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 4:9KJV
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Ruth 4:9 (KJV)

What does Ruth 4:9 mean?

Ruth 4:9 records Boaz publicly declaring to the elders and all the people that he has legally acquired everything that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon from Naomi. This statement makes the transaction official and recognized by the community as witnesses.

In this scene, Boaz is speaking at the town gate, where legal matters were settled in ancient Israel. By addressing the elders (the respected leaders) and the people present, Boaz ensures that everyone knows he has taken responsibility for the property and the family line of Naomi’s late husband and sons. This sets the stage for Boaz to marry Ruth and continue the family’s legacy.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 4:9

  • עֵדִים (ʿēdîm, "witnesses"): Boaz calls the elders and people "witnesses," emphasizing the importance of public acknowledgment in legal transactions at that time. Their role is to confirm and remember what has been done.
  • קָנִיתִי (qaniti, "I have bought"): This word means more than just purchasing; it often carries the sense of acquiring responsibility. Boaz is not only buying land but also taking on the duty to care for Naomi and Ruth.
  • מִיַּד (miyyad, "of the hand of"): This phrase shows the direct transfer from Naomi to Boaz, highlighting that Naomi had the right to the property after her husband and sons died, and she is now passing it on.

Why Ruth 4:9 matters

  • Ruth 4:9 clarifies that Boaz’s actions are not done in secret but are witnessed and approved by the community, making the transaction both legal and honorable.
  • The verse highlights the role of the kinsman-redeemer, showing how Boaz steps in to protect and provide for Naomi and Ruth, which is a key theme in the book of Ruth.
  • By naming Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon, Ruth 4:9 connects the property and responsibility directly to the family line, underlining the importance of preserving the family’s name and inheritance in Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Chilion's” Hebrew H3630 · used in 3 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.

“Mahlon's” 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 4:10 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.

“Elimelech's” Hebrew H458 · used in 6 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 1:3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
  • Ruth 2:3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

“Naomi” Hebrew H5281 · used in 20 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 1:21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?
  • 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.