Ruth 4:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the women her neighbours {H7934} gave {H7121} it a name {H8034}, saying {H559}, There is a son {H1121} born {H3205} to Naomi {H5281}; and they called {H7121} his name {H8034} Obed {H5744}: he is the father {H1} of Jesse {H3448}, the father {H1} of David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The women who were her neighbors gave it a name; they said, "A son has been born to Na'omi," and called it 'Oved. He was the father of Yishai the father of David.

Berean Standard Bible

The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

American Standard Version

And the women her neighbors 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:17 marks the triumphant culmination of the narrative, detailing the birth of Obed, son of Ruth and Boaz, and his pivotal role as the direct ancestor of King David. This verse encapsulates the profound themes of divine providence and restoration, transforming Naomi's initial despair and emptiness into overwhelming joy and fullness. It signifies the fulfillment of God's faithful promises, not only to an individual family but also as a crucial link in the unfolding redemptive history that would ultimately lead to the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 4:17 serves as the climax and resolution of the book of Ruth. Preceding this verse, Boaz has successfully fulfilled his role as kinsman-redeemer, legally acquiring Elimelech's land and taking Ruth as his wife at the city gate, witnessed by the elders and the people (see [Ruth 4:9-10](/ruth/4-9 "Ruth 4:9-10 - Boaz Redeems the Land and Ruth")). The community, having blessed Boaz and Ruth with prayers for a fruitful lineage like Perez (from Judah and Tamar, in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar")), now celebrates the tangible answer to those prayers. The birth of Obed directly fulfills the elders' blessing for Ruth to be like Rachel and Leah, who built up the house of Israel, and for Boaz's house to be like that of Perez ([Ruth 4:11-12](/ruth/4-11 "Ruth 4:11-12 - The Elders' Blessing")). This verse brings the personal story of Ruth and Naomi to a joyous close, seamlessly connecting their individual journey to the broader history of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the birth of a son was paramount for family continuity, inheritance, and the perpetuation of the family name. The act of naming a child was a significant event, often reflecting the circumstances of birth, hopes for the child's future, or a theological statement. While parents typically named their children, the involvement of the neighbor women in naming Obed underscores the communal nature of life in Bethlehem. These women, who had previously lamented with Naomi upon her bitter return from Moab and her self-identification as "Mara" ([Ruth 1:20-21](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20-21 - Naomi's Return and Lament")), now participate in her complete restoration. Their declaration, "There is a son born to Naomi," highlights the child's significance not just to Ruth and Boaz, but as a source of renewed hope and blessing for Naomi, whose lineage and future were previously thought to be lost. This communal affirmation reinforces the divine blessing upon the family.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes woven throughout the book of Ruth. **Divine Providence and Restoration** is central, as God orchestrates events, transforming Naomi's initial emptiness and despair (as seen in [Ruth 1](/ruth/1 "Ruth 1 - Naomi's Loss and Return")) into a profound experience of fullness and joy through the birth of a grandson. This demonstrates God's faithfulness in bringing good out of seemingly hopeless situations. Another crucial theme is **The Lineage of David and the Messiah**, as this verse explicitly places Obed within the ancestral line of Israel's greatest king, David, and by extension, the Messiah. This highlights God's inclusive plan, working through unexpected individuals like Ruth, a Moabite woman, to fulfill His redemptive purposes ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")). Finally, **Community and Blessing** is evident in the neighbors' active participation in the naming and celebration, underscoring the vital role of communal support and shared joy in God's blessings, reinforcing the idea that individual restoration has a ripple effect throughout the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obed (עוֹבֵד, _‘Oved_):** This name is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to serve" or "to worship." Its significance here is multi-layered. It may express the hope that the child would grow up to serve God faithfully, or it could subtly allude to his future role in serving God's grand plan by being an ancestor to King David. In a broader sense, Obed's life serves as a critical link in the lineage that would ultimately serve God's ultimate purpose of bringing forth the Messiah.
* **Naomi (נָעֳמִי, _Na’omi_):** Meaning "my pleasantness" or "my delight." The mention of Naomi here is crucial, as it provides a powerful contrast to her earlier self-identification as "Mara" in [Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's name change to Mara"). The birth of Obed signifies the complete reversal of her fortunes, transforming her bitterness into profound joy and demonstrating God's restorative power in her life. The child is explicitly stated to be "born to Naomi," emphasizing her restoration and the continuity of her family line.
* **Father (אָב, _‘av_):** The repetition of "father of Jesse, the father of David" is a concise yet immensely significant genealogical statement. The term "father" here denotes direct paternal lineage, establishing an unbroken chain that connects Obed to the future monarchy of Israel. This seemingly simple word carries the weight of prophetic fulfillment and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for the nation and, ultimately, for all humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying,"**: This clause highlights the communal aspect of the birth and the joy it brought. The neighbors, who had previously witnessed Naomi's sorrow, now participate actively in her joy and the child's welcome into the community, signifying their affirmation and shared blessing. Their collective voice validates the significance of this birth.
* **"There is a son born to Naomi;"**: This declaration emphasizes the child's primary significance to Naomi. Though Ruth is the biological mother, the neighbors recognize the child as the fulfillment of Naomi's deepest longing for an heir and the restoration of her family line, which had been seemingly extinguished. It underscores the complete reversal of her fortunes from barrenness and loss to fruitfulness and hope.
* **"and they called his name Obed:"**: The naming of the child "Obed" by the community, rather than the parents, further solidifies the communal celebration and recognition of God's hand in this event. The name itself, meaning "server" or "worshipper," carries potential prophetic weight for the child's life and his role in God's unfolding plan.
* **"he [is] the father of Jesse, the father of David."**: This is the theological lynchpin of the verse and indeed, the entire book. This concise genealogical statement directly links Obed to Jesse and, most importantly, to David, the future king of Israel. It elevates the seemingly simple story of a family in Bethlehem to a crucial moment in salvation history, establishing the lineage from which the promised Messiah would ultimately come.

#### Literary Devices
Ruth 4:17 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the explicit mention of Obed's lineage leading to David points directly to the future monarchy of Israel and, ultimately, to the Messiah. This elevates the personal story to a grander, redemptive narrative. There is also a strong sense of **Inclusio** (or framing device) for the entire book. The narrative begins with Naomi's emptiness, loss, and bitterness in Moab ([Ruth 1:1-5](/ruth/1-1 "Ruth 1:1-5 - Elimelech's Family in Moab")), and concludes with her fullness, joy, and the birth of a grandson in Bethlehem, ensuring the continuation of her line. This creates a powerful narrative arc of restoration. Finally, the birth of Obed serves as **Symbolism**, representing new life, hope, divine blessing, and the fulfillment of promises. The child himself embodies the turning point from despair to delight, from barrenness to fruitfulness, and from a seemingly insignificant family to a foundational lineage in God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:17 powerfully encapsulates the overarching theological message of the book: God's faithful providence and redemptive work, even in the midst of human suffering and despair. The birth of Obed is a testament to God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to transform barrenness into blessing, bitterness into joy, and loss into abundant restoration. It underscores the theme of _hesed_ (steadfast love or covenant loyalty), not only in Ruth's actions towards Naomi and Boaz's towards Ruth, but supremely in God's unfailing commitment to His people and His promises. Furthermore, the explicit genealogical link to David highlights God's meticulous plan for the lineage of the Messiah, demonstrating His inclusive grace by incorporating a Moabite woman into this sacred line. This verse reminds us that God's grand narrative unfolds through the seemingly ordinary lives of individuals, weaving their stories into His eternal purposes.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love")
* [Psalm 113:9](/psalm/113-9 "Psalm 113:9 - God Gives the Barren Woman a Home")
* [Matthew 1:1-6](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-6 - Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 4:17 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is actively at work in our lives, even when circumstances seem bleak or hopeless. Naomi's journey from "Mara" (bitter) to experiencing the joy of a grandson named "Obed" (servant/worshipper) is a powerful testament to God's redemptive power and His ability to bring beauty from ashes. It challenges us to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He can orchestrate events beyond our comprehension to bring about His good purposes. The communal celebration of Obed's birth also highlights the importance of Christian community—a body that laments with those who grieve and rejoices with those who rejoice, actively participating in God's work of restoration in each other's lives. We are called to be attentive to the "Obeds" in our own lives—the unexpected blessings, the new beginnings, and the quiet fulfillments of God's promises that emerge from seasons of waiting and hardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing, culminating in Obed's birth, resonate with your own experiences of loss and restoration?**
* **In what ways can your community (family, church, friends) actively participate in celebrating and affirming God's work in the lives of others, much like the neighbor women did for Naomi?**
* **How does the inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite, in the Messianic lineage challenge or expand your understanding of God's inclusive grace and His unexpected ways of working?**

### FAQ
**Why do the neighbor women name the child instead of Ruth or Boaz?**

Answer: While parents typically named their children in ancient Israel, the involvement of the neighbor women in naming Obed in [Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - The Naming of Obed") underscores the strong communal aspect of life in Bethlehem and the profound impact of this birth on Naomi. These women had witnessed Naomi's return from Moab in despair ([Ruth 1:19-21](/ruth/1-19 "Ruth 1:19-21 - Naomi's Bitter Return")) and now rejoice in her complete restoration. Their act of naming signifies communal affirmation, shared joy, and recognition that this child is a blessing not just for Ruth and Boaz, but specifically for Naomi, ensuring the continuation of her family line and bringing an end to her barrenness and sorrow. It highlights the child's significance as a source of renewed hope and blessing for the entire community.

**What is the significance of Obed being the "father of Jesse, the father of David"?**

Answer: This seemingly simple genealogical statement in [Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - Obed's Lineage") is incredibly significant as it directly connects the story of Ruth and Naomi to the grand narrative of Israel's history and salvation. Obed's birth ensures the continuation of the lineage that will lead to Jesse, and then to David, who would become Israel's greatest king. This link establishes the Davidic covenant, promising an eternal dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). More profoundly, it places Ruth, a Moabite woman, within the ancestral line of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament genealogies ([Matthew 1:5-6](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5-6 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")). This highlights God's sovereign plan, working through unexpected individuals and circumstances to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

**How does the book of Ruth, and this verse specifically, contribute to the larger biblical narrative?**

Answer: The book of Ruth, culminating in [Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - The Birth of Obed"), serves as a crucial bridge between the period of the Judges (a time of moral decline and chaos, as described in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")) and the establishment of the monarchy under King David. It demonstrates that even in times of national apostasy, God faithfully preserves a righteous remnant and continues to work out His redemptive plan through individuals who exhibit _hesed_ (covenant love and loyalty). This verse, by explicitly linking Obed to David, provides the essential genealogical foundation for the Davidic dynasty, from which the Messiah would ultimately come. It beautifully illustrates God's inclusive grace, showing that His plan of salvation extends beyond Israel's borders, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God through Christ ([Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12-13 - No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 4:17, with its seemingly simple genealogical declaration, serves as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, laying a critical foundation for the coming of the Messiah. The birth of Obed, the father of Jesse and grandfather of David, is not merely a happy ending to a family saga; it is a divinely orchestrated step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan to bring forth the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz redeemed Naomi's land and secured her future by taking Ruth as his wife, so too does Christ, our greater Kinsman-Redeemer, redeem humanity from the curse of sin and death, securing our eternal inheritance ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us From the Curse")). The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite woman, in this sacred lineage (as explicitly noted in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy")) powerfully foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's salvation, demonstrating that His grace extends beyond ethnic boundaries to embrace all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). Thus, Obed's birth is a testament to God's meticulous sovereignty, ensuring that the promised "seed" who would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")) would indeed come through the lineage of David, culminating in Jesus Christ, the true King and ultimate source of restoration and joy for all who trust in Him ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Descendant of David")).

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

Luke 1:58

And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

Luke 1:63

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.