And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
Now it's true that I am your close relative who can help you, but there is another relative who is even closer to your family than I am.
Boaz is telling Ruth that while he can legally marry her and help her family, there's another relative who has the first right to do so.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, the law required the closest male relative to marry a widow to continue the family line and protect her financially - this was called levirate marriage or kinsman-redeemer duty. Boaz is being honest with Ruth that while he's willing and able to fulfill this role, there's another man who is technically first in line according to family closeness. This shows Boaz's integrity in following proper legal procedures.
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