Stanton, MildaVenter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-2007-07-092007-07-092006-03Stanton, M & Venter, P 2006, 'Die juridiese problematiek van grondbesit in die boek Rut', HTS Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 235-251. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_hervorm.html]0259-9422http://hdl.handle.net/2263/2933Juridical matters play an important role in the book of Ruth. There appears to be a contradiction between Ruth 1:21 and Ruth 4:3. In the former, Naomi is depicted as a desperately poor ("empty") widow. In the latter, Naomi is unexpectedly presented as the owner of land. This contradiction can be solved by understanding Naomi's right in respect of her late husband's land as a right other than ownership. A study of female ownership of land, the right of a wife to inherit from her husband, analysis of the literary elements in the book of Ruth, the rural backdrop, the theme of survival and the vocabulary in the narrative, lead to the conclusion that we are here dealing with what would today be recognised as a usufruct.134630 bytesapplication/pdfAfrikaansReformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of PretoriaRutBible -- O.T. -- Ruth IV, 3 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.Inheritance and succession -- Israel -- Early works to 1800Usufruct -- Israel -- Early works to 1800Women -- Legal status, laws, etc. (Jewish law)Article