Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed,
English Standard Version (ESV)
What might seem like a simple list of names is actually a powerful testament to God weaving His redemptive plan through unlikely ancestors, including a foreigner and a woman associated with questionable origins. This lineage, culminating in Jesus, highlights how God's grand narrative embraces those on the margins.
Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes a genealogy that traces the lineage from Perez all the way down to David, highlighting Ruth's crucial role. It's the closing statement of the entire book, summarizing the fulfillment of Naomi's hopes and cementing Ruth's place in Israel's history through her descendants.
This short verse might seem like just a genealogical marker, but it's the quiet start of an epic story. It connects ordinary people to an extraordinary future.
The verse lists three key men: Salmon, Boaz, and Obed. This isn't just a dry record; it's a testament to God's faithfulness.
A Thread Through Time
This lineage highlights that God chooses to work through ordinary, and even unlikely, people to accomplish His grandest purposes.
Did you know this simple family line leads directly to Jesus? This verse is a crucial link in the greatest story ever told.
This genealogy isn't just about King David; it's about the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.
The Seed of Promise
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Understand the original words
yalad · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew word for "to father" or "to beget" signifies the act of procreation and the continuation of a biological or genealogical line. In the context of genealogies, it emphasizes the preservation of the family line and the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises through successive generations.
Boaz · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning "in his strength" or "swiftness." He was the son of Salmon and Rahab, and the husband of Ruth, playing a pivotal role in the preservation of the Messianic line. He is a type of kinsman-redeemer, illustrating God's grace in incorporating Gentiles into the lineage of the Messiah.
Obed · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning "serving" or "worshiper." He was the son of Boaz and Ruth, representing the bridge between the period of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, continuing the line of promise.
This genealogy, found at the end of the Book of Ruth, places the story within the broader sweep of Israel's history, culminating in the royal line of King David and ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ.
c. 13th Century BC
Conquest of Canaan
The Israelite tribes, led by Joshua, conquered the land of Canaan after their exodus from Egypt. This period saw the establishment of the Israelite people in their promised land.
c. 12th-11th Century BC
Period of the Judges
Following the conquest, Israel was governed by a series of charismatic leaders called judges. This era was marked by cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance, and it was during this time that the events of Ruth unfolded.
c. 11th Century BC— this verse
Boaz marries Ruth
Boaz, a prominent landowner in Bethlehem, redeems Naomi's land and marries Ruth, a Moabite woman. This marriage was a pivotal moment, as it brought Ruth into the lineage of Israel's future king.
c. 11th Century BC
Birth of Obed
Ruth gives birth to Obed, the son of Boaz. This birth is a significant event, marking the continuation of Boaz's line and fulfilling Naomi's hopes.
c. 11th Century BC
Jesse is born
Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz, fathers Jesse. This further establishes the lineage that will eventually lead to King David.
c. 1040 BC
David is born
Jesse fathers David, who will become the most famous king of Israel. David's ancestry through Ruth and Boaz highlights God's redemptive work and His inclusion of foreigners.
c. 5th Century BC
Book of Ruth written
The Book of Ruth was likely written during or after the Babylonian exile, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His plan to include Gentiles in His redemptive history.
This passage directly quotes the genealogy from Ruth, highlighting Salmon, Boaz, and Obed's place in the lineage leading directly to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the divine plan woven through these lives.
1 Chronicles 2:10-12This offers another instance of the same genealogy, confirming the historical importance of Salmon, Boaz, and Obed within the lineage of David and, consequently, the Messiah.
Luke 3:32-33This also includes Obed and Boaz in Jesus' genealogy, further underscoring their critical role in salvation history and the fulfillment of God's promises across generations.
Matthew 1:5This verse specifically mentions Rahab as the mother of Boaz, linking the story of Ruth with another significant Gentile woman integrated into Israel's redemptive history, just as Ruth was.
gillRuth 4:21: "And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,"
And Salmon begat Boaz,.... Of Rahab the harlot, whom he married, Matthew 1:5 the very same person that makes a principal part of this book, and whom the Targum here takes to be the judge Ibzan; see Gill on Ruth 1:1 . and Boaz begat Obed; of Ruth; of whom see the preceding verses.
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…
What might seem like a simple list of names is actually a powerful testament to God weaving His redemptive plan through unlikely ancestors, including a foreigner and a woman associated with questionable origins. This lineage, culminating in Jesus, highlights how God's grand narrative embraces those on the margins.
This verse concludes a genealogy that traces the lineage from Perez all the way down to David, highlighting Ruth's crucial role. It's the closing statement of the entire book, summarizing the fulfillment of Naomi's hopes and cementing Ruth's place in Israel's history through her descendants.
This verse concludes a genealogy that traces the lineage from Perez all the way down to David, highlighting Ruth's crucial role. It's the closing statement of the entire book, summarizing the fulfillment of Naomi's hopes and cementing Ruth's place in Israel's history through her descendants.
"Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed," — What might seem like a simple list of names is actually a powerful testament to God weaving His redemptive plan through unlikely ancestors, including a foreigner and a woman associated with questiona…
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Last reviewed October 2026