4:4a
I thought: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I thought is literally “I said.” Boaz apparently said this to himself, thought it, or “decided.”
I should inform you: The Hebrew clause is literally “I will uncover your ear.” This is an idiom that means “give information to someone” or “cause someone to know the facts.”
Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:
I promised to open the matter with you (Revised English Bible)
-or-
I thought I should tell you about this (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
So I decided to tell you about it (New Century Version)
4:4b
that you may buy it back: The Berean Standard Bible uses an indirect quotation here. The Hebrew uses a direct quotation. In some languages, it may be more natural to use a direct quotation. For example:
4a I thought I should tell you about it 4b and say, “Acquire it…” (New Jerusalem Bible)
4:4c
in the presence of: This means “in front of.” Boaz was saying that the other man should decide if he wanted to buy the land from Naomi, while the people Boaz had selected were there and could be witnesses.
those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people: There are two ways to interpret these two phrases:
(1) They refer to two groups of people. For example:
in the presence of these men sitting here and in the presence of the leaders of our people (God’s Word)
(2) They refer to the same group of people that Boaz selected in 4:2a. For example:
in the presence of these men sitting here (Good News Translation)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions.
The Berean Standard Bible and the Hebrew mention the elders last. In many languages, it will better to mention the more important group, the elders, before mentioning the other people seated there. For example:
These ten men and the others standing here can be witnesses. (Contemporary English Version)
4:4d
If you want to redeem it, do so: In 4:4b Boaz used the general verb “buy.” But here he uses the term redeem that refers to the action of a kinsman-redeemer.
In this context, the verb includes the idea that a man buys back property to help a poor relative. So if possible you should keep the distinction here by using a different verb or verb phrase. For example:
If you wish to buy back the property, you can buy back the property. (God’s Word)
-or-
If you are going to do your duty as next-of-kin, then do so (Revised English Bible)
4:4e
But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know: Boaz told the man to redeem the land if he wished to do so, but asked the man to inform him if he did not want to do it. When Boaz heard the man’s answer, he would know what he himself could do.
tell me: These two wealthy men were having a formal, legal discussion. In many languages, a direct command would be inappropriate in such a situation. Translate this direct command in a way that shows that Boaz was speaking politely to the other relative.
Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:
But if you don’t want it, let me know right away (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
But if you decide not to buy it back, please tell me so that I will know what to do
4:4f
because there is no one but you to redeem it: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because introduces the reason that Boaz wanted to know the man’s decision. Boaz wanted to buy back the property himself, but this man had the right to choose first.
and I am next after you: The Hebrew clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I am next after you is literally “I am after you.” Boaz was the next relative to have the right to buy back the property.
Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:
for I am the only person to redeem it besides yourself, and I myself come after you (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
because the right to buy it belongs first to you and then to me (Good News Translation)
4:4g
“I will redeem it,” he replied: The nearer relative made his decision and gave a positive response. For example:
He replied, “I will redeem it.” (NET Bible)
-or-
The close relative answered, “I will buy back the land.” (New Century Version)
Notice that the Berean Standard Bible placed he replied after the quote. In some languages, it is more natural to put the quote after the introductory words, as in the examples above.
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