People & groups
Kinsman-redeemer
A close relative expected to protect family property, freedom, or continuity.
Also called · Guardian-redeemer · Family redeemer
What it means
Israelite law gave a near kinsman roles such as buying back family land or redeeming a relative from debt service. Related family duties varied by case.
In Ruth, Boaz acts as redeemer in a legal process involving land and marriage, while noting that a nearer relative had the first right.
How it appears in the Bible
The institution joined kinship responsibility with restoration of a vulnerable family’s place and inheritance.
Translation note
No single English expression captures every use of the Hebrew family-law term; context defines the particular duty.