Goel (Hebrew: גואל, romanized: goʾel, lit. 'redeemer'), in the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic Judaism, is a person who, as the nearest relative of someone, is charged with the duty of restoring that person's rights and avenging wrongs done to him or her. One duty of the goel was to redeem (purchase back) a relative who had been sold into slavery.
The term "Goel" is derived from the Hebrew word "גֹּאֵל" (go'el), which means "redeemer" or "kinsman-redeemer." This concept is deeply rooted in the social and legal customs of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament.
GOEL gō’ ĕl (גֹּאֵ֑ל, redeemer). The present active participle of the word which means “to redeem,” “to act as a kinsman,” or “to do the part of the next of kin.” The term is found frequently in the OT as describing the person who is next of kin and his respective duties.
Goel is the participle of the Hebrew word gal'al ("to deliver," "to redeem") which aside from its common usage is frequently employed in connection with Hebrew law, where it is the technical term applied to a person who as the nearest relative of another is placed under certain obligations to him.
The meaning of GOEL is redeemer, reclaimant; especially : a next of kin upon whom according to ancient Hebrew custom devolved certain family rights and duties including the avenging of a murdered kin's blood and the redemption of the person or property of a relative in debt or helpless circumstances.
The goel, often translated as “kinsman-redeemer,” played a crucial part in ensuring justice and support within the family unit. This figure was responsible for actions ranging from redeeming property to avenging wrongs done to relatives, acting as both protector and restorer.