ACH

“If a member of your people has become poor, so that he can’t support himself among you, you are to assist him as you would a foreigner or a temporary resident, so that he can continue living with you.”
Leviticus 25:35

In Leviticus 25:25 we are introduced to the term ‘next-of-kin’, or kinsman. It is stated in this scripture that if one of the Isra’elites was to become poor and sell some of his property, his next-of-kin could come and buy back what his relative sold. In Leviticus 25:35, however, this same term is used in reference to people. Probably the most classic example of this played out in scripture is within the story of Ruth. When Ruth came to rest at Boaz’s feet, as instructed by Naomi, Boaz responded that there was a closer next-of-kin that would have the chance before him. When this kinsman passed on the offer, the land then became that of Boaz.
Looking simply to define the term, the word ‘kinsman’ as seen in Leviticus 25:35, is the Hebrew word ACH. Literally translated, the word is defined as ‘brother’. As the land, property, or servant was to be offered within the family, it makes sense to read this as one brother literally offering this item to his brother. However, the word also can be defined as ‘countryman.’ This then also makes sense as the item was to stay within the Isra’elite race.

Leviticus 25:29-38