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.
RUTH 4:10KJVWhat does Ruth 4:10 mean?
Ruth 4:10 describes Boaz publicly declaring that he has acquired Ruth, the Moabitess, as his wife in order to preserve the family name and inheritance of her deceased husband, Mahlon. Boaz explains that this act ensures Mahlon's name will not disappear from his relatives or his hometown, and he calls the witnesses present to confirm this commitment.
In this scene, Boaz is speaking to the elders and people at the town gate, which was the traditional place for legal matters in ancient Israel. By marrying Ruth and "raising up the name of the dead," Boaz is fulfilling the custom of levirate marriage, where a close relative marries a widow to keep the deceased's family line and property intact. The verse highlights Boaz’s sense of duty and the importance of community witnesses in making this legal and honorable.
The Hebrew behind Ruth 4:10
- "Purchased" (קָנָה, qanah): This word means to acquire or buy, and in this context, it refers to Boaz taking legal responsibility for Ruth and the property of her late husband. It emphasizes that this was a formal, recognized transaction.
- "Raise up" (קוּם, qum): This verb means to establish or make stand. Here, it refers to continuing the name (שֵׁם, shem) of the deceased, Mahlon, through offspring, so his family line does not end.
- "Gate" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar): The gate was where legal and civic decisions were made in ancient towns. Mentioning the gate underlines that this was a public, official act.
- "Witnesses" (עֵד, ed): Boaz calls on those present to serve as legal witnesses, making the transaction binding and recognized by the community.
Why Ruth 4:10 matters
- Ruth 4:10 clarifies that Boaz’s marriage to Ruth is not just personal but fulfills a legal and social responsibility to the family of Elimelech and Mahlon.
- The verse shows how the community’s involvement and public witness were essential for legal matters in ancient Israel, giving weight and legitimacy to Boaz’s actions.
- Ruth 4:10 connects the story to the wider theme of redemption and faithfulness, showing how individual choices can restore families and preserve heritage within the community.