What does Ruth 4:3 mean?
"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:" - Ruth 4:3
The Bible verse Ruth 4:3 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "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."
This verse comes from the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament, which tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes the great-grandmother of King David. The Book of Ruth is a beautiful and poignant story about loyalty, love, and redemption.
In this specific verse, Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi's deceased husband Elimelech, is speaking to a kinsman who has the right to redeem Elimelech's land. Boaz is informing the kinsman that Naomi, who has returned from Moab, is selling a parcel of land that belonged to Elimelech. This land was an inheritance that had been lost during the family's time in Moab. Boaz is giving the kinsman the opportunity to redeem the land and fulfill his duty as a close relative.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. In ancient Israelite society, the practice of levirate marriage and the redemption of land were important customs that ensured the continuation of family lineage and protection of inheritance. The kinsman who had the right of redemption held a special responsibility to maintain the integrity of the family's inheritance and provide for the widows and orphans in the family.
The themes present in this verse include redemption, inheritance, and the duty of family. The redemption of the land symbolizes the restoration of the family's inheritance and the fulfillment of duty to care for widows and orphans. It also represents the larger theme of God's faithfulness in providing for His people and restoring what was lost.
One of the key elements of this verse is the character of Boaz. He is a type of Christ in the Old Testament, showing kindness and compassion to those in need and faithfully fulfilling his responsibilities as a kinsman-redeemer. His actions towards Ruth and Naomi foreshadow the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who ultimately redeems and restores all things.
The symbolism in this verse can also be seen in the broader context of the entire biblical narrative. The land, representing inheritance, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often symbolizing God's promises and blessings for His people. The redemption of the land by the kinsman can be understood as a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption and restoration that God provides for His people through the work of Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, Ruth 4:3 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys important themes of redemption, inheritance, and the faithful fulfillment of family duty. The verse is set within the context of the Book of Ruth, which tells a powerful story of love, loyalty, and God's providence. The symbolism in this verse points to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive work and His faithfulness in providing for His people. Boaz's actions in this passage also serve as a prefiguration of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who ultimately restores and fulfills all things.
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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:"
"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:" - Ruth 4:3
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 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 3:4 - "And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do."
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 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
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."
"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."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
"¶ 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 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."