BibleWord.ai› Bible› Ruth› Chapter 3› Verse 12

Ruth 3:12

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Ruth 3:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And now it is true that I am a near kinsman; howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And now it is true that I am a near kinsman; howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Ruth 3:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Ruth 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thy handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thy handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
10And he said, Blessed be thou of Jehovah, my daughter: thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
11And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou sayest; for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a worthy woman.
12And now it is true that I am a near kinsman; howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
13Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman`s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as Jehovah liveth: lie down until the morning.
14And she lay at his feet until the morning. And she rose up before one could discern another. For he said, Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing-floor.
15And he said, Bring the mantle that is upon thee, and hold it; and she held it; and he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid it on her: and he went into the city.
← Ruth 3:11Ruth 3:13 →
← Full Chapter 3 Ruth Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And now it is true, that I am thy near kinsman, etc.] Her husband and he being brothers’ sons, so own cousins: howbeit, there is a kinsman nearer than I, who was, the Jews say f61, the brother of her husband’s father, and so his uncle, which was a nearer relation than an own cousin.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“By “kinsman,” understand the גאל gā'al (Ruth 2:20 note). return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:12-13 Another man was more closely related to Elimelech than Boaz. He had the first right of refusal to act as family redeemer and (according to most interpreters) to marry Ruth.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“there is: Rut 4:1; Mat 7:12; Th1 4:6 Ruth 3:13”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Ruth 3 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification