Ruth 4:6 net — The guardian said,“Then I am unable to redeem it, for I would ruin my own inheritance in that case. You may exercise my…

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.”"

— Ruth 4:6, NET Bible

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Ruth 4:6 in Other Translations

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Ruth 4 — Context

3

Then Boaz said to the guardian,“Naomi, who has returned from the region of Moab, is selling the portion of land that belongs to our relative Elimelech.

4

So I am legally informing you: Acquire it before those sitting here and before the leaders of my people! If you want to exercise your right to redeem it, then do so. But if not, then tell me so I will know. For you possess the first option to redeem it; I am next in line after you.” He replied,“I will redeem it.”

5

Then Boaz said,“When you acquire the field from Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the wife of our deceased relative, in order to preserve his family name by raising up a descendant who will inherit his property.”

6

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.”

7

(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.)

8

So the guardian said to Boaz,“You may acquire it,” and he removed his sandal.

9

Then Boaz said to the leaders and all the people,“You are witnesses today that I have acquired from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon.

Ruth 4:6 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ruth 4:6 say?
Ruth 4:6 in the NET Bible reads: “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.””
Where is Ruth 4:6 in the Bible?
Ruth 4:6 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ruth, chapter 4, verse 6.
Who wrote Ruth?
Ruth is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel). It was written c. 1011–931 BC.
What is the book of Ruth about?
Ruth is the tender story of a Moabite widow who clings to her Israelite mother-in-law and to the LORD, and finds refuge under the wing of a kinsman-redeemer named Boaz. Set in the time of the judges, it ends with the genealogy of King David — and ultimately points toward Christ.
What are the major themes of Ruth?
Ruth explores themes including Loyalty, Redemption, Providence, Kindness, Lineage of David. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ruth 4:6.
What translation should I read Ruth 4:6 in?
Ruth 4:6 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ruth 4:6?
Ruth 4:6 reads (NET): “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.”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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