What does Ruth 4:5 mean?
"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
The Bible verse Ruth 4:5 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "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."
This verse comes from the book of Ruth in the Old Testament, which tells the story of a Moabite woman, Ruth, who after becoming widowed, chooses to remain with her mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than return to her own land. Through a series of events, Ruth finds protection and a new husband in Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Naomi, who redeems Ruth and Naomi from their poverty. The verse is spoken by Boaz to a near kinsman who has the opportunity to redeem the land of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech.
One of the primary themes of the book of Ruth is that of redemption. This theme is captured in Ruth 4:5, as Boaz instructs the near kinsman that if he purchases the land, he must also take responsibility for Ruth as the wife of the deceased in order to "raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance." This concept of "raising up" the name of a deceased relative through a levirate marriage was a custom of the Israelites, where a brother or close relative would marry the widow of the deceased in order to continue the family line and inheritance. In this case, the requirement is not from a brother, but from the nearest kinsman, as there are no remaining brothers to take up the responsibility.
The verse also reflects the theme of loyalty and faithfulness, as seen in the character of Ruth. Ruth's dedication and loyalty to Naomi, her mother-in-law, is evident throughout the book. In a patriarchal society where women were often marginalized, Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness stand out as a commendable example.
The verse also highlights the theme of providence and God's sovereignty. Throughout the story, we see God's hand at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events and guiding the characters. Ruth's arrival in Bethlehem, her chance encounter with Boaz, and the eventual redemption of Ruth and Naomi all point to the providential guidance of God.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse as well. The act of redeeming the land and the responsibility of a near kinsman to take on the widow of the deceased serves as a symbol of God's ultimate redemption and his care for the marginalized and oppressed. Boaz, as a type of Christ, provides a beautiful picture of the ultimate redeemer who has the power to bring restoration and hope to those in need.
From a historical and cultural context, the concept of kinsman redemption was significant in ancient Israelite society. It was a means of ensuring the welfare and security of widows and the family inheritance. The responsibility of the kinsman to redeem both the land and the widow was an integral part of the community's social and economic structure.
In conclusion, Ruth 4:5 from the King James Version (KJV) presents a rich tapestry of themes, including redemption, loyalty, providence, and symbolism. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and care for those in need, as well as an example of the steadfast loyalty and faithfulness embodied in the character of Ruth. The verse also offers a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of ancient Israelite society, shedding light on the significance of kinsman redemption in their social and economic structure. Overall, Ruth 4:5 delivers a profound message that continues to resonate with readers throughout the ages.
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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."
"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
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 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
Ruth 4:16 - "And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."
Matthew 1:5 - "And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 1:5 - "And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband."
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:"
"¶ 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."