Ruth 4:6 (KJV)

What does Ruth 4:6 mean?

Ruth 4:6 shows the closest relative telling Boaz that he cannot redeem the land and marry Ruth because it would endanger his own inheritance, so he gives up his right of redemption to Boaz. The verse highlights the relative's concern about his own family interests and his willingness to let Boaz take on the responsibility.

In this scene, the unnamed kinsman is speaking to Boaz at the town gate, where legal matters were settled. The kinsman is first in line to redeem Elimelech’s land and marry Ruth, but he declines, fearing it would "mar" (harm or complicate) his own inheritance. This refusal clears the way for Boaz to become Ruth’s redeemer and husband, a key moment in the story.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 4:6

• "Redeem" (גָּאַל, ga'al) appears several times and means to act as a family protector or rescuer, often by buying back property or marrying a widow. Here, it shows the legal and family duty the kinsman is declining.
• "Mar" (שָׁחַת, shachath) means to ruin or damage. The kinsman worries that redeeming the land and marrying Ruth would somehow harm his own inheritance, perhaps by dividing his estate or complicating family lines.
• "Inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) refers to family property or legacy. The kinsman’s main concern is protecting what he will pass on to his own children.

Why Ruth 4:6 matters

• Ruth 4:6 explains why Boaz, not the closer relative, becomes Ruth’s redeemer, which is crucial for the story’s outcome and for Ruth’s place in Israel’s history.
• The verse highlights the legal customs of ancient Israel regarding land, family, and inheritance, showing how these shaped personal decisions.
• This moment shows Boaz’s willingness to take on responsibility that others would not, setting up his role as a man of integrity and generosity in the story.