The kinsman-redeemer repliedIn ancient Israel, the role of a kinsman-redeemer was to protect the interests of needy family members. This included redeeming land that a relative had sold due to poverty. The term "kinsman-redeemer" is significant in the Hebrew context, as it reflects the familial duty to preserve the family lineage and property. This role is a type of Christ, who redeems humanity.
I cannot redeem it myself
The kinsman-redeemer acknowledges his inability to fulfill this duty. This reflects the limitations of the law and human ability, pointing to the need for a greater Redeemer. It also highlights the importance of counting the cost before taking on responsibilities, a principle seen inLuke 14:28-30.
or I would jeopardize my own inheritance
The concern for his own inheritance suggests that redeeming the land could have financial implications that might endanger his estate. This reflects the cultural importance of maintaining one's inheritance and family name, as seen inNumbers 27:8-11. It also underscores the self-interest that can conflict with fulfilling one's duty.
Take my right of redemption
By transferring his right, the kinsman-redeemer allows Boaz to step in. This act of relinquishment is crucial for the unfolding of God's plan, as it leads to the union of Boaz and Ruth, from whom King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would descend. It illustrates the providence of God in orchestrating events for His purposes.
because I cannot redeem it
The repetition of his inability emphasizes the limitations of human effort and the need for divine intervention. This mirrors the spiritual truth that humanity cannot redeem itself from sin, necessitating a Savior. The inability of the kinsman-redeemer contrasts with Boaz's willingness and ability, prefiguring Christ's redemptive work.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Kinsman-RedeemerIn
Ruth 4:6, the kinsman-redeemer is a relative of Naomi who has the first right to redeem the land that belonged to Elimelech, Naomi's deceased husband. This role is significant in Israelite culture, as it involves preserving the family lineage and property.
2.
BoazA relative of Elimelech and a man of standing in Bethlehem. He is willing to act as the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi, showing his integrity and kindness.
3.
RuthA Moabite widow who has shown loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her account is central to the account, highlighting themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence.
4.
NaomiRuth's mother-in-law, who has returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons. She plays a crucial role in orchestrating Ruth's future and the redemption of her family line.
5.
BethlehemThe setting of the account, a town in Judah. It is significant as the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
Understanding RedemptionThe role of the kinsman-redeemer in
Ruth 4:6 illustrates the importance of redemption in God's plan. Just as Boaz was willing to redeem Ruth, Christ is our Redeemer, willing to restore us to God.
Counting the CostThe kinsman-redeemer in
Ruth 4:6 declines his duty because it might "jeopardize" his own inheritance. This highlights the importance of counting the cost of our commitments and the selflessness required in following God's will.
God's ProvidenceThe unfolding events in Ruth's life demonstrate God's providence and faithfulness. Even in difficult circumstances, God is at work, orchestrating His purposes.
Faithfulness and LoyaltyRuth's loyalty to Naomi and Boaz's integrity are examples of faithfulness that believers are called to emulate in their relationships and commitments.
Legacy and LineageThe account of Ruth and Boaz contributes to the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus, reminding us that our actions and faithfulness can have far-reaching impacts beyond our immediate circumstances.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ruth 4:6?
2.Why does the kinsman-redeemer refuse to redeem in Ruth 4:6?
3.How does Ruth 4:6 illustrate the importance of selflessness in decision-making?
4.What does Ruth 4:6 teach about prioritizing family responsibilities over personal gain?
5.How can we apply the lesson of Ruth 4:6 in our lives today?
6.How does Ruth 4:6 connect to the concept of redemption in the New Testament?
7.Why did the kinsman-redeemer refuse to redeem the land in Ruth 4:6?
8.How does Ruth 4:6 reflect the importance of family lineage in biblical times?
9.What does Ruth 4:6 reveal about the responsibilities of a kinsman-redeemer?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 4?
11.What defines the essence of being redeemed?
12.What is the story and significance of the Book of Ruth?
13.In Ruth 4:3-6, does the land redemption process conflict with other Old Testament inheritance laws or reflect an anachronistic practice?
14.Who is the first kinsman redeemer in Ruth?What Does Ruth 4:6 Mean
The kinsman-redeemer replied• We meet the closest relative first mentioned inRuth 3:12. According toLeviticus 25:25 andDeuteronomy 25:5–10, he holds the legal right and duty to redeem land and raise up offspring for the deceased.
• His immediate answer shows he understands the law and the transaction Boaz places before him at the city gate (Ruth 4:1–4).
• By speaking up, he demonstrates the public, covenantal nature of redemption—something later fulfilled perfectly and publicly by Christ (John 19:30;Colossians 2:14).
I cannot redeem it myself• Though he has the legal prerogative, he confesses inability. The law alone cannot secure redemption when personal limitations stand in the way (Romans 8:3).
• His words expose that mere human kinship, while noble, is insufficient to meet every need—foreshadowing our deeper need for a Redeemer greater than any earthly relative (Acts 4:12).
Or I would jeopardize my own inheritance• Taking on Elimelech’s land also means marrying Ruth and producing an heir who would legally receive that land (Deuteronomy 25:6).
• The nearer kinsman fears diluting or dividing his current estate among additional heirs, much like Esau despised his birthright (Genesis 25:32–34).
• His calculation contrasts with Boaz’s selfless love, anticipating Christ “who, though He was rich…became poor for your sake” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Take my right of redemption• Legal rights could be transferred when a nearer relative declined (Ruth 4:7–8). This hand-off, sealed by the sandal exchange, preserved order and transparency (Jeremiah 32:8–12).
• Boaz now steps forward as the willing redeemer, just as Jesus stepped in where the law proved powerless (Hebrews 7:19).
• The transfer highlights grace: Ruth, a Moabite outsider, will now be welcomed into Israel’s royal line (Matthew 1:5).
Because I cannot redeem it• The repetition underscores finality; the nearer kinsman will not act. Human reluctance accentuates God’s readiness (Isaiah 59:16).
• Only Boaz will redeem, prefiguring the exclusivity of Christ’s redeeming work (1 Peter 1:18–19). No other kinsman, no other mediator, no alternate plan exists (1 Timothy 2:5).
summaryRuth 4:6 records a lawful but unwilling kinsman who abdicates his role to protect his own inheritance. His refusal clears the way for Boaz, the willing redeemer, whose generosity anticipates the ultimate redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ. The text reminds us that self-interest cannot rescue, the law alone cannot save, but God provides a Redeemer who joyfully pays the full price to secure an imperishable inheritance for His people (Ephesians 1:7, 11;1 Peter 1:4).
(6)
Lest I mar . . .--The redemption of the land would involve the spending of money, drawn away from the
Goel'sown estate; but the land thus acquired would not belong to the
Goelhimself, but to the son he should have by Ruth, who would yet be, in the eyes of the law, the son of Mahlon. It would, therefore, be like mortgaging one's own estate, and that for the benefit of another. Josephus and the Targum explain it by saying that he already had a wife, and feared the discord that might arise.
Verse 6. -
And the kinsman said, I am not able to perform, for myself, the kinsman's part, lest I should destroy my inheritance. Perform thou, for thyself, the kinsman's part devolving on me, for I am not able to perform it. The moment that Ruth was referred to, as the inseparable appurtenance of Elimelech's estate, a total change came over the feelings of the anonymous relative and the spirit of his dream. He "could
not," so he strongly put it, perform the kinsman's part. The probability is that he already had a family, but was a widower. This being the state of the case, it followed that if he should acquire Ruth along with her father-in-law's property, there might be an addition, perhaps a numerous addition, to his family; and if so, then there would be more to provide for during his lifetime, and at his death an increased subdivision of his patrimony. This, as he strongly put it, would be to "
destroy" his patrimony, inasmuch as it might be frittered into insignificant fractions. There can be no reference, as the Chaldee Targumist imagined, to his fear of domestic dissensions. Or, if he did indeed think of such a casualty, he certainly did not give the idea expression to Boaz and the assessors. Cassel takes another view. "It must be," he says, "
her Moabitish nationality that forms the ground, such as it is, of the kinsman's refusal. Elimelech's misfortunes had been popularly ascribed to his emigration to Moab; the death of Chillon and Machlon to their marriage with Moabitish women. This it was that had endangered their inheritance. The
goal fears a similar fate. He thinks that he ought not to take into his house a woman, marriage with whom has already been visited with the extinguishment of a family in Israel." But if this had been what he referred to when he spoke of the "
destruction" of his inheritance, it was not much in harmony with the benevolence which he owed to Boaz, and to which he so far gives expression in the courtesy of his address, that he should have gratuitously urged upon his relative what he declined as dangerous for himself. The expressions "
for myself" and "for thyself" (
לִי and
לְך) are significant. The anonymous relative does not conceal the idea that it would be only on the ground of doing what would be
for his own interest that he could entertain for consideration the proposal of Naomi. He likewise assumed that if Boaz should be willing to act the kinsman's part, it would be simply because it could be turned to account
for his own interest. He did not know that there was in Boaz's heart a love that truly "
seeketh not her own," but in honor prefers the things of another.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The kinsman-redeemerהַגֹּאֵ֗ל(hag·gō·’êl)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1350:To redeem, act as kinsmanreplied,וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“I cannotלֹ֤א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noredeem it myself,לִגְאָל־(liḡ·’āl-)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1350:To redeem, act as kinsmanorפֶּן־(pen-)Conjunction
Strong's 6435:Removal, lestI would jeopardizeאַשְׁחִ֖ית(’aš·ḥîṯ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7843:Perhaps to go to ruinmy own inheritance.נַחֲלָתִ֑י(na·ḥă·lā·ṯî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5159:Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portionTake my right of redemption,גְּאֻלָּתִ֔י(gə·’ul·lā·ṯî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1353:Redemption, relationshipbecauseכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionI cannotלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noredeem it.”לִגְאֹֽל׃(liḡ·’ōl)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1350:To redeem, act as kinsman
Links
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OT History: Ruth 4:6 The near kinsman said I can't redeem (Ru Rut.) 
