Ruth 4:2
Ruth 4:2 in Multiple Translations
Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, “Sit here,” and they did so.
And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.
And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.
Then he got ten of the responsible men of the town, and said, Be seated here. And they took their seats.
Then Boaz selected ten of the town elders and asked them to sit there with them.
Then he tooke ten men of the Elders of the citie, and sayd, Sit ye downe here. And they sate downe.
And he taketh ten men of the elders of the city, and saith, 'Sit down here;' and they sit down.
Boaz took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, “Sit down here,” and they sat down.
And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.
And Booz taking ten men of the ancients of the city, said to them: Sit ye down here.
Boaz then gathered ten of the elders of the town and asked them to sit down there also. After they sat down,
Berean Amplified Bible — Ruth 4:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ruth 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֞ח
עֲשָׂרָ֧ה
אֲנָשִׁ֛ים
מִ/זִּקְנֵ֥י
הָ/עִ֖יר
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
שְׁבוּ
פֹ֑ה
וַ/יֵּשֵֽׁבוּ
וַ/יִּקַּ֞ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֲשָׂרָ֧ה
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
אֲנָשִׁ֛ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
מִ/זִּקְנֵ֥י
zâqên
H2205
old
Prep | Adj
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
פֹ֑ה
pôh
H6311
here
Adv
וַ/יֵּשֵֽׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ruth 4:2
וַ/יִּקַּ֞ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
עֲשָׂרָ֧ה
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
אֲנָשִׁ֛ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִ/זִּקְנֵ֥י
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שְׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
פֹ֑ה
pôh
H6311
"here"
Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
וַ/יֵּשֵֽׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
Study Notes — Ruth 4:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ruth 4:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ruth 4:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 4:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 4:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 4:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 4:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ruth 4:2
- Barnes' Notes on Ruth 4:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 4:2
- Sermons on Ruth 4:2
Context — Boaz Redeems Ruth
1Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.
2Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, “Sit here,” and they did so.
3And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. 4I thought I should inform you that you may buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know, because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I will redeem it,” he replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 31:23 | Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 21:8 | Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. |
| 3 | Acts 6:12 | So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, |
| 4 | Lamentations 5:14 | The elders have left the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. |
| 5 | Exodus 21:8 | If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her. |
| 6 | Exodus 18:21–22 | Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 29:10 | All of you are standing today before the LORD your God—you leaders of tribes, elders, officials, and all the men of Israel, |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 31:28 | Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. |
Ruth 4:2 Summary
In this verse, Boaz is making sure that the transaction with the kinsman-redeemer is done fairly and in public, with witnesses present. This shows Boaz's integrity and fairness, and it's an example for us to follow in our own lives (as seen in Proverbs 10:9). By having the elders present, Boaz is also showing respect for the community and the customs of his time (similar to what we see in Acts 15:21). This verse teaches us the importance of doing things in a fair and transparent way, and of being mindful of how our actions affect others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Boaz choose ten elders of the city to witness the transaction?
Boaz chose ten elders to ensure the transaction was done in a fair and public manner, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15, where it is written that every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
What is the significance of Boaz taking the elders aside to sit?
By taking the elders aside, Boaz was following the customs of his time, as mentioned in Genesis 23:10-16, where Abraham also made a public transaction in the presence of witnesses.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Ruth?
This verse shows Boaz's integrity and fairness in dealing with the kinsman-redeemer, which is a key part of the story of Ruth, as seen in Ruth 3:11, where Boaz promises to do what is right for Ruth.
What can we learn about community and witness from this verse?
This verse teaches us the importance of having witnesses and being part of a community, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, where we are encouraged to meet together and spur one another on in love and good deeds.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of fairness and integrity in my own life, just like Boaz did in this verse?
- How can I be a good witness to others, just like the elders in this verse, and what does that look like in my daily life?
- What are some ways I can show respect and hospitality to others, just like Boaz showed to the kinsman-redeemer and the elders in this verse?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, just like Ruth did, and wait for Him to work out the details of my life, even when things seem uncertain?
Gill's Exposition on Ruth 4:2
And he took ten men of the elders of the city,.... Who were such, not merely in age but in office, who were the heads of thousands, fifties, and tens; ten of whom were a quorum to do business in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ruth 4:2
And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ruth 4:2
He took two men, to be umpires or witnesses between them; for though two or three witnesses were sufficient, yet in weightier matters they used more. And ten was the usual number among the Jews, in causes of matrimony and divorce, and translation of inheritances; who were both judges of the causes, and witnesses of the fact. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Ruth 4:2
Rth 4:2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.Ver. 2. And he said, Sit ye down here.] Elders they were called for their gravity and authority. Ten, haply, to immind them of the Ten Commandments, the rule of their sovereignty. Sit they must, to teach them to be of a sedate and considerate spirit, in hearing and determining controversies.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ruth 4:2
Verse 2. He took ten men] Probably it required this number to constitute a court. How simple and how rational was this proceeding! 1. The man who had a suit went to the city gates. 2. Here he stopped till the person with whom he had the suit came to the gate on his way to his work. 3. He called him by name, and he stopped and sat down. 4. Then ten elders were called, and they came and sat down. 5. When all this was done, the appellant preferred his suit. 6. Then the appellee returned his answer. 7. When the elders heard the case, and the response of the appellee, they pronounced judgment, which judgment was always according to the custom of the place. 8.
When this was done, the people who happened to be present witnessed the issue. And thus the business was settled without lawyers or legal casuistry. A question of this kind, in one of our courts of justice, in these enlightened times, would require many days' previous preparation of the attorney, and several hours' arguing between counsellor Botherum and counsellor Borum, till even an enlightened and conscientious judge would find it extremely difficult to decide whether Naomi might sell her own land, and whether Boaz or Peloni might buy it! O, glorious uncertainty of modern law!
Cambridge Bible on Ruth 4:2
2. the elders] possessed magisterial authority, and could be summoned to deal not only with criminal charges (Deuteronomy 19:12; Deuteronomy 21:2-4, 1 Kings 21:8 ff.), but with cases affecting the rights of a family (Deuteronomy 25:7-9).
Barnes' Notes on Ruth 4:2
Every city was governed by elders (see Deuteronomy 19:12; Judges 8:14). For the number “ten,” compare Exodus 18:25.
Whedon's Commentary on Ruth 4:2
2. Elders of the city — Whose years and judgment gave weight to all their decisions. Why ten were called does not appear, but perhaps that was the number required to constitute a court.
Sermons on Ruth 4:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Young Man's Attitude Towards Women by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the loss of innocence and beauty in our culture. He laments how the simple act of touching hands can no longer evoke a sense of awe and excite |
|
Nahshon by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Numbers in the Bible and the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The speaker highlights the tragic nature |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 16-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine fear of God and the accountability that comes with being a teacher of the Word. He shares his personal str |
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The Meaning of Head in the Bible by Wayne Grudem | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the importance of citing references in a way that makes them difficult to locate. He emphasizes that evangelical scholarship should |
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If My People - Part 1 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing controversial topics and recapturing the prophetic zeal in churches. It highlights the impact of the Johnson Amendment on church |
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Give Me More, Give Me More - Part 1 by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the issue of coveting and its impact on society. He emphasizes that the greed and covetousness of individuals and nations are causing co |
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Keeping the Flock by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the vital role of soul-winners in nurturing and maintaining the faith of their converts, drawing parallels to Paul's dedication in strengthening bel |