📖 Biblical Definition
The kinsman near enough in family relation to qualify as goel (kinsman-redeemer), with the legal right and obligation to redeem a relative's property, raise up seed for a deceased childless brother, or avenge the blood of a murdered kinsman. Levitical law (Lev 25:23-55) and the levirate provisions (Deut 25:5-10) establish the role. The canonical narrative is Ruth 3-4: Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer for Naomi's family, but there is a nearer kinsman who has the first right of refusal. Boaz brings the case to the gate before ten elders; the unnamed nearer kinsman initially accepts the property but declines when he learns the levirate obligation comes with Ruth the Moabitess. He removes his shoe, the transaction is sealed, and Boaz redeems both the property and Ruth, marrying her and producing Obed, grandfather of David and ancestor of Christ. The kinsman-near figure is the foil that highlights Boaz's willingness; the gospel pattern: where the law-bound near kinsman declined the cost, the willing kinsman-redeemer paid in full.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The kinsman qualified to redeem.
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The kinsman near enough in family to qualify under Mosaic law as redeemer of land or wife; in the Ruth narrative, the unnamed nearer kinsman who declines the role at the city gate, allowing Boaz (next in line) to redeem both the field and Ruth herself.
📖 Key Scripture
Ruth 3:12 — "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 4:6 — "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."
Leviticus 25:25 — "If any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Forgotten as legal detail, missing how the unnamed near kinsman's refusal makes Boaz's redemption possible — and types Christ.
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The unnamed near kinsman in Ruth 4 makes a quiet decision: he will not endanger his own inheritance to redeem Naomi's. Boaz steps in. The picture preaches: only One was both able and willing to redeem at full cost — Christ. The near kinsman declined; the great kinsman did not.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew qarov — near; goel — redeemer.
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['Hebrew', 'H7138', 'qarov', 'near']
['Hebrew', 'H1350', 'gaal', 'to redeem']
Usage
"The near kinsman declined; Boaz redeemed."
"Christ alone is the great Kinsman-Redeemer."