Ruth 4:8
What does Ruth 4:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 4:8 means
In line with the explained custom, the nearer kinsman tells Boaz, “Buy it for thyself,” and takes off his shoe. This simple act publicly seals his renunciation and Boaz’s right to redeem. There is no ambiguity left; the gathered witnesses have both the spoken consent and the symbolic token. The moment marks the turning point from potential rivalry to settled authorization. What began as a test of motives becomes the platform for grace to proceed. Boaz is not merely permitted to act—he is charged to redeem in the full light of day, with every legal and communal safeguard honored.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So the near kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thyself. And he drew off his shoe.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So the near kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thyself. And he drew off his shoe.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So the near relation said to Boaz, Take it for yourself. And he took off his shoe.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the redeemer saith to Boaz, `Buy <FI>it<Fi> for thyself,' and draweth off his sandal.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So Booz said to his kinsman: Put off thy shoe. And immediately he took it off from his foot.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he that had the right of redemption said to Boaz, Buy for thyself; and he drew off his sandal.
Context
The narrative moves from explanation to enactment. With the sandal custom clarified, the nearer kinsman carries it out, formally transferring the right. This clears the way for Boaz to speak. The following verses will contain Boaz’s comprehensive declaration: he has acquired Elimelech’s property and will take Ruth as wife to raise up Mahlon’s name. The community will answer with a rich blessing, confirming Heaven’s favor on this lawful redemption.
v.7Now 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.
v.8This passage
v.9And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.
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