Fewer Words Version: Boaz was sitting at the city gate when the other close relative of Naomi's dead husband came by. Boaz said to him, "Naomi has returned from Moab, and she's selling some land that was owned by her husband Elimelech. Since you are his closest relative, you have the right to buy it. Do you want to? But if you buy the land from Naomi, you must also marry Naomi's daughter-in-law, Ruth, and have a son with her to carry on Elimelech's name and inheritance."
The close relative said, "Well then I can't buy the land. So you can if you want."
So Naomi's closest relative took off his shoe and gave it to Boaz, who said, "I have also bought Ruth, Mahlon's wife, to preserve his name and inheritance." Ruth 4:1-10
