One verse. Three ways to understand.
So the relative said to Boaz, 'You buy it then.' And he took off his sandal.
The relative officially gave up his right to buy Ruth's land by removing his sandal, which was the legal custom of that time.
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 · EnglishTherefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, the story of Ruth unfolds during the time of the Judges, a period marked by social instability and moral challenges, where family redemption was a key cultural practice. Boaz was seeking to act as a kinsman-redeemer by purchasing Naomi's land and marrying Ruth, but another relative had the prior claim, leading to a public transaction. The removal of the shoe was a traditional legal ceremony that symbolized the transfer of rights, ensuring the agreement was binding and witnessed by the community.