Ruth 4:7 kjva — Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all thing…

King James Version with Apocrypha

"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."

— Ruth 4:7, King James Version with Apocrypha

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Ruth 4:7 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “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.”

  • ASV

    “Now 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. ”

  • WEB

    “Now this was [the custom] in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man took off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor; and this was the [way of] attestation in Israel.”

  • NET

    “(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.)”

  • DRB

    “Now 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 neighbour; this was a testimony of cession of right in Israel.”

  • BBE

    “Now, in earlier times this was the way in Israel when property was taken over by a near relation, or when there was a change of owner. To make the exchange certain one man took off his shoe and gave it to the other; and this was a witness in Israel.”

Ruth 4 — Context

4

And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.

5

Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.

6

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.

7

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.

8

Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.

9

And 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.

10

Moreover 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.

Ruth 4:7 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ruth 4:7 say?
Ruth 4:7 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “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.”
Where is Ruth 4:7 in the Bible?
Ruth 4:7 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ruth, chapter 4, verse 7.
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 4:7.
What translation should I read Ruth 4:7 in?
Ruth 4:7 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 4:7?
Ruth 4:7 reads (KJVA): “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.” 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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