BibleWord.ai› Bible› Ruth› Chapter 4› Verse 9

Ruth 4:9

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Ruth 4:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Ruth 4:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Ruth 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And 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.
7Now 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.
8So the near kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thyself. And he drew off his shoe.
9And 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.
10Moreover 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.
11And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. Jehovah make the woman that is come into thy house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem:
12and let thy house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which Jehovah shall give thee of this young woman.
← Ruth 4:8Ruth 4:10 →
← Full Chapter 4 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 Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, etc.] Who were present at the gate of the city, or in court: ye are witnesses this day that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s; all the land which belonged to him, who was the husband of Naomi, and the father of Ruth’s husband, whose estate Boaz now bought, paying the value for it to Naomi: and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s; the two sons of Elimelech, who, had they been living, would have enjoyed their father’s estate; but they being dead, it devolved on the mother, and after her on the widows, who must therefore agree to the sale of the estate, as Ruth did, (see <080405>Ruth 4:5). Of Orpah no notice is taken, because she…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“HE MARRIES RUTH. (Rut 4:9-12) Boaz said unto the elders, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was . . . Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi--Although the widow of Chilion was still living, no regard was paid to her in the disposal of her husband's property. From her remaining in Moab, she was considered to have either been married again, or to have renounced all right to an inheritance with the family of Elimelech.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Ye are witnesses: Gen 23:16-18; Jer 32:10-12 Ruth 4:10”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Ruth 4 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification