So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that conception and childbirth are not mere biological events, but direct gifts from the LORD, emphasizing God's active role even in the most intimate human experiences and the continuation of His people. It subtly corrects any thought that this union was solely about human planning or lineage, pointing instead to divine provision as the true source of fruitful life.
So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having fulfilled the kinsman-redeemer role and taken Ruth as his wife, Boaz now fulfills the marital covenant, leading to conception and the birth of a son. This child is not just a personal joy for Boaz and Ruth, but a divinely appointed heir who continues Naomi’s lineage and links Ruth, a foreigner, into the covenant people of Israel.
Ruth's story is extraordinary, but this moment highlights how God's plan can embrace those outside the expected circles. What does this say about inclusion in God's kingdom?
Boaz marries Ruth, a Moabite woman. This might seem unusual given the Old Testament laws, but there's a crucial distinction. The prohibition against Moabites marrying Israelites (Deuteronomy 23:3-6) was primarily for those who remained hostile or unassimilated.
Ruth's Unique Status
Boaz's marriage to Ruth demonstrates God's grace extending beyond ethnic or national lines, welcoming sincere believers into His fold.
In a world where conception was often a mystery, this verse points to a clear source of blessing. What does it mean when the text says, 'the LORD gave her conception'?
The birth of Obed, Ruth's son, isn't just a happy event; it's presented as a direct gift from God.
Divine Intervention:
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This humble birth in Bethlehem becomes a pivotal moment in salvation history. How does this one son connect to a future king and even us?
The birth of Obed is far more significant than just the continuation of Boaz's family line. It's a divine pivot point.
A Lineage of Blessing:
Ruth's marriage to Boaz wasn't just a personal blessing; it was a pivotal moment that brought a Moabite woman into the ancestry of Israel's greatest king, David, and ultimately, the Messiah, showing God's redemptive plan extending beyond national boundaries.
c. 11th century BC
Period of the Judges
This era in Israel's history was marked by cycles of disobedience, oppression, deliverance, and peace, often without a central king. The events in Ruth likely occurred during this time.
c. 11th century BC
Ruth's Migration to Israel
Orpah and Ruth, daughters-in-law of Naomi, vow to return with her to Bethlehem after their husbands die. Orpah eventually leaves, but Ruth famously pledges her loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel.
c. 11th century BC
Boaz and Ruth Meet
While gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband, Ruth garners his attention and favor due to her loyalty and hard work.
c. 11th century BC— this verse
Boaz Redeems Elimelech's Estate
Following ancient custom, Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, marrying Ruth and thus restoring the family line and inheritance of Naomi's deceased husband, Mahlon.
c. 11th century BC
Birth of Obed
Boaz and Ruth have a son named Obed, fulfilling the hope of Naomi and securing the lineage of David.
c. 10th century BC
Davidic Dynasty Established
Obed's son was Jesse, and Jesse's son was King David. This event establishes Ruth's place in the royal lineage of Israel.
This passage highlights God's intervention in conception, just as He opened Leah's womb when she was less loved, mirroring the divine blessing on Ruth's union with Boaz.
1 Samuel 1:20Similar to Hannah's longing and prayer for a child, Ruth's conception is explicitly attributed to the Lord's action, emphasizing God's sovereignty in granting children.
Matthew 1:5This verse shows the fulfillment of Ruth's story by placing her and Boaz in the lineage of Jesus Christ, underscoring the redemptive and historical significance of their union.
Deuteronomy 23:3-6While seemingly a prohibition against Moabites, this passage provides the backdrop against which Ruth's inclusion and Boaz's marriage to her were a remarkable act of God's grace, overcoming ethnic and historical barriers.
gillRuth 4:13: "So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife,.... Without any other rites or ceremonies than what are here expressed; for as yet the rites and ceremonies now in use with the Jews (o), in marriages had not obtained: and when he went in unto her; which is a modest expression of the conjugal duty performed him: the Lord gave her conception; for this is of God, let the ci…
henryRuth 4:13-22: "So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
4:13-22 Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time th…
This verse highlights that conception and childbirth are not mere biological events, but direct gifts from the LORD, emphasizing God's active role even in the most intimate human experiences and the continuation of His people. It subtly corrects any thought that this union was solely about human planning or lineage, pointing instead to divine provision as the true source of fruitful life.
Having fulfilled the kinsman-redeemer role and taken Ruth as his wife, Boaz now fulfills the marital covenant, leading to conception and the birth of a son. This child is not just a personal joy for Boaz and Ruth, but a divinely appointed heir who continues Naomi’s lineage and links Ruth, a foreigner, into the covenant people of Israel.
Having fulfilled the kinsman-redeemer role and taken Ruth as his wife, Boaz now fulfills the marital covenant, leading to conception and the birth of a son. This child is not just a personal joy for Boaz and Ruth, but a divinely appointed heir who continues Naomi’s lineage and links Ruth, a foreigner, into the covenant people of Israel.
"So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son." — This verse highlights that conception and childbirth are not mere biological events, but direct gifts from the LORD, emphasizing God's active role even in the most intimate human experiences and the…
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Last reviewed October 2026