Boaz awoke and saw Ruth at his feet. Ruth said, “I am Ruth, your servant; spread your cloak over your servant, for you are next of kin.” (NRSV, Ruth 3:9) In some translations, “next of kin” is translated as “kinsman redeemer.” The concept of kinsman redeemer implies something more than just being a relative. A kinsman redeemer had the privilege and responsibility of acting on behalf of female relatives if the female relatives had no father, brother, or husband.

Boaz informed Ruth that there was a kinsman who was a closer relative than he, so they had to consult him first.