Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7300 Institutions and culture of OT  »  7388 kinsman-redeemer

The relative who restores or preserves the full community rights of disadvantaged family members. The concept arises from God's covenant relationship with Israel and points to the redemption of humanity in Jesus Christ.

Covenant rules for the kinsman-redeemer

The kinsman-redeemer's obligation to redeem the land

Leviticus 25:25-28; Jeremiah 32:6-9

The kinsman-redeemer's obligation to redeem the enslaved

Leviticus 25:47-55

The kinsman-redeemer's obligation to provide an heir

Genesis 38:8-10; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Matthew 22:23-28 pp Mark 12:18-23 pp Luke 20:27-33

The kinsman-redeemer's obligation to avenge death

Numbers 35:16-21

The kinsman-redeemer's obligation to be a trustee

Numbers 5:5-8

The kinsman-redeemer in the book of Ruth

Ruth 2:20 See also Ruth 3:1-4:17

The LORD as redeemer

Exodus 6:6-7 See also 2 Samuel 7:22-24; Isaiah 43:1-7; Isaiah 54:5-8; Jeremiah 50:33-34

The kinsman-redeemer reflects God's concern for the poor and oppressed

Proverbs 23:10-11 See also Psalm 68:5-6; Psalm 72:2-4

God's provision of Jesus Christ as kinsman-redeemer

Galatians 4:4-7 See also Galatians 3:13-14; Hebrews 2:11-18

See also

1115  God, purpose of
1345  covenant
2033  Christ, humanity
2321  Christ as redeemer
5446  poverty
5680  family
6714  ransom
6717  reconciliation, world to God
6720  redemption
7310  avenger of blood