loyalty and faithfulness. Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi and her willingness to follow her back to Bethlehem demonstrate her loyalty and devotion. Boaz, in turn, demonstrates his own faithfulness by fulfilling his duty as a kinsman-redeemer and caring for Ruth and Naomi. The story of Ruth is a powerful reminder of the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in relationships, as well as the rewards that come from acting with integrity and kindness.
Contextually, the book of Ruth is set during the time of the Judges in Israel, a period marked by moral and spiritual decline. It provides a refreshing contrast to the violence and chaos described in the rest of the book of Judges, as it focuses on the intimate details of an individual family and their experiences. The story of Ruth and Boaz also serves as a precursor to the lineage of King David and, ultimately, the lineage of Jesus Christ, highlighting the significance of their actions in the larger narrative of biblical history.
Symbolically, the act of redemption and marriage in this verse can be seen as a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as a redeemer who came to save and restore humanity. The parallels between Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer and the redemptive work of Christ serve as a powerful illustration of God's love, grace, and faithfulness toward his people.
Overall, Ruth 4:10 captures the heart of the book of Ruth, emphasizing the themes of redemption, loyalty, and faithfulness. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities to others, acting with integrity and kindness, and trusting in God's redemptive plan. As the story of Ruth continues to inspire and encourage readers, it serves as a timeless testament to the enduring power of love, commitment, and faith.
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Ruth 4:10 - "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."
"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." - Ruth 4:10
Ruth 1:4 - "And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years."
Ruth 4:13 - "¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
Ruth 4:18 - "¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Ruth 4:20 - "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,"
Ruth 4:21 - "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,"
Ruth 4:19 - "And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,"
Ruth 4:22 - "And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David."
Ruth 4:5 - "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."
Ruth 1:10 - "And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."
Ruth 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
"And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years." - Ruth 1:4
Ruth 4:8 - "Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe."
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
"¶ Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," - Ruth 4:18
"And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David." - Ruth 4:22
"And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab," - Ruth 4:19
"And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," - Ruth 4:20
"And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed," - Ruth 4:21
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
Ruth 4:3 - "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:"
"¶ So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son." - Ruth 4:13
Ruth 4:14 - "And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel."
Ruth 4:17 - "And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."
Ruth 4:4 - "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."
Ruth 4:12 - "And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman."
"And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it." - Ruth 4:16
Ruth 4:6 - "¶ 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."
Ruth 4:9 - "¶ 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."