What does Ruth 4:13 mean?
"¶ 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 4:13 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "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."
The book of Ruth is a beautiful and poignant story of loyalty, love, and redemption. It takes place during the time of the judges, a period of instability and moral decline in Israel. The story begins with a woman named Naomi, who, along with her husband and two sons, leaves Bethlehem to escape a famine and settles in the land of Moab. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes when Naomi's husband and both of her sons die, leaving her alone with her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah.
In the midst of her grief and despair, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, and Ruth insists on accompanying her. This is a significant act, as it demonstrates Ruth's deep love and loyalty to her mother-in-law. In Bethlehem, Ruth meets Boaz, a wealthy man who is also a relative of Naomi. Boaz shows kindness and generosity to Ruth, and ultimately, he redeems her and Naomi by marrying Ruth and providing for them.
The verse in question, Ruth 4:13, marks the culmination of this beautiful story. It is a moment of great joy and blessing, as Ruth and Boaz are joined in marriage and are blessed with a son. This event is not just a happy ending to a love story, but it also foreshadows the greater redemption and blessing that God has in store for His people.
The themes present in Ruth 4:13 are abundant in the book of Ruth as a whole. One of the central themes is the idea of redemption. Boaz serves as a redeemer for Ruth and Naomi, as he rescues them from poverty and provides for them. This act of redemption is a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption that comes through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as our "kinsman-redeemer" who has paid the price for our sins and has brought us back into a right relationship with God.
Another theme is the faithfulness and loyalty displayed by Ruth and Boaz. Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi, even in the face of great hardship, is a powerful example of love and loyalty. Boaz's kindness and generosity towards Ruth and Naomi also demonstrate the value of showing mercy and compassion to others.
Furthermore, the verse also highlights the importance of God's blessing and provision. It is emphasized that the Lord gave Ruth conception, and she bore a son. This serves as a reminder that ultimately, it is God who brings about new life and blessings. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness and provision for His people.
Symbolism is also present in this verse. The birth of a son represents new life, hope, and the continuation of a family line. In the context of the larger biblical narrative, it also points forward to Jesus, who is ultimately the fulfillment of all the promises and blessings of God.
In conclusion, Ruth 4:13 is a verse rich with meaning and significance. It captures the joy and celebration of a love story, but it also points to the deeper spiritual truths of redemption, faithfulness, and God's provision. It reminds us of the ultimate redemption we have through Christ and the abundant blessings that come from a faithful and loving God. This verse is a beautiful reminder of the hope and joy that are found in God's plan for His people.
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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."
"¶ 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 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 4:18 - "¶ 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 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
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 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
Ruth 4:8 - "Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe."
"¶ 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 Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," - Ruth 4:20
"And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab," - Ruth 4:19
"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:"
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."
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."
"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 4:7 - "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."
"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 4:5