Ruth 4:8

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”

American Standard Version (1901)

So the near kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thyself. And he drew off his shoe.

Bible in Basic English

So the near relation said to Boaz, Take it for yourself. And he took off his shoe.

Douay-Rheims 1899

So Booz said to his kinsman: Put off thy shoe. And immediately he took it off from his foot.

Free Bible Version

So the family redeemer took off his sandal and told Boaz, “You buy it.”

Geneva Bible 1599

Therefore the kinsman sayd to Boas, Buy it for thee: and he drew off his shooe.

King James (Authorized) Version

Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.

Translation for Translators

So that close relative said to Boaz, “You buy the field yourself!” And he took off one of his sandals and gave it to Boaz.

Unlocked Literal Bible

So the near kinsman said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” and he took off his sandal.

Noah Webster Bible

Therefore the kinsman said to Boaz, Buy it for thyself. So he drew off his shoe.

World English Bible

So the near kinsman said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” then he took off his sandal.

Young's Literal Translation

And the redeemer saith to Boaz, 'Buy [it] for thyself,' and draweth off his sandal.

Context

Boaz Redeems Ruth

⁷Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel.⁸So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”

Summary

In this verse, Boaz demonstrates his commitment to redeem Ruth by presenting the matter before the elders of the city gate, a place of legal and social significance. Boaz's willingness to fulfill his duty as a kinsman-redeemer reflects God's faithfulness in providing for His people. The scene at the city gate symbolizes the public nature of the transaction, ensuring transparency and accountability in the redemption process. Boaz's actions also showcase his integrity and respect for the legal procedures established in Israelite society. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of Ruth and Boaz.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, buy it for me,.... Which is repeated to show he gave his full consent to it, that he should make the purchase of it if he pleased, and which he confirmed by the following rite: so he drew off his shoe; thereby signifying that he relinquished his right to the purchase of the estate, and ceded it to him; the Targum has it,"and Boaz drew off the glove off his right hand, and bought it of him;''and so Aben Ezra,"and Boaz drew off his shoe, and gave it to his kinsman,''as if this was some acknowledgment for yielding his right unto him; and about this there is a great dissension among the Jewish writers (l); one says it was the shoe of Boaz that was plucked off; another says it was the shoe of the kinsman; which latter seems most correct: and it may be observed, that this custom is different from what is enjoined Deu 25:6 there the woman was to pluck off the shoe of him that refused to marry her, but here the man plucked off his own shoe, who chose not to redeem; nor is there mention of spitting in his face; nor does it appear that Ruth did the one or the other; though Josephus (m) affirms it, and says, that she both plucked off his shoe, and spit in his face; neither of which are mentioned. (l) Midrash Ruth, fol. 35. 2. (m) Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 5. c. 9. sect. 4.)