What Is a Kinsman-Redeemer — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Ruth 3:9, sits inside Ruth 3. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Doctrine of Election?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Covenant Theology?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Anthropology in Theology?
Theology & Doctrine
2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Meaning & Devotional
Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16 — Meaning & Devotional
Scripture
Acts 2:42 Commentary
In-depth study • Early Church Life
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.