4:8

After the author explained the custom in 4:7, he continued the main story in 4:8.

4:8a

So: This word introduces the result of the custom. You can also translate it as “Then.”

the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal: There is a textual difference here:

(1) The Hebrew text ends with the word sandal : For example:

he took off his sandal (New Revised Standard Version)

(2) The Greek translation (LXX/Septuagint) has the additional words “and gave it to Boaz.” For example:

he took off one of his sandals and handed it to Boaz (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
he drew off his sandal and handed it over (Revised English Bible)

The Notes will follow interpretation (1). The words “and handed it to Boaz” were not in the original text of Ruth but were added later. However, 4:7c specifies that one man handed the sandal to the other. So if it is clearer in your language to complete the action, you may follow one of the versions listed under interpretation (2).

4:8b

Here are some other ways to introduce this verse:

So when the man said to Boaz (Good News Translation)
-or-
Then the man said…

and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.”: The command Buy it for yourself has almost the same meaning as “Take my right of redemption” in 4:6c. But here the more general word Buy is used.

The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Buy is a command. However, the other redeemer was giving Boaz permission to buy it rather than saying that he must buy it. So in many languages, it may be better to use a more polite expression. For example:

You may buy it yourself.

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