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 4:10KJV
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Ruth 4:10 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Mahlon” Hebrew H4248 · used in 4 verses

  • Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
  • 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 4:9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

“Ruth” Hebrew H7327 · used in 12 verses

  • 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 1:22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.
  • Ruth 2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.

“Moabitess” Hebrew H4125 · used in 16 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:11 Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.
  • Ruth 2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

“among” Hebrew H5973 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Genesis 48:12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
  • 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.