Now it is true that I am a near kinsman. However, there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Parallel translations
- KJV And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
- BSB Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I.
- NKJV Now it is true that I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I.
- NASB But now, although it is true that I am a redeemer, yet there is also a redeemer more closely related than I.
- NLT But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Boaz reveals that, though he is a kinsman, there is one nearer who has prior right. He honors proper order rather than seizing the opportunity for himself.
Overview
Boaz's integrity shows in his disclosure of a closer relative whose claim to redeem must be addressed first. Rather than acting rashly, he respects the lawful priority of redemption. This honesty introduces the final tension of the story, which Boaz will resolve righteously at the city gate.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- Ruth 4:1Now Boaz went up to the gate, and sat down there. Behold, the near kinsman of whom Boaz spoke came by. He said to him, “Come over here, friend, and sit down!” He turned aside, and sat down.
- 1 Th 4:6that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.
- Matt 7:12Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Boaz the kinsman-redeemer who buys back the destitute and takes a bride foreshadows Christ, our Redeemer who pays the price to make a people his own; and from Ruth's line comes David, and David's greater Son.
How Ruth 3:12 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.