Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version (Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.) New Living Translation Now in those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party. This publicly validated the transaction. English Standard Version Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel. Berean Standard Bible Now 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 Literal Bible And this was formerly in Israel concerning the redemption and concerning the exchange: To confirm every matter, a man would remove his sandal and give it to his companion, and this was the testimony in Israel. King James Bible Now 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. New King James Version Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm anything: one man took off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation in Israel. New American Standard Bible Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the way of confirmation in Israel. NASB 1995 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel. NASB 1977 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel. Legacy Standard Bible Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the right of redemption and the exchange of land to establish any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel. Amplified Bible Now formerly in Israel this was the custom concerning redeeming and exchanging property. To confirm a transaction, a man pulled off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the way of confirming and attesting in Israel. Berean Annotated Bible Now in former times in Israel (he wrestles with God), 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. Christian Standard Bible At an earlier period in Israel, a man removed his sandal and gave it to the other party in order to make any matter legally binding concerning the right of redemption or the exchange of property. This was the method of legally binding a transaction in Israel. Holman Christian Standard Bible At an earlier period in Israel, a man removed his sandal and gave it to the other party in order to make any matter legally binding concerning the right of redemption or the exchange of property. This was the method of legally binding a transaction in Israel. American Standard Version Now this was the custom in 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. Contemporary English Version To make a sale legal in those days, one person would take off a sandal and give it to the other. English Revised Version Now this was the custom in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, for to confirm all things; a man drew off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was the manner of attestation in Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation (This is the way it used to be in Israel concerning buying back property and exchanging goods: In order to make every matter legal, a man would take off his sandal and give it to the other man. This was the way a contract was publicly approved in Israel.) Good News Translation Now in those days, to settle a sale or an exchange of property, it was the custom for the seller to take off his sandal and give it to the buyer. In this way the Israelites showed that the matter was settled. International Standard Version During Israel's earlier history, all things concerning redeeming or changing inheritances were confirmed by a man taking off his sandal and giving it to the other party, thereby creating a public record in Israel. NET Bible (Now this used to be the customary way to finalize a transaction involving redemption in Israel: A man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party. This was a legally binding act in Israel.) New Heart English Bible Now this was the custom in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man took off his sandal, and gave it to his neighbor; and this was the way of attestation in Israel. Webster's Bible Translation Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for confirming all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow 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. World English Bible Now this was the custom in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man took off his sandal, and gave it to his neighbor; and this was the way of formalizing transactions in Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd this [is] formerly in Israel for redemption and for exchanging, to establish anything: a man has drawn off his sandal, and given [it] to his neighbor, and this [is] the Testimony in Israel. Berean Literal Bible And this was formerly in Israel concerning the redemption and concerning the exchange: To confirm every matter, a man would remove his sandal and give it to his companion, and this was the testimony in Israel. Young's Literal Translation And this is formerly in Israel for redemption and for changing, to establish anything: a man hath drawn off his sandal, and given it to his neighbour, and this is the testimony in Israel. Smith's Literal Translation And this before in Israel upon redemption and upon exchange, to set up all the word; a man drew off his shoe and gave to his neighbor: and this the precept in Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow 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 neighhour; this was a testimony of cession of right in Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version Yet it was the custom between kinsmen in this former time in Israel, that if at anytime one yielded his right to another, so as to confirm his permission, the man took off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor. This was a testimony of concession in Israel. New American Bible Now it used to be the custom in Israel that, to make binding a contract of redemption or exchange, one party would take off a sandal and give it to the other. This was the form of attestation in Israel. New Revised Standard Version Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one took off a sandal and gave it to the other; this was the manner of attesting in Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow this was the custom in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and the exchanging of rights to redeem which confirmed transactions: a man pulled off his shoe and gave it to another; and this was the testimonial ceremony in Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And behold, to establish this redemption before the children of Israel and the exchange of redemption, a man looses his shoe and he gives it to his companion, and this is a testimony in Israel OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now this was the custom in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man drew off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour; and this was the attestation in Israel.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation And this was in former time the ordinance in Israel for redemption, and for a bargain, to confirm every word: A man loosed his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour that redeemed his right; and this was a testimony in Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Boaz Redeems Ruth…6The 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.” 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. 8So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”… Cross References Now in former times in Israel, 1 Samuel 9:9 (Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. concerning the redemption or exchange of property, Leviticus 25:25-28 If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold. / Or if a man has no one to redeem it for him, but he prospers and acquires enough to redeem his land, / he shall calculate the years since its sale, repay the balance to the man to whom he sold it, and return to his property. … Jeremiah 32:6-15 Jeremiah replied, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying: / 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. … Numbers 36:7-9 No inheritance in Israel may be transferred from tribe to tribe, because each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. / Every daughter who possesses an inheritance from any Israelite tribe must marry within a clan of the tribe of her father, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. / No inheritance may be transferred from one tribe to another, for each tribe of Israel must retain its inheritance.” to make any matter legally binding Deuteronomy 19:15 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Genesis 23:16-20 Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants. / So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre, the cave that was in it, and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded over / to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city. … Esther 8:8 Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.” a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, Deuteronomy 25:9-10 his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal, spit in his face, and declare, “This is what is done to the man who will not maintain his brother’s line.” / And his family name in Israel will be called “The House of the Unsandaled.” Amos 8:6 Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” Amos 2:6 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. and this was a confirmation in Israel. 1 Samuel 30:25 And so it has been from that day forward. David established this statute and ordinance for Israel to this very day. Judges 11:39 After two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. And she had never had relations with a man. So it has become a custom in Israel Joshua 24:27 And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” Deuteronomy 25:7-10 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.” / Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, “I do not want to marry her,” / his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal, spit in his face, and declare, “This is what is done to the man who will not maintain his brother’s line.” … Treasury of Scripture Now 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 neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel. a man plucked off. Deuteronomy 25:7-10 And if the man like not to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife 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 my husband's brother… Jump to Previous Attesting Changing Confirm Confirming Custom Drew Earlier Exchange Exchanging Israel Manner Matter Neighbor Neighbour Party Plucked Property Redeeming Redemption Removed Sandal Shoe Testimony Time Times TransferJump to Next Attesting Changing Confirm Confirming Custom Drew Earlier Exchange Exchanging Israel Manner Matter Neighbor Neighbour Party Plucked Property Redeeming Redemption Removed Sandal Shoe Testimony Time Times TransferRuth 4 1. Boaz calls into judgment the next kinsman6. 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 Now in former times in Israel This phrase sets the historical context, indicating a practice from ancient Israel. The book of Ruth is set during the time of the Judges, a period characterized by social and religious upheaval. Understanding the customs of this era is crucial for interpreting the narrative. The phrase suggests a tradition that was well-known to the original audience but may have been outdated by the time the text was written. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. BoazA prominent man of noble character from the tribe of Judah, who acts as the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. 2. Ruth A Moabite widow who remains loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi and becomes part of the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus. 3. Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law, who returns to Bethlehem from Moab after the death of her husband and sons. 4. Bethlehem The setting of the account, a town in Judah, significant as the birthplace of King David and Jesus. 5. The Sandal Exchange A cultural practice in ancient Israel symbolizing the transfer of rights and property, akin to a legal contract. Teaching Points Cultural Context and Legal PracticesUnderstanding the cultural and legal practices of ancient Israel, such as the sandal exchange, helps us appreciate the historical context of biblical accounts. Redemption and Responsibility Boaz's willingness to redeem Ruth and Naomi's property illustrates the biblical principle of taking responsibility for family and community, reflecting God's redemptive nature. Faithfulness and Loyalty Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and Boaz's integrity are examples of faithfulness that believers are called to emulate in their relationships. God's Sovereignty and Providence The events in Ruth demonstrate God's sovereign plan and providence, working through ordinary people and events to fulfill His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ruth 4:7?2. How does Ruth 4:7 illustrate the importance of honoring traditional customs today? 3. What does the sandal exchange in Ruth 4:7 symbolize in biblical transactions? 4. How can we apply the principle of integrity from Ruth 4:7 in business? 5. What other biblical instances involve symbolic acts to confirm agreements? 6. How does Ruth 4:7 encourage us to respect cultural practices in our communities? 7. What is the significance of the sandal exchange in Ruth 4:7 for ancient Israelite customs? 8. How does Ruth 4:7 illustrate the concept of redemption in biblical law? 9. Why was the sandal used as a symbol of legal transactions in Ruth 4:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ruth 4? 11. In Ruth 4:7, is the “shoe exchange” ceremony documented elsewhere in ancient Near Eastern records, or is it unique to this text? 12. What guidance does the Bible offer on sadness? 13. What is the publication date of Ruth? 14. How does Isaiah 25:6, which speaks of a universal feast for all peoples, align with other Old Testament passages emphasizing Israel's exclusivity? What Does Ruth 4:7 Mean Now in former times in IsraelGod’s Word places Ruth in real history, so the narrator pauses to help later readers understand an ancient custom. Scripture often does this when practices have faded (see 1 Samuel 9:9, where the text explains what a “seer” used to be called). The clarification reassures us that what follows truly happened and that the covenant community had recognizable legal processes, confirming passages like Deuteronomy 31:9-13 that emphasize recording and preserving God-given law for all generations. concerning the redemption or exchange of property The context is Boaz’s negotiation at the gate for Naomi’s land and Ruth’s hand. “Redemption” echoes Leviticus 25:25-34, where a kinsman buys back family land so it stays within the clan. “Exchange of property” reminds us of Jeremiah 32:6-15, another legal land transfer. Both scenes spotlight God’s concern that families retain their inheritance, pointing forward to Christ who redeems a people and secures their eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). to make any matter legally binding Israel took legal certainty seriously. At the city gate, elders witnessed transactions (Proverbs 31:23; Deuteronomy 19:15). The phrase assures us the coming act is not symbolic only; it seals a contract recognized by the whole community, underscoring that God’s law brings both order and protection (Psalm 19:7-9). a man would remove his sandal The sandal symbolized walking the land. By taking it off, the near-kinsman renounced his right to tread on (possess) that property. Deuteronomy 25:8-10 features a similar act in levirate marriage; there, the refusal carries shame, but here it simply formalizes the transfer. The tangible gesture matches Israel’s preference for visible signs—think of the rainbow with Noah (Genesis 9:12-13) or the stones from the Jordan (Joshua 4:6-7). and give it to the other party The hand-to-hand exchange made the renunciation personal and public. Everyone present could see ownership shift, just as later the pierced hands of Jesus would publicly confirm our redemption (John 20:27-28). The giving of the sandal is a small picture of substitution: one relinquishes so another may receive, echoing 2 Corinthians 8:9. and this was a confirmation in Israel The narrator concludes that the act met every legal requirement. Boaz can now marry Ruth, leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus (Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1:5-6). God’s faithfulness works through ordinary laws and customs to accomplish extraordinary redemption, affirming Romans 8:28 in narrative form. summary Ruth 4:7 explains an ancient legal custom so later readers grasp why a sandal mattered in Boaz’s time. Removing and handing over the sandal publicly transferred property rights, making the transaction irrevocable. The practice reflected Israel’s covenant concern for family inheritance, foreshadowed Christ’s redemptive work, and showcased God’s providence in everyday life. (7) In former time.--Arguments have been built on this word in favour of our assigning a late date to the book, but the inference seems hardly warranted. The same Hebrew word occurs in Deuteronomy 2:10, Judges 1:10, &c.Plucked off his shoe.--The idea of this act apparently is that the man resigns the right of walking on the land as master, in favour of him to whom he gives the shoe. A similar but not identical custom is prescribed in Deuteronomy 25:9. A testimony.--The testimony, the manner in which the solemn witness is born. Verse 7. - And this was formerly a custom in Israel, on occasion of surrendering rights of kinship, or of selling and buying land, in order to confirm any matter; a man drew off his shoe and gave it to the other contracting party. This was attestation in Israel. We give a free translation. The custom was significant enough. He who sold land, or surrendered his right to act as a kinsman in buying land, intimated by the symbolical act of taking off his shoe, and handing it to his friend, that he freely gave up his right to walk upon the soil, in favor of the person who had acquired the possession. Corresponding symbolical acts, in connection with the transfer of lands, have been common, and probably still are, in many countries. No doubt the shoe, after being received, would be immediately returned.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew (Nowוְזֹאת֩ (wə·zōṯ) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, in former times לְפָנִ֨ים (lə·p̄ā·nîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face in Israel, בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc concerning עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the redemption הַגְּאוּלָּ֤ה (hag·gə·’ūl·lāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1353: Redemption, relationship or exchange of property, הַתְּמוּרָה֙ (hat·tə·mū·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8545: Barter, compensation to make any כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every matter דָּבָ֔ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause legally binding לְקַיֵּ֣ם (lə·qay·yêm) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand a man אִ֛ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person would remove שָׁלַ֥ף (šā·lap̄) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8025: To pull out, up, off his sandal נַעֲל֖וֹ (na·‘ă·lōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5275: A sandal tongue, a sandal, slipper and give it וְנָתַ֣ן (wə·nā·ṯan) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set to the other party, לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ (lə·rê·‘ê·hū) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow and this [was] וְזֹ֥את (wə·zōṯ) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, a confirmation הַתְּעוּדָ֖ה (hat·tə·‘ū·ḏāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8584: Attestation, a precept, usage in Israel.) בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links Ruth 4:7 NIVRuth 4:7 NLT Ruth 4:7 ESV Ruth 4:7 NASB Ruth 4:7 KJV Ruth 4:7 BibleApps.com Ruth 4:7 Biblia Paralela Ruth 4:7 Chinese Bible Ruth 4:7 French Bible Ruth 4:7 Catholic Bible OT History: Ruth 4:7 Now this was the custom in former (Ru Rut.) |
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