One verse. Three ways to understand.
Then Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there. And look, the relative that Boaz had mentioned happened to walk by! Boaz called out to him, 'Hey there, friend! Come over here and sit down.' So the man came over and sat down.
Boaz is taking action to resolve Ruth's situation by meeting with her closest male relative at the town gate, where legal matters were handled.
These are AI-assisted adaptations, not separate Bible editions. Compare them with the KJV source and read our methodology. How these readings are made →
Read the KJV source
King James Version · EnglishThen went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
In the time of the Judges, the city gate was a central hub in ancient Israelite society for public gatherings, legal transactions, and community decisions, much like a modern town square or courthouse. Boaz, a relative of Naomi, goes there to initiate a legal process regarding the redemption of her land and Ruth's future, involving another kinsman as required by custom. This scene highlights the cultural importance of family inheritance and the role of a kinsman-redeemer in preserving lineage and property.