5 Then Boaz said, "On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the[1] dead man's widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property."

Other Translations of Ruth 4:5

King James Version

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.

English Standard Version

5 Then Boaz said, "The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire RuthMasoretic Text you also buy it from Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance."

The Message

5 Then Boaz added, "You realize, don't you, that when you buy the field from Naomi, you also get Ruth the Moabite, the widow of our dead relative, along with the redeemer responsibility to have children with her to carry on the family inheritance."

New King James Version

5 Then Boaz said, "On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance."

New Living Translation

5 Then Boaz told him, "Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband's name and keep the land in the family."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ruth 4:5

Commentary on Ruth 4:1-8

(Read Ruth 4:1-8)

This matter depended on the laws given by Moses about inheritances, and doubtless the whole was settled in the regular and legal manner. This kinsman, when he heard the conditions of the bargain, refused it. In like manner many are shy of the great redemption; they are not willing to espouse religion; they have heard well of it, and have nothing to say against it; they will give it their good word, but they are willing to part with it, and cannot be bound to it, for fear of marring their own inheritance in this world. The right was resigned to Boaz. Fair and open dealing in all matters of contract and trade, is what all must make conscience of, who would approve themselves true Israelites, without guile. Honesty will be found the best policy.