Old Testament
Ruth 4:5
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Then Boaz said, "The day you buy the field from Naomi, you must also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the deceased, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance."
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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.
What Ruth 4:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Boaz is explaining to a closer relative that if he wants to buy the land that belonged to Naomi, he must also marry Ruth, Naomi's daughter-in-law. This is important because Ruth's deceased husband, who was part of Naomi's family, needs to have his name and lineage continued. By marrying Ruth, the relative would ensure that the family line remains intact and that the inheritance is preserved. This reflects the cultural practice of levirate marriage, where a man marries his deceased brother's widow to maintain the family name and property. Boaz is emphasizing the responsibility that comes with the purchase of the land, highlighting the connection between land ownership and family legacy in Israelite society. This situation sets the stage for Boaz's eventual decision to marry Ruth, showcasing his commitment to family and duty.
How to apply Ruth 4:5 to your life
This verse teaches us about the importance of honoring family commitments and responsibilities. In our lives, we should consider how our actions affect our family legacy and relationships. Upholding commitments can strengthen bonds and ensure that we honor those who have come before us.
Curated for this public verse page. Ruth Summary
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Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: At the City Gate (Ruth 4:1–12)
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Ruth
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Ruth 4:5
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ruth
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of Boaz's statement in Ruth 4:5?
Boaz's statement highlights the cultural practice of levirate marriage, where a man is obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow to preserve the family lineage. By stating that the relative must also marry Ruth if he buys Naomi's land, Boaz emphasizes the importance of family legacy and responsibility in Israelite society. This sets the stage for Boaz's own commitment to marry Ruth, showcasing his dedication to family and duty.
What does Ruth 4:5 teach about family responsibilities?
Ruth 4:5 teaches that family responsibilities are significant and should be honored. The verse illustrates how actions related to property and marriage can impact family legacy. It encourages individuals to consider how their decisions affect their family's future and relationships, emphasizing the importance of commitment and loyalty to family obligations.
How does Ruth 4:5 relate to the concept of redemption?
In Ruth 4:5, the concept of redemption is intertwined with the idea of preserving family lineage. By marrying Ruth, the relative would not only redeem the land but also redeem the family name of the deceased. This act of redemption reflects a deeper spiritual significance, as it symbolizes the restoration of what was lost and the continuation of God's plan for His people through family ties.
What cultural practices are highlighted in Ruth 4:5?
Ruth 4:5 highlights the cultural practice of levirate marriage, which was common in ancient Israel. This practice required a man to marry his brother's widow to ensure the continuation of the family line and inheritance. The verse illustrates how property ownership and familial obligations were closely linked in Israelite culture, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family legacy and responsibilities.
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