Ruth 3:12

12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman; however that be, there is a kinsman nearer than I.

Ruth 3:12 Meaning and Commentary

Ruth 3:12

And now it is true, that I am thy near kinsman
Her husband and he being brothers' sons, so own cousins:

howbeit, there is a kinsman nearer than I,
who was, the Jews say ^F23, the brother of her husband's father, and so his uncle, which was a nearer relation than an own cousin.

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FOOTNOTES:

F23 Midrash Ruth, ut supra. (31. 4. & 34. 2) Jarchi in loc.

Ruth 3:12 In-Context

10 And he said, "Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter; for thou hast shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followed not young men, whether poor or rich.

11 And now, my daughter, fear not. I will do for thee all that thou requirest, for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman; however that be, there is a kinsman nearer than I.

13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well. Let him do the kinsman's part. But if he will not do the part of a kinsman for thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman for thee, as the LORD liveth. Lie down until the morning."

14 And she lay at his feet until the morning; and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, "Let it not be known that a woman came unto the floor."