Rut 4:4 | NETfull | STEP | So I am legally informing you: Acquire it before those sitting here and before the leaders of my people! If you want to exercise your right to redeem it, then do so. But if not, then tell me so I will know. For you possess the first option to redeem it; I am next in line after you.” He replied, “I will redeem it.”

Ruth 4:4

4 So I am legally informing you: ^{▼▼ Heb “and I said [or perhaps, “thought to myself”], ‘I will [or “must”] uncover your ear, saying’”; NAB “So I thought I would inform you”; NIV “I thought I should bring the matter to your attention.”} Acquire it before those sitting here and before the leaders of my people! ^{▼▼ The phrase “before those sitting here and before the leaders of my people” appears to refer to the leaders who were specially chosen as witnesses (v. 2) and the larger group of community leaders standing by. It is possible, however, that the phrases “before those sitting here” and “before the leaders of my people” are appositional and that both refer to the ten leaders mentioned in v. 2 (cf. NLT “in the presence of these witnesses”).} If you want to exercise your right to redeem it, then do so. ^{▼▼ Heb “if you will redeem, redeem” (KJV, NASB, NRSV all similar); NCV “If you want to buy back the land, then buy it.”} But if not, then tell me ^{▼▼ Heb “but if he will not redeem, tell me.” Most English versions emend the third person verb form (“he”) to the second person form because Boaz is addressing the closer relative. But it is possible that he briefly addresses the witnesses and refers to the closer relative in the third person. See J. M. Sasson, Ruth, 118.} so I will know. ^{▼▼ Following the imperative, the prefixed verb form with vav indicates purpose or result.} For you possess the first option to redeem it; I am next in line after you.” ^{▼▼ Heb “for there is no one besides you to redeem, and I am after you” (NASB similar).} He replied, “I will redeem it.”