Definition: And now it is true that I [am thy] near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ruth 3:12. It's a really beautiful and important part of the story! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about someone who is deeply connected to Naomi and her family, and they are incredibly close to her. It highlights a strong bond of love and loyalty. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman…” – This means “Now, it’s clear to me that I am someone you care about very much.” "Near kinsman" is a fancy way of saying "a close friend or relative." It emphasizes a connection. “howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I” – This is the key part. “Howbeit” means "but". It's a little bit more poetic and adds a touch of emphasis. "There is a kinsman nearer than I" means, “There’s someone closer to you than I.” So, what does it really mean? It's saying that Naomi has a very close connection with someone – likely her daughter Ruth – who is considered more like family. Naomi is feeling a strong sense of love and obligation towards her. The Significance: This verse shows the importance of family and loyalty in the story of Ruth. It emphasizes that Naomi’s love for her children was so strong, that it led her to consider someone else as a close connection. In short, this verse is about deep affection and a sense of responsibility towards someone important to Naomi. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the story? Give you some context about the story of Ruth?