4:9Meaning
Public witness and the land purchase Boaz addresses two audiences: the elders (local leaders) and “all the people” present. He declares them witnesses “this day,” emphasizing that the event is happening publicly and is meant to be remembered. He states the completed action: he has bought everything that belonged to Elimelech and also what belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. The seller-side is described as “from the hand of Naomi,” presenting Naomi as the one through whom the family’s property interest is being transferred.
Unit 2 (v. 10a): Public witness and taking Ruth as wife
Boaz adds “moreover” to show this is an additional, connected part of what he is doing. He identifies Ruth as “the Moabitess” and as “the wife of Mahlon,” tying her to both her origin and her deceased husband. He says he has “purchased” her “to be my wife,” using the same transactional language as the land statement, and again makes it a public fact in front of witnesses.
Unit 3 (v. 10b): Purpose—preserving the deceased man’s name with his inheritance
Boaz explains the intended outcome: “to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance.” In other words, the child born from this marriage would carry forward the deceased man’s name in connection with his land holding. Boaz states the negative alternative he seeks to avoid: the dead man’s name being “cut off” from among his brothers.
Unit 4 (v. 10c): Community location—brothers, gate, and repeated witness call
Boaz extends the concern beyond family to civic memory: he does not want the name removed “from the gate of his place,” the local public sphere where people are recognized and remembered. He closes by repeating, “you are witnesses this day,” reinforcing that the community has heard and can attest to what was done and why.