Yes, it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, but there is a redeemer nearer than I.
Parallel translations
- WEB Now it is true that I am a near kinsman. However, there is a kinsman nearer than I.
- KJV And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman 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 4:1Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.
- 1 Th 4:6and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.
- Matt 7:12In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of 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.