4:6a
The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself: This verse introduces the response of the other kinsman-redeemer. The man answered without hesitating.
Here are some other ways to translate his response:
“Then I cannot act,” said the next-of-kin (Revised English Bible)
-or-
The man with the right of redemption then said, “I cannot use my right of redemption (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
The man answered, “In that case I will give up my right to buy the field (Good News Translation)
4:6b
or I would jeopardize my own inheritance: The man’s desire was that his own inheritance would belong to his own son or children after he died. If he bought the land from Naomi and married Ruth, he would have to pay for that land. Also, when a son was born to Ruth, that son would be considered a descendant of Elimelech and Mahlon, and would inherit that land.
jeopardize: He would jeopardize his own inheritance, because his own sons would have to share it with Ruth’s son. They would thus have a smaller share.
inheritance: This refers to the land, buildings, and possessions the man hoped to leave to his own sons when he died.
Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:
without damaging my own inheritance (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
If I did, I might harm what I can pass on to my own sons. (New Century Version)
4:6c
Take my right of redemption: The man gave the right of redemption to Boaz. In many languages, it would not be polite for a man to give a command in this situation.
Here are some other ways to translate the command:
You may take over my responsibility/right to redeem it.
-or-
You are free/welcome to buy it back yourself.
because I cannot redeem it: The man felt that he was not able to redeem Elimelech’s property without risking some loss to his own wealth, as explained above. He repeated this at the end of his speech to Boaz for emphasis.
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