Ruth 4:5
Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.
Ruth 4:5 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Boaz is speaking to a potential buyer of a field that belongs to Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth the Moabitess. Boaz reminds the buyer that if he acquires the field, he must also take responsibility for Ruth, the widow of Naomi's son. This act symbolizes the ancient Israelite practice of a kinsman-redeemer, where a close relative would step in to protect the family's inheritance and legacy. By marrying Ruth and caring for her, the buyer would be fulfilling his duty to preserve the name and legacy of the deceased relative and ensure that their lineage continues. This verse highlights the importance of family relationships, inheritance rights, and the duty to provide for those in need within the biblical context.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Ruth, we see Boaz discussing the terms of purchasing the field from Naomi with a closer relative. Boaz makes it known that in addition to buying the field, the closer relative must also take Ruth, the Moabitess, as his wife to continue the lineage of the deceased husband. This act was in accordance with the Levirate law, where a man was expected to marry the widow of his deceased relative to ensure that the family line and inheritance would continue. This theological interpretation highlights the importance of lineage and inheritance in biblical times, as well as the duty of family members to take care of one another even after death. The word study of "raise up" in this context indicates the act of carrying on the name and reputation of the deceased husband, ensuring that his memory and lineage are preserved. Overall, this verse underscores the themes of family loyalty, honor, and the importance of fulfilling cultural and legal obligations within the biblical narrative.
Ruth 4:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.
World English Bible
Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must buy it also from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance.”
Douay-Rheims
And Booz said to him: When thou shalt buy the field at the woman's hand, thou must take also Ruth, the Moabitess, who was the wife of the deceased: to raise up the name of thy kinsman in his inheritance.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou mnst also buy it of Ruth the Moabitesse the wife of the dead, to stirre vp the name of the dead, vpon his inheritance.