Ruth 4:7
What does Ruth 4:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 4:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 4:7 means
The narrator explains an older custom: removing one’s shoe and giving it to the other party served as a public sign to confirm redemption or exchange. This aside orients later readers to a practice no longer common in their day. The point is that legal acts were sealed with visible tokens in the presence of witnesses. These symbolic gestures mattered because they preserved memory and forestalled dispute. The transaction is not casual but properly attested. In redemption matters, both word and sign align to establish truth. The custom underscores how God’s people prized ordered, verifiable commitments when dealing with property and family responsibilities.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now this wasthe customin former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man drew off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now this wasthe customin former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man drew off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now, in earlier times this was the way in Israel when property was taken over by a near relation, or when there was a change of owner. To make the exchange certain one man took off his shoe and gave it to the other; and this was a witness in Israel.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And this <FI>is<Fi> formerly in Israel for redemption and for changing, to establish anything: a man hath drawn off his sandal, and given <FI>it<Fi> to his neighbour, and this <FI>is<Fi> the testimony in Israel.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now this in former times was the manner in Israel between kinsmen, that if at any time one yielded his right to another: that the grant might be sure, the man put off his shoe and gave it to his neighbour; this was a testimony of cession of right in Israel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now this [was the custom] in former time in Israel concerning redemption and concerning exchange, to confirm the whole matter: a man drew off his sandal, and gave it to his neighbour, and this was the [mode of] attestation in Israel.
Context
Following the nearer kinsman’s refusal, the story pauses to explain the sign that will soon be used. This explanation ensures readers understand the meaning of what they are about to see. With that background, the next verse will show the nearer kinsman actually removing his sandal to finalize the transfer, preparing for Boaz’s formal announcement to the elders and the gathered people.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 25:7
And if the man like not to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife shall go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband’s brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother unto me.
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