Ruth 4:7 (KJV)

What does Ruth 4:7 mean?

Ruth 4:7 explains an old custom in Israel for making agreements official, especially about redeeming property or making a legal change: a man would take off his sandal and give it to the other person as a public sign that the deal was confirmed. This act served as a visible, shared testimony that both parties agreed to the arrangement.

In the story, the elders at the city gate are witnessing Boaz’s negotiation to redeem land and marry Ruth. The verse pauses the action to explain this sandal-removal custom to readers who might not know it, showing how legal agreements were confirmed in ancient Israel. This background helps make sense of the actions in the surrounding verses.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 4:7

• "Redeeming" (גְּאֻלָּה, ge'ullah) refers to the act of buying back or reclaiming something, often land or family rights. This word highlights the legal and family responsibility being discussed.
• "Changing" (תְּמוּרָה, temurah) means an exchange or transfer, emphasizing that the custom applied to any formal change or transaction, not just redemption.
• "Confirm" (קוּם, qum) means to establish or make something stand, showing that the sandal exchange was about making the agreement firm and recognized.
• "Testimony" (תְּעוּדָה, te'udah) means a witness or evidence, underlining that this act was not just symbolic but served as legal proof in the community.

Why Ruth 4:7 matters

• Ruth 4:7 clears up confusion for modern readers by explaining a practice that would otherwise seem strange or meaningless, helping us understand the legal process in the story.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of public witnesses and visible signs in making agreements binding in ancient Israel, showing how trust and accountability worked in that society.
• By including this detail, the book of Ruth connects the story to Israel’s broader traditions and laws, grounding Boaz’s actions in a respected and recognized process.