What Is a Kinsman-Redeemer?
What Is a Kinsman-Redeemer? A kinsman-redeemer (goel) was a close relative who had the right and responsibility to redeem a family member from debt, slavery, or to continue a deceased relative's lineage.
Key verse: Ruth 3:9 (KJV)
A kinsman-redeemer (goel) was a close relative who had the right and responsibility to redeem a family member from debt, slavery, or to continue a deceased relative's lineage.
A kinsman-redeemer (goel) was a close relative who had the right and responsibility to redeem a family member from debt, slavery, or to continue a deceased relative's lineage.
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." — Ruth 3:9 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
The Hebrew word 'goel' refers to a near relative who acts as a redeemer or protector. Under Israelite law, the goel could buy back property sold due to poverty (Leviticus 25:25), redeem a relative from slavery (Leviticus 25:47-49), avenge a murdered family member (Numbers 35:19), and marry a deceased brother's widow to continue his line (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). Boaz served as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3-4). Theologically, the concept foreshadows Christ as our ultimate Redeemer — a kinsman (through His incarnation) who pays the price to set us free from sin's bondage.
Key Scripture References
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
"If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was Ruth in the Bible?
Ruth was a Moabite woman who chose to follow her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi and worship the God of Israel. She married Boaz and became the great-grandmother of King David.
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Ruth. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Ruth on day 69 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is a Kinsman-Redeemer?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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