Ruth 4:6 The kinsman-redeemer replied, "I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it."

◄ Ruth 4:6 ►

New International Version
At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.”

New Living Translation
“Then I can’t redeem it,” the family redeemer replied, “because this might endanger my own estate. You redeem the land; I cannot do it.”

English Standard Version
Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”

Berean Standard Bible
The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.”

King James Bible
And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.

New King James Version
And the close relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inheritance. You redeem my right of redemption for yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, otherwise I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption, since I cannot redeem it.”

NASB 1995
The closest relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, because I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem it.”

NASB 1977
And the closest relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem it.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So the kinsman redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inheritance. You redeem my right of redemption for yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”

Amplified Bible
The closest relative (redeemer) said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, because [by marrying a Moabitess] I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption (purchase) yourself, because I cannot redeem it.”

Christian Standard Bible
The redeemer replied, “I can’t redeem it myself, or I will ruin my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I can’t redeem it.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The redeemer replied, “I can’t redeem it myself, or I will ruin my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I can’t redeem it.”

American Standard Version
And the near kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: take thou my right of redemption on thee; for I cannot redeem it.

Contemporary English Version
The man answered, "If that's the case, I don't want to buy it! That would make problems with the property I already own. You may buy it yourself, because I cannot."

English Revised Version
And the near kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: take thou my right of redemption on thee; for I cannot redeem it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The man replied, "In that case I cannot assume responsibility for her. If I did, I would ruin my inheritance. Take all my rights to buy back the property for yourself, because I cannot assume that responsibility."

Good News Translation
The man answered, "In that case I will give up my right to buy the field, because it would mean that my own children would not inherit it. You buy it; I would rather not."

International Standard Version
At this, the nearer related redeemer replied, "Then I am unable to act as related redeemer, because that would complicate my own inheritance. You act instead as the related redeemer, because I cannot do so."

Majority Standard Bible
The kinsman-redeemer replied, ?I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.?

NET Bible
The guardian said, "Then I am unable to redeem it, for I would ruin my own inheritance in that case. You may exercise my redemption option, for I am unable to redeem it."

New Heart English Bible
The near kinsman said, "I can't redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption for yourself; for I can't redeem it."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.

World English Bible
The near kinsman said, “I can’t redeem it for myself, lest I endanger my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption for yourself; for I can’t redeem it.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the redeemer says, “I am not able to redeem [it] for myself, lest I destroy my inheritance; redeem for yourself—you—my right of redemption, for I am not able to redeem.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the redeemer saith, 'I am not able to redeem it for myself, lest I destroy mine inheritance; redeem for thyself -- thou -- my right of redemption, for I am not able to redeem.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the near relative will say, I shall not be able to redeem for me, lest I shall destroy my inheritance: redeem to thyself; thou the near relative: for I shall not be able to redeem.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
He answered: I yield up my right of next akin: for I must not cut off the posterity of my own family. Do thou make use of my privilege, which I profess I do willingly forego.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He answered, “I yield my right of kinship, for I am obliged not to cut off the posterity of my own family. You may make use of my privilege, which I freely declare I will forego.”

New American Bible
The redeemer replied, “I cannot exercise my right of redemption for that would endanger my own estate. You do it in my place, for I cannot.”

New Revised Standard Version
At this, the next-of-kin said, “I cannot redeem it for myself without damaging my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the near kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I damage my own inheritance; you can redeem it yourself; because of my lack of confidence in this transaction I cannot redeem it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Redeemer said: “I am not able to redeem it, lest I would destroy my inheritance. You redeem it, because of the lack of my confidence, I am not able to redeem it”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the near kinsman said: 'I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance; take thou my right of redemption on thee; for I cannot redeem it.'--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the kinsman said, I shall not be able to redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance; do thou redeem my right for thyself, for I shall not be able to redeem it.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Boaz Redeems Ruth
…5Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” 6The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it (Prep:: 1cs) -- myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.” 7Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Leviticus 25:25
If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold.

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. / But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” ...

Numbers 27:8-11
Furthermore, you shall say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter. / If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. / If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. ...

Genesis 38:8-10
Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.” / But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. / What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well.

Jeremiah 32:7-8
Behold! Hanamel, the son of your uncle Shallum, is coming to you to say, ‘Buy for yourself my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.’ / Then, as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and urged me, ‘Please buy my field in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for you own the right of inheritance and redemption. Buy it for yourself.’” Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD.

Matthew 22:24-28
“Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. / The same thing happened to the second and third brothers, down to the seventh. ...

Mark 12:19-23
“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. / Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise. ...

Luke 20:28-33
“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife but died childless. / Then the second ...

Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

Hebrews 7:25
Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.

1 Corinthians 6:20
you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

1 Peter 1:18-19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

Colossians 1:14
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Isaiah 43:1
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!

Treasury of Scripture

And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance: redeem you my right to yourself; for I cannot redeem it.

Jump to Previous

Able Closest Damaging Destroy Endanger Heritage Inheritance Kin Kinsman Kinsman-Redeemer Mar Part Redeem Redeemer Redemption Relation Relative Right Thyself

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Able Closest Damaging Destroy Endanger Heritage Inheritance Kin Kinsman Kinsman-Redeemer Mar Part Redeem Redeemer Redemption Relation Relative Right Thyself

Ruth 4

1. Boaz calls into judgment the next kinsman
6. He refuses the redemption according to the manner in Israel
9. Boaz buys the inheritance
11. He marries Ruth
13. She bears Obed, the grandfather of David
18. The generations of Pharez unto David

Berean Study Bible

The kinsman-redeemer replied
The term "kinsman-redeemer" is derived from the Hebrew word "go'el," which refers to a close relative who has the responsibility to redeem a family member in distress, whether by buying back land, marrying a widow, or avenging blood. This role is deeply rooted in the Levitical laws (Leviticus 25:25-55) and reflects God's provision for family and community support. The kinsman-redeemer is a type of Christ, who redeems humanity from sin and death.

I cannot redeem it myself
The phrase "I cannot redeem it myself" indicates the kinsman-redeemer's recognition of his limitations. In the context of ancient Israel, redeeming land or marrying a widow was not just a financial transaction but a covenantal duty. His inability to fulfill this role highlights the importance of counting the cost before making commitments, a principle echoed by Jesus in Luke 14:28-30.

or I would jeopardize my own inheritance
The concern about jeopardizing his own inheritance suggests that the kinsman-redeemer was worried about the financial implications of acquiring additional land and responsibilities. In ancient Israel, inheritance was a sacred trust passed down through generations. This highlights the tension between personal interests and communal responsibilities, a theme that resonates with the Christian call to selflessness and stewardship.

Take my right of redemption
By saying "Take my right of redemption," the kinsman-redeemer formally transfers his legal obligation to Boaz. This act of relinquishment is significant in the context of the book of Ruth, as it paves the way for Boaz to fulfill his role as the redeemer. It underscores the importance of willingness and ability in fulfilling God's purposes, as Boaz becomes a forebear of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ.

because I cannot redeem it
The repetition of "I cannot redeem it" emphasizes the kinsman-redeemer's acknowledgment of his inability to fulfill the role. This humility and honesty are crucial in the biblical narrative, as they allow God's providential plan to unfold through Boaz. It serves as a reminder that God's purposes are often accomplished through human limitations and surrender, pointing to the ultimate redemption found in Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) Lest I mar . . .--The redemption of the land would involve the spending of money, drawn away from the Goel's own estate; but the land thus acquired would not belong to the Goel himself, but to the son he should have by Ruth, who would yet be, in the eyes of the law, the son of Mahlon. It would, therefore, be like mortgaging one's own estate, and that for the benefit of another. Josephus and the Targum explain it by saying that he already had a wife, and feared the discord that might arise.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - And the kinsman said, I am not able to perform, for myself, the kinsman's part, lest I should destroy my inheritance. Perform thou, for thyself, the kinsman's part devolving on me, for I am not able to perform it. The moment that Ruth was referred to, as the inseparable appurtenance of Elimelech's estate, a total change came over the feelings of the anonymous relative and the spirit of his dream. He "could not," so he strongly put it, perform the kinsman's part. The probability is that he already had a family, but was a widower. This being the state of the case, it followed that if he should acquire Ruth along with her father-in-law's property, there might be an addition, perhaps a numerous addition, to his family; and if so, then there would be more to provide for during his lifetime, and at his death an increased subdivision of his patrimony. This, as he strongly put it, would be to "destroy" his patrimony, inasmuch as it might be frittered into insignificant fractions. There can be no reference, as the Chaldee Targumist imagined, to his fear of domestic dissensions. Or, if he did indeed think of such a casualty, he certainly did not give the idea expression to Boaz and the assessors. Cassel takes another view. "It must be," he says, "her Moabitish nationality that forms the ground, such as it is, of the kinsman's refusal. Elimelech's misfortunes had been popularly ascribed to his emigration to Moab; the death of Chillon and Machlon to their marriage with Moabitish women. This it was that had endangered their inheritance. The goal fears a similar fate. He thinks that he ought not to take into his house a woman, marriage with whom has already been visited with the extinguishment of a family in Israel." But if this had been what he referred to when he spoke of the "destruction" of his inheritance, it was not much in harmony with the benevolence which he owed to Boaz, and to which he so far gives expression in the courtesy of his address, that he should have gratuitously urged upon his relative what he declined as dangerous for himself. The expressions "for myself" and "for thyself" (לִי and לְך) are significant. The anonymous relative does not conceal the idea that it would be only on the ground of doing what would be for his own interest that he could entertain for consideration the proposal of Naomi. He likewise assumed that if Boaz should be willing to act the kinsman's part, it would be simply because it could be turned to account for his own interest. He did not know that there was in Boaz's heart a love that truly "seeketh not her own," but in honor prefers the things of another.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The kinsman-redeemer
הַגֹּאֵ֗ל (hag·gō·’êl)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1350: To redeem, act as kinsman

replied,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I cannot
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

redeem it myself,
לִגְאָל־ (liḡ·’āl-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1350: To redeem, act as kinsman

or
פֶּן־ (pen-)
Conjunction
Strong's 6435: Removal, lest

I would jeopardize
אַשְׁחִ֖ית (’aš·ḥîṯ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin

my own inheritance.
נַחֲלָתִ֑י (na·ḥă·lā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

Take my right of redemption,
גְּאֻלָּתִ֔י (gə·’ul·lā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1353: Redemption, relationship

because
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I cannot
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

redeem it.”
לִגְאֹֽל׃ (liḡ·’ōl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1350: To redeem, act as kinsman

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OT History: Ruth 4:6 The near kinsman said I can't redeem (Ru Rut.)