Ruth 4:6

"And the near kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: take thou my right of redemption on thee; for I cannot redeem it."

"I cannot redeem it." "These words mean, simply, `I cannot afford it.'"[5] There are two reasons that entered into this refusal: (1) The increased financial burden inherent in rearing another family, and (2) the stigma that popular prejudice fastened upon marriage to a foreigner, especially a Moabitess. Cassel, as quoted by Morrison, stated that, "It was Ruth's Moabite nationality that formed the ground, such as it was, of the near kinsman's refusal."[6]

This verse revealed the moment of truth for the entire transaction. The near kinsman refused twice to redeem it and also declared that he waived his right to do so, requesting Boaz to take the right for himself. Boaz, of course, promptly did it, proclaiming his redemption of the land as well as his intention of marrying Ruth to raise up a son to carry forward the name and family of Elimelech.