Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from the Bible. It's a really important and touching part of the story of Ruth! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Boaz is saying he wants to marry Ruth. Now, here’s the catch – Ruth isn't Jewish. She’s a Moabite woman – meaning she comes from a background that wasn’t traditionally considered Jewish. Boaz sees her as a good person and believes she deserves a chance at marriage. The Promise: Boaz wants to make it clear that he doesn’t just want any wife, but a wife who will honor the memory of someone who has died . He's proposing that Ruth become his wife and that her name will be remembered as a legacy – a way to keep her life alive in the family. Think of it like this: He wants to give her a special, lasting place in his family’s history and traditions. It’s a demonstration of love and respect. Boaz is showing that he values her more than just her physical attractiveness – he recognizes her worth as someone connected to the past, and he's willing to make her a part of his future. In short, it’s a beautiful example of how Boaz demonstrates kindness and generosity by offering Ruth a chance at marriage. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in the story? Give you more context about Ruth's situation before Boaz came along?