Ruth 4:13

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Boaz {H1162} took {H3947} Ruth {H7327}, and she was his wife {H802}: and when he went in {H935} unto her, the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} her conception {H2032}, and she bare {H3205} a son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Bo'az took Rut, and she became his wife. He had sexual relations with her, ADONAI enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

Berean Standard Bible

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And when he had relations with her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

American Standard Version

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife; and he went in unto her, and Jehovah gave her conception, and she bare a son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:13 marks the joyous and divinely orchestrated climax of the book, detailing the consummation of the marriage between Boaz and Ruth. Following the intricate legal and social customs of the time, Boaz has fulfilled his role as kinsman-redeemer, securing Naomi's land and taking Ruth as his wife. This verse highlights God's direct intervention in their union, granting Ruth conception and thereby ensuring the continuation of Elimelech's family line, a pivotal event in the unfolding of redemptive history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic legal proceedings at the city gate described in [Ruth 4:1-12](/ruth/4-1 "Ruth 4:1-12 - Boaz at the City Gate"). Boaz, acting as the kinsman-redeemer (goel), successfully navigates the complex legal requirements to acquire the land belonging to Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech. Crucially, this redemption of land is inextricably linked to taking Ruth, the Moabite widow, as his wife to raise up an heir for the deceased. The elders and the people at the gate have just pronounced a blessing upon Boaz and Ruth, invoking the legacy of Rachel and Leah, and praying for a strong lineage for Boaz. Thus, [Ruth 4:13](/ruth/4-13 "Ruth 4:13 - Boaz and Ruth Marry and Conceive") is the narrative's anticipated resolution, demonstrating the fulfillment of Boaz's commitment and the community's blessing, leading directly to the perpetuation of the family line. It transitions the narrative from legal resolution to domestic blessing and the beginning of a new generation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of the "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: *goel*) is central to understanding this verse. A *goel* was a close relative responsible for protecting the family's interests, including redeeming property, avenging blood, and, in cases like this, perpetuating the family name through a widow. While not strictly a levirate marriage (which typically involved a brother-in-law), Boaz's actions embody the spirit of preserving the deceased's lineage and inheritance. The importance of children, especially sons, was paramount in ancient Israelite society for family continuity, land inheritance, and social standing. Barrenness was often seen as a curse or a great sorrow, and conception was understood as a direct gift from God. Ruth's Moabite origin, a people historically antagonistic to Israel, makes her inclusion in this lineage particularly striking and highlights God's sovereignty over ethnic and national boundaries, foreshadowing a broader redemptive plan.

* **Key Themes:** [Ruth 4:13](/ruth/4-13 "Ruth 4:13 - Boaz and Ruth Marry and Conceive") powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout the Book of Ruth. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Providence** is explicitly stated in "the LORD gave her conception." This highlights that even in seemingly natural human events like marriage and procreation, God's hand is actively at work, orchestrating outcomes for His purposes. This resonates with the broader biblical truth that children are a heritage from the LORD, as seen in [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children are a heritage from the LORD"). Secondly, **Redemption and Restoration** culminates here. Ruth's journey from destitution, widowhood, and foreignness to security and blessing is complete. The birth of a son signifies a full restoration for Naomi's family, reversing the tragedy of their losses in [Ruth 1](/ruth/1 "Ruth 1 - Naomi's Return to Bethlehem"). Thirdly, **Covenant Faithfulness and Lineage** is profoundly established. The child, Obed, is not merely a personal blessing but a crucial link in the Messianic line, as detailed in [Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - The Lineage of David"). This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even through unexpected and humble means, ultimately leading to David and, eventually, to Jesus Christ, as recorded in the genealogy of [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab, Ruth, and the Genealogy of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went in unto her (Hebrew, _bo' el-ha_):** This is a common and respectful biblical euphemism for the consummation of marriage, denoting sexual intimacy. It emphasizes the covenantal and exclusive nature of the marital union, signifying the full establishment of their conjugal relationship as husband and wife.
* **the LORD gave her conception (Hebrew, יְהוָה לָהּ הֵרָיֹון, _Yahweh lah herayon_):** This phrase is highly significant. It explicitly attributes Ruth's conception directly to the divine will and action of Yahweh (the LORD). It is not merely a natural biological event but a supernatural blessing, underscoring God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His overarching plan. This direct statement removes any ambiguity regarding the source of the blessing and highlights God's sovereign power over life and fruitfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife:"** This clause declares the formal and legal establishment of their marriage. "Took" implies not just physical possession but the legal act of marriage, where Boaz assumed all the responsibilities of a husband and kinsman-redeemer. Ruth, in turn, became his legitimate wife, entering into the security and status of his household. This is the culmination of the redemption process initiated by Boaz.
* **"and when he went in unto her,"** This phrase indicates the physical consummation of the marriage. It is a discreet yet clear statement that Boaz and Ruth entered into the intimate marital relationship, fulfilling the natural and covenantal aspects of their union. This act was essential for the possibility of conception and the perpetuation of the family line.
* **"the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."** This is the theological and narrative climax. The text explicitly states that Ruth's conception was not merely a natural outcome but a direct, divine gift from "the LORD" (Yahweh). This highlights God's sovereign control over life and fertility, emphasizing that the birth of this child was a miraculous blessing. The immediate mention of "she bare a son" signifies the successful and fruitful outcome of this divine intervention, providing the male heir necessary for the continuation of Elimelech's lineage and, more importantly, the Davidic and ultimately Messianic line.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "went in unto her" is a classic **Euphemism**, a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. In this case, it respectfully alludes to sexual intimacy without explicit detail, common in biblical narrative. The direct statement "the LORD gave her conception" is a powerful instance of **Divine Intervention** or **Theophany** (in action, rather than appearance), explicitly attributing the natural process of conception to God's direct and sovereign will. This highlights God's active role in human affairs and His providential care. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a narrative **Climax** and **Resolution** for the Book of Ruth, bringing the story of Ruth and Naomi's redemption to a joyful and fruitful conclusion. It also functions as significant **Foreshadowing**, as the birth of this son, Obed, directly sets the stage for the lineage of David and, ultimately, the Messiah, making this seemingly simple domestic event a pivotal moment in salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:13 beautifully illustrates the profound truth of God's active involvement in the details of human life, even in seemingly ordinary or natural processes like conception. It underscores the biblical understanding that children are a gift from the Lord, not merely a biological accident. This divine intervention in Ruth's life demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His ability to work through unexpected individuals (a Moabite widow), and His meticulous orchestration of history to fulfill His redemptive plan. The verse reminds us that God's providence is not distant or abstract but intimately personal and purposeful, guiding events toward His ultimate glory and the good of His people.

* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children are a heritage from the LORD")
* [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1 "Genesis 21:1-2 - The Birth of Isaac")
* [1 Samuel 1:19-20](/1_samuel/1-19 "1 Samuel 1:19-20 - The Birth of Samuel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 4:13 offers a profound lesson in trusting God's intricate providence and His faithfulness to His promises. In a world that often values self-reliance and meticulous planning, this verse reminds us that even our most significant life events, like the formation of a family, are ultimately in God's hands. It encourages us to recognize God's active presence in the "ordinary" moments, understanding that His unseen hand is constantly at work, weaving together circumstances for His greater purposes. For those facing barrenness, loss, or uncertainty, this verse speaks of hope and divine intervention. For all believers, it calls us to live with an awareness of God's sovereignty, knowing that He can bring forth life and blessing even from seemingly impossible or barren situations, often using humble and unexpected instruments to accomplish His glorious will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the explicit statement "the LORD gave her conception" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's involvement in your own life's circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's providential timing and intervention, rather than relying solely on your own efforts?**
* **How does Ruth's story, culminating in this verse, encourage you about God's ability to use unexpected people and situations for His grand purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why is it explicitly stated that "the LORD gave her conception" rather than just saying she conceived?**

Answer: The explicit statement that "the LORD gave her conception" (וַיִּתֵּן יְהוָה לָהּ הֵרָיֹון - *vayitten Yahweh lah herayon*) is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes **divine sovereignty** over all aspects of life, including fertility and procreation. In ancient Israel, conception was consistently understood as a gift from God, not merely a natural biological process. Many biblical narratives, such as the births of Isaac ([Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1 "Genesis 21:1-2 - The Birth of Isaac")), Samuel ([1 Samuel 1:19-20](/1_samuel/1-19 "1 Samuel 1:19-20 - The Birth of Samuel")), and John the Baptist ([Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold")), highlight God's direct intervention, especially in cases of previously barren women. Secondly, it elevates the significance of this particular birth within the narrative. The entire story of Ruth has been building towards the preservation of Elimelech's family line, and the birth of an heir is the ultimate fulfillment of the kinsman-redeemer's role. By attributing the conception directly to the LORD, the text underscores that this is not just a happy accident but a divinely orchestrated event, essential for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which includes the lineage of David and the Messiah.

**What is the significance of Ruth being a Moabite woman in the lineage of David and Jesus?**

Answer: The fact that Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes a direct ancestor of King David and, subsequently, Jesus Christ, is profoundly significant. Historically, Moabites were often adversaries of Israel, and Deuteronomy 23:3-6 even stipulated that "no Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the LORD... even to the tenth generation." Ruth's inclusion in this sacred lineage, therefore, highlights several key theological truths. It demonstrates God's **inclusive grace** and His ability to transcend human divisions and historical animosities. It shows that God's plan of salvation is not limited by ethnicity or national origin, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community. Ruth's story is a powerful testament to **God's sovereignty** in choosing whom He will use, regardless of their background, as long as they demonstrate faith and loyalty, as Ruth did to Naomi and the God of Israel. Her presence in the genealogy recorded in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab, Ruth, and the Genealogy of Jesus") underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive work, breaking down barriers and demonstrating that salvation is for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 4:13, with its focus on the divinely granted conception and the continuation of a lineage, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The birth of Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, directly leads to the line of David, from whom the Messiah would come ([Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - The Lineage of David")). Just as the LORD "gave her conception" to ensure the continuation of a family line and the unfolding of His plan, so too did God orchestrate the miraculous conception of Jesus in the womb of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit ([Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Annunciation to Mary")). Jesus is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, far surpassing Boaz. Boaz redeemed land and a family name; Christ redeemed humanity from the bondage of sin and death, paying the ultimate price with His own life ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus secures an eternal inheritance for all who believe, bringing spiritual restoration and new life. Ruth, the Moabite outsider, being grafted into the lineage of promise through grace, powerfully foreshadows the New Covenant reality where all nations are invited to become part of God's family through faith in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")). Thus, this verse, a seemingly simple account of a birth, is a vital link in the grand narrative of God's unwavering faithfulness to bring forth the Savior of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 29:31

¶ And when the LORD saw that Leah [was] hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel [was] barren.

Genesis 33:5

¶ And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who [are] those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.

Ruth 3:11

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou [art] a virtuous woman.

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

Psalms 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

1 Samuel 2:5

[They that were] full have hired out themselves for bread; and [they that were] hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

Genesis 30:22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.