Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
In Hebrew the participle of the verb gaal, "to redeem." It is rendered in the Authorized Version "kinsman," Num. 5:8; Ruth 3:12, 4:1, 6, 8; "redeemer," Job 19:25; "avenger," Num. 35:12; Dt. 19:6, etc. The Jewish law gave the right of redeeming and repurchasing, as well as of avenging blood, to the next relative, who was accordingly called by this name.