A kinsman-redeemer is a term used in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) to refer to a male relative who, according to various laws of the Pentateuch, had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or in need of redemption. The role of a kinsman-redeemer includes responsibilities such as redeeming a relative from slavery, buying back property, avenging the death of a family member, and marrying a widow to preserve the family lineage.
The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is closely associated with the Hebrew laws and customs that govern family relationships, property rights, and the preservation of family lineage. One of the most well-known kinsman-redeemers in the Bible is Boaz, who married Ruth and redeemed her deceased husband’s land, as described in the Book of Ruth. Other notable examples include the levirate marriage law found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 and the role of the kinsman-redeemer in the Year of Jubilee, as outlined in Leviticus 25.
Additional Notes
Levirate Marriage
The levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) required a brother of a deceased man to marry his brother’s widow in order to preserve the family lineage and provide for the widow. The first son born from this union would be considered the heir of the deceased brother, thus ensuring the continuation of his name and inheritance. If the brother refused to fulfill this duty, the widow could bring the matter before the elders and publicly shame the brother for not fulfilling his role as a kinsman-redeemer.
Year of Jubilee
In the Year of Jubilee, which occurred every 50 years, the kinsman-redeemer played a crucial role in the restoration of property and the release of slaves (Leviticus 25). The kinsman-redeemer had the responsibility to redeem or buy back any family property that had been sold due to financial hardship. This ensured that land remained within the family and that generational wealth could be preserved. Additionally, the kinsman-redeemer could also redeem family members who had sold themselves into slavery to pay off debts.
Kinsman-Redeemer in the Book of Ruth
The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Book of Ruth (Ruth 2-4) illustrates the role of a kinsman-redeemer in action. Ruth, a Moabite widow, and her mother-in-law Naomi returned to Bethlehem after the death of their husbands. Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, took notice of Ruth and treated her kindly. Eventually, Boaz fulfilled the role of kinsman-redeemer by marrying Ruth and redeeming her late husband’s land, thus providing for her and ensuring the continuation of her family line. This union ultimately led to the birth of their great-grandson, King David, and established a lineage that would later include Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-16).
Symbolic Significance of the Kinsman-Redeemer
The role of the kinsman-redeemer is a symbolic representation of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the kinsman-redeemer in the Old Testament had the responsibility to redeem family members and their property, Jesus, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, is seen as the Redeemer who paid the price for humanity’s sin and brought about reconciliation with God.
Jesus is often referred to as the “Redeemer” in the New Testament, fulfilling the prophetic promises of the Old Testament (Galatians 3:13; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19). He is described as a close relative, a “kinsman,” to humanity through His incarnation, and as the ultimate Redeemer who brings salvation and restoration to those who believe in Him.
The theological connection between the kinsman-redeemer and Jesus Christ is further emphasized in the Book of Hebrews, where Jesus is portrayed as a high priest who is able to sympathize with human weaknesses and offer a perfect sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 4:14-15; 7:26-27). By becoming human and taking on the role of Redeemer, Jesus fulfills the legal requirements of the kinsman-redeemer and brings about a greater and eternal redemption that transcends the temporary and earthly provisions of the Old Testament laws. (Isaiah 59:20, Luke 1:68)