Bible Dictionary
Kinsman
A kinsman, or goel, was the nearest male relative who had duties toward an impoverished or endangered family member. He could redeem property or relatives and serve as an avenger of blood; God is also called his people’s Redeemer.
Definition
A kinsman, or goel, was the nearest living male blood relative. He had important obligations toward his family, including redeeming inherited property or relatives sold into slavery and acting as an avenger of blood.
Biblical Usage
The kinsman-redeemer protected family inheritance and relatives in poverty or bondage. The goel also acted as the avenger of blood in cases involving the murder of a near relative. God is called the Goel of his people because he redeems them.
Historical Background
The term goel comes from a root meaning “to redeem.” Its duties arose from the Hebrew family and inheritance structure and extended to property, personal freedom, and the protection of kin.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heb. goel, from root meaning to redeem. The goel among the Hebrews was the nearest male blood relation alive. Certain important obligations devolved upon him toward his next of kin. (1.) If any one from poverty was unable to redeem his inheritance, it was the duty of the kinsman to redeem it (Lev. 25:25, 28; Ruth 3:9, 12). He was also required to redeem his relation who had sold himself into slavery (Lev. 25:48, 49). God is the Goel of his people because he redeems them (Ex. 6:6; Isa. 43:1; 41:14; 44:6, 22; 48:20; Ps. 103:4; Job 19:25, etc.). (2.) The goel also was the avenger (q.v.) of blood (Num. 35:21) in the case of the murder of the next of kin.