And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The neighbors' choice of the name Obed, meaning "servant," carries a beautiful double meaning: it reflects their hope that he would be a comfort and servant to Naomi in her old age, while also foreshadowing his ultimate role as a servant in the lineage of King David and the Messiah. This simple act of naming highlights how even ordinary community interactions can be part of God's grand, redemptive plan.
And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the joyous conclusion of Ruth's story, as neighbors celebrate the birth of her son to Boaz, solidifying the restoration of Naomi's family line. The child is named Obed, a name that signifies his role in serving Naomi, and this naming immediately connects him to a grander lineage. Obed becomes the father of Jesse, who in turn is the father of King David, placing Ruth and Naomi at the very roots of Israel's royal and redemptive history.
Why did the neighbors choose the name Obed for Naomi's grandson? The meaning is more than just a label; it speaks to hopes and divine purpose.
The name 'Obed' literally means 'servant.' This name, given by the women of the neighborhood, reflects their hopes for the child. They saw him as a 'servant' to Naomi, meant to care for her in her old age, bringing comfort and support after her deep losses.
But this 'service' extends beyond a simple familial duty. It hints at a deeper, divine calling. The lineage that Obed represents is one of service to God and, ultimately, to all humanity through King David and the Messiah. The name itself becomes a prophecy of a life dedicated to serving God's purposes, starting with his own family and rippling out to the entire nation.
How did a Moabite woman, Ruth, end up in the royal lineage of Israel? This verse is the stunning culmination of her faithfulness.
The book of Ruth begins with devastation and ends with a remarkable inclusion. Ruth, a foreigner from Moab, through her steadfast love and loyalty to Naomi, becomes a pivotal figure in Israel's history.
This verse, Ruth 4:17, solidifies her place by naming her son, Obed, as the grandfather of King David. This is extraordinary! Israelite law, found in Deuteronomy 23:3, restricted Ammonites and Moabites from entering 'the assembly of the LORD.' Yet, God’s grace and plan operated beyond these human boundaries. Ruth’s story, culminating in this genealogy, shows God’s heart for the nations and how He can weave anyone who is faithful into His grand redemptive story.
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Understand the original words
Obed · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning 'servant' or 'worshiper' (of Yahweh). In the biblical context, it signifies the one who serves God's purpose in the messianic lineage.
This verse anchors Ruth's story within the grand sweep of Israel's history, showing how a Moabite woman, through marriage and motherhood, becomes a vital link in the royal lineage leading to King David and ultimately the Messiah.
c. 11th-10th century BC
Period of the Judges
A tumultuous era in Israel's history marked by a cycle of sin, oppression, deliverance, and peace, often lacking strong central leadership.
c. 11th century BC— this verse
Boaz marries Ruth
Boaz, a wealthy landowner from Bethlehem, marries Ruth, a Moabite widow, fulfilling the kinsman-redeemer role and bringing her into the lineage of Israel.
c. 11th century BC
Birth of Obed
Ruth and Boaz's son, Obed, is born in Bethlehem. The neighbors and community recognize him as a son for Naomi, ensuring the family line continues.
c. 11th century BC
Obed's Lineage
Obed becomes the father of Jesse, establishing a direct ancestral link to the future king David, a key figure in Israel's history.
c. 1040 BC
Birth of King David
Jesse's son, David, is born in Bethlehem, eventually becoming Israel's greatest king and a pivotal figure in salvation history.
c. 10th century BC
David's Reign
David rules Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the capital, fulfilling prophecies and setting the stage for the Temple.
This verse directly links Obed, Ruth's son, to the lineage of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the promise of a redeemer originating from the line of David.
Luke 1:58Similar to Ruth's story, neighbors and kinsfolk gather to celebrate the birth of John the Baptist and propose his name, highlighting community involvement in naming and recognizing divine providence.
Deuteronomy 23:3This passage discusses exclusion from the assembly of the Lord, making Ruth's inclusion and her lineage's prominence a remarkable fulfillment and a testament to God's grace that extends beyond national boundaries.
1 Samuel 16:1This verse introduces Jesse of Bethlehem as the father of David, directly connecting the end of Ruth's story to the beginning of David's rise to prominence and establishing the genealogical link.
cambridgeRuth 4:17: "And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."
17 . the women her neighbours ]. Cf. Ruth 4:14 and Ruth 1:19 . In St Luke 1:58 f., the neighbours and kinsfolk propose to name the child. There is a son born to Naomi ] The child is popularly considered to belong to Naomi’s family. Cf. Genesis 30:3 , where the son of Bilhah, born on the knees of Rachel, is regarded as Rach…
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…
The neighbors' choice of the name Obed, meaning "servant," carries a beautiful double meaning: it reflects their hope that he would be a comfort and servant to Naomi in her old age, while also foreshadowing his ultimate role as a servant in the lineage of King David and the Messiah. This simple act of naming highlights how even ordinary community interactions can be part of God's grand, redemptive plan.
This verse marks the joyous conclusion of Ruth's story, as neighbors celebrate the birth of her son to Boaz, solidifying the restoration of Naomi's family line. The child is named Obed, a name that signifies his role in serving Naomi, and this naming immediately connects him to a grander lineage. Obed becomes the father of Jesse, who in turn is the father of King David, placing Ruth and Naomi at the very roots of Israel's royal and redemptive history.
This verse marks the joyous conclusion of Ruth's story, as neighbors celebrate the birth of her son to Boaz, solidifying the restoration of Naomi's family line. The child is named Obed, a name that signifies his role in serving Naomi, and this naming immediately connects him to a grander lineage. Obed becomes the father of Jesse, who in turn is the father of King David, placing Ruth and Naomi at the very roots of Israel's royal and redemptive history.
"And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David." — The neighbors' choice of the name Obed, meaning "servant," carries a beautiful double meaning: it reflects their hope that he would be a comfort and servant to Naomi in her old age, while also foresh…
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Last reviewed October 2026