Ruth 4:9
What does Ruth 4:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Ruth 4:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ruth 4:9 means
Boaz addresses the elders and all the people, declaring them witnesses that he has bought all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon from Naomi. He states the matter comprehensively to avoid any later challenge. This purchase restores the family’s holdings under a responsible head and ensures Naomi’s security. The public nature of his declaration shows integrity and courage; he wants nothing concealed. Redemption here is legal, generous, and transparent. Boaz stands as a model of covenant faithfulness, filling a gap with strength and tenderness for the sake of family and community, not merely for his personal advancement.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Boaz said to the responsible men and to all the people, You are witnesses today that I have taken at a price from Naomi all the property which was Elimelech's, and everything which was Chilion's and Mahlon's.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Boaz saith to the elders, and <FI>to<Fi> all the people, `Witnesses <FI>are<Fi> ye to-day that I have bought all that <FI>is<Fi> to Elimelech, and all that <FI>is<Fi> to Chilion and Mahlon, from the hand of Naomi;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he said to the ancients, and to all the people: You are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and Chelion's, and Mahalon's, of the hand of Noemi:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Boaz said to the elders and 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;
Context
With the right of redemption transferred, Boaz now proclaims the completed acquisition of the family property. This addresses the land portion first, paralleling how the negotiation began. Next he will add the marital obligation regarding Ruth. The order is precise and intentional, demonstrating that nothing is done hastily or out of step. After Boaz’s full declaration, the witnesses will respond with blessing, affirming the righteousness and hopefulness of what has been achieved.
v.8So the near kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thyself. And he drew off his shoe.
v.9This passage
v.10Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 32:10
And I subscribed the deed, and sealed it, and called witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances.
- Genesis 23:16
And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
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