TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ruth 4:13–22. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. Ruth a wife. Boaz took her, with the usual solemnities, to his house, and she became his wife (Rut 4:13), all the city, no doubt, congratulating the preferment of a virtuous woman, purely for her virtues. We have reason to think that Orpah, who returned from Naomi to her people and her gods, was never half so well preferred as Ruth was. He that forsakes all for Christ shall find more than all with him; it shall be recompensed a hundred-fold in this present time. Now Orpah wished she had gone with Naomi too; but she, like the other kinsman, stood in her own light. Boaz had prayed that this pious proselyte might receive a full reward of her courage and constancy from the God of Israel, under whose wings she had come to trust; and now he became an instrument of that kindness, which was an answer to his prayer, and helped to make his own words good. Now she had the command of those servants with whom she had associated and of those fields in which she had gleaned. Thus sometimes God raiseth up the poor out of the dust, to set them with princes, Psa 113:7, Psa 113:8.
II.Ruth a mother:
The Lord gave her conception; for the fruit of the womb is his reward, Psa 127:3. It is one of the keys he hath in his hand; and he sometimes makes the barren woman that had been long so to be a joyful mother of children, Psa 113:9; Isa 54:1.
III.Ruth still a daughter-in-law, and the same that she always was, to Naomi, who was so far from being forgotten that she was a principal sharer in these new joys. The good women that were at the labour when this child was born congratulated Naomi upon it more than either Boaz or Ruth, because she was the match-maker, and it was the family of her husband that was hereby built up. See here, as before, what an air of devotion there was then even in the common expressions of civility among the Israelites. Prayer to God attended the birth of the child. What a pity it is that such pious language should either be disused among Christians or degenerate into a formality. "Blessed be the Lord that has sent thee this grandson," Rut 4:14, Rut 4:15.
1.Who was the preserver of the name of her family, and who, they hoped, would be famous, because his father was so.
2.Who would be hereafter dutiful and kind to her, so they hoped, because his mother was so. If he would but take after her, he would be a comfort to his aged grandmother, a restorer of her life, and, if there should be occasion, would have wherewithal to be the nourisher of her old age. It is a great comfort to those that are going into years to see any of those that descend from them growing up, that are likely, by the blessing of God, to be a stay and support to them, when the years come wherein they will need such, and of which they will say they have no pleasure in them. Observe, They say of Ruth that she loved Naomi, and therefore was better to her than seven sons. See how God in his providence sometimes makes up the want and loss of those relations from whom we expected most comfort in those from whom we expected least. The bonds of love prove stronger than those of nature, and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother; so here there was a daughter-in-law better than an own child. See what wisdom and grace will do. Now here,
(1.)The child is named by the neighbours, Rut 4:17. The good women would have it called Obed, a servant, either in remembrance of the meanness and poverty of the mother or in prospect of his being hereafter a servant, and very serviceable, to his grandmother. It is no dishonour to those that are ever so well born to be servants to God, their friends, and their generation. The motto of the princes of Wales is Ich dien - I serve.
(2.)The child is nursed by the grandmother, that is, dry-nursed, when the mother had weaned him from the breast, Rut 4:16. She laid it in her bosom, in token of her tender affection to it and care of it. Grandmothers are often the most fond.
IV.Ruth is hereby brought in among the ancestors of David and Christ, which was the greatest honour.
The genealogy is here drawn from Pharez, through Boaz and Obed, to David, and so leads towards the Messiah, and therefore it is not an endless genealogy.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Let Tamar rejoice that her Lord has come, for her name announced the son of her Lord, and her appellation called you to come to her.By you honorable women made themselves contemptible, [you] the One who makes all chaste. She stole you at the crossroads, [you] who prepared the road to the house of the kingdom. Since she stole life, the sword was insufficient to kill her.
Ruth lay down with a man on the threshing floor for your sake. Her love was bold for your sake. She teaches boldness to all penitents. Her ears held in contempt all [other] voices for the sake of your voice.
The fiery coal that crept into the bed of Boaz went up and lay down. She saw the Chief Priest hidden in his loins, the fire for his censer. She ran and became the heifer of Boaz. For you she brought forth the fatted ox.
She went gleaning for love of you; she gathered straw. You repaid her quickly the wage of her humiliation: instead of ears [of wheat], the Root of kings, and instead of straw, the Sheaf of Life that descends from her.
And Boaz begat Obed of Ruth. Ruth was a foreigner, but nevertheless she was married to Boaz. So, too, the church is from among the Gentiles. For like Ruth, these Gentiles had been foreigners and outside the covenants, yet they forsook their people, their idols and their father, the devil. And as Ruth was wed to Boaz of the seed of Abraham, so too was the church taken as bride by the Son of God.
Continue studying Ruth 4:17 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Ruth 4:17 stands as the triumphant capstone of the book of Ruth, narrating the birth of Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz, and meticulously tracing his lineage as the direct ancestor of King David. This pivotal verse encapsulates the profound themes of divine providence, restoration, and the faithful fulfillment of God's promises, transforming Naomi's initial despair and emptiness into overwhelming joy and spiritual fullness. It signifies not merely a personal family blessing but a crucial, divinely orchestrated link in the unfolding redemptive history that would ultimately lead to the Messiah, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding seemingly ordinary lives toward extraordinary purposes.
Context
Literary Context
Ruth 4:17 serves as the climactic resolution and genealogical bridge of the book of Ruth, bringing its narrative arc to a satisfying close. Immediately preceding this verse, Boaz has meticulously fulfilled his role as kinsman-redeemer, legally acquiring Elimelech's land and taking Ruth as his wife at the city gate, a transaction solemnly witnessed by the elders and the people of Bethlehem (Ruth 4:9-10). The community's blessing upon Boaz and Ruth—that their lineage would be like that of Perez (born of Judah and Tamar, as recounted in Genesis 38) and that Ruth would be like Rachel and Leah, who together "built up the house of Israel" (Ruth 4:11-12)—finds its direct and joyous fulfillment in the birth of Obed. This verse seamlessly transitions from the personal story of Ruth and Naomi's redemption to its profound significance within the broader historical and theological tapestry of Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite society, the birth of a son was of paramount importance, ensuring the continuity of the family name, the preservation of ancestral land, and the perpetuation of the lineage. The act of naming a child was a deeply significant event, often reflecting the circumstances of their birth, the parents' hopes for the child's future, or a theological statement about God's work. While typically the parents named their children, the involvement of the neighbor women in naming Obed in this instance underscores the strong communal nature of life in Bethlehem and the collective joy this birth brought. These same women had previously lamented with Naomi upon her bitter return from Moab, when she famously declared herself "Mara" (bitter) instead of "Naomi" (pleasant) (Ruth 1:20-21). Their active participation in naming Obed highlights the complete reversal of Naomi's fortunes and her profound restoration. Their declaration, "There is a son born to Naomi," emphasizes that this child is not just for Ruth and Boaz, but represents the renewal of hope and blessing for Naomi, whose family line was thought to be extinguished. This communal affirmation powerfully reinforces the divine blessing upon the family and the wider community.
Key Themes
Ruth 4:17 powerfully encapsulates several key themes that are intricately woven throughout the book of Ruth. Foremost among these is Divine Providence and Restoration. The verse marks the culmination of God's orchestration of events, transforming Naomi's initial emptiness, loss, and despair (vividly portrayed in Ruth 1) into a profound experience of fullness, joy, and the restoration of her lineage through the birth of a grandson. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing good out of seemingly hopeless situations. Another crucial theme is The Lineage of David and the Messiah. This verse explicitly places Obed within the ancestral line of Israel's greatest king, David, and by extension, the promised Messiah. This highlights God's inclusive plan, working through unexpected individuals—like Ruth, a Moabite woman—to fulfill His overarching redemptive purposes, a lineage later confirmed in the New Testament (Matthew 1:5). Finally, Community and Blessing is prominently displayed through the neighbor women's active participation in the naming and celebration. This underscores the vital role of communal support, shared joy, and the ripple effect of God's blessings, demonstrating that individual restoration often brings renewal to the entire community.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This name, derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to serve" or "to worship," carries significant layers of meaning in this context. While it could express the communal hope that the child would grow up to serve God faithfully, it more profoundly alludes to his future role in serving God's grand redemptive plan by being an ancestor to King David. Obed's very existence and position in the lineage serve as a critical link in the unfolding of God's ultimate purpose to bring forth the Messiah, who would perfectly serve God's will.
Meaning "pleasant" or "my delight," the explicit mention of Naomi here is crucial for understanding the book's narrative arc. It provides a powerful contrast to her earlier self-identification as "Mara" (bitter) in Ruth 1:20. 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 personal restoration, the continuity of her family line, and the fulfillment of her deepest longings.
This primitive word denotes a "father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application." The repetition of "he is the father of Jesse, the father of David" is a concise yet immensely significant genealogical statement. The term "father" here establishes a direct, unbroken paternal lineage, connecting Obed to the future monarchy of Israel. This seemingly simple word carries the weight of prophetic fulfillment, establishing the foundational link for the Davidic dynasty 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 immediately highlights the communal joy and participation surrounding the birth of Obed. The neighbor women, who had previously shared in Naomi's sorrow and despair, now actively participate in her joy and the child's welcome into the community. Their collective voice and action signify communal affirmation, shared blessing, and the recognition of God's hand in this miraculous turnaround.
"There is a son born to Naomi;"
This declaration is the heart of Naomi's restoration. While Ruth is the biological mother, the neighbors' focus on Naomi underscores the child's primary significance to her. He is seen as the fulfillment of Naomi's deepest longing for an heir, the restoration of her family line, and the reversal of her barrenness and loss. It powerfully encapsulates the complete transformation of her fortunes from emptiness to fullness.
"and they called his name Obed:"
The naming of the child "Obed" by the community, rather than solely by the parents, further solidifies the communal celebration and recognition of divine providence. The name itself, meaning "serving" or "worshipper," carries potential prophetic weight, hinting at the child's future role in God's unfolding plan, particularly as a servant in the lineage of the promised king.
"he [is] the father of Jesse, the father of David."
This is the theological lynchpin of the verse and, arguably, the entire book of Ruth. This concise genealogical statement directly links Obed to Jesse and, most importantly, to David, who would become the greatest king of Israel. It elevates the seemingly simple story of a family in Bethlehem to a crucial moment in salvation history, establishing the foundational lineage from which the promised Messiah would ultimately come, thus connecting the book of Ruth to the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan.
Literary Devices
Ruth 4:17 masterfully employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and underscore its theological significance. The most prominent is Foreshadowing, as the explicit mention of Obed's lineage leading to David directly points to the future monarchy of Israel and, ultimately, to the Messiah. This transforms the personal narrative into a crucial segment of a grander, redemptive history. There is also a powerful sense of Inclusio, or a framing device, that encompasses the entire book. The narrative begins with Naomi's profound emptiness, loss, and bitterness in Moab (Ruth 1:1-5), and culminates in this verse with her fullness, joy, and the secure continuation of her family line through the birth of a grandson in Bethlehem. This creates a compelling narrative arc of restoration and divine reversal. Finally, the birth of Obed itself functions as potent Symbolism, representing new life, hope, divine blessing, and the faithful fulfillment of God's promises. The child embodies the turning point from despair to delight, from barrenness to fruitfulness, and from a seemingly insignificant family to a foundational lineage within God's sovereign plan.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ruth 4:17 profoundly encapsulates the overarching theological message of the book: God's faithful providence and redemptive work, even amidst human suffering and despair. The birth of Obed is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to transform barrenness into abundant blessing, bitterness into profound joy, and loss into complete restoration. It underscores the theme of hesed (steadfast love or covenant loyalty), not only in Ruth's unwavering devotion to Naomi and Boaz's compassionate actions 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, long-term plan for the lineage of the Messiah, demonstrating His inclusive grace by incorporating a Moabite woman into this sacred line. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's grand narrative unfolds through the seemingly ordinary lives of individuals, weaving their personal stories into His eternal, redemptive purposes.
Reflection and Application
Ruth 4:17 offers profound encouragement for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that God is actively at work in our lives, even when circumstances appear bleak or hopeless. Naomi's remarkable journey from "Mara" (bitter) to experiencing the profound joy of a grandson named "Obed" (servant/worshipper) is a vivid testament to God's redemptive power and His ability to bring beauty from ashes. It challenges us to cultivate unwavering trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He can orchestrate events beyond our comprehension to bring about His good and perfect purposes. The communal celebration of Obed's birth also highlights the indispensable importance of Christian community—a body that not only laments with those who grieve but also rejoices with those who rejoice, actively participating in God's ongoing 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 yet profound fulfillments of God's promises that often emerge from seasons of waiting, hardship, and apparent barrenness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why do the neighbor women name the child instead of Ruth or Boaz?
While parents typically named their children in ancient Israel, the involvement of the neighbor women in naming Obed in Ruth 4:17 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, having lost her husband and sons (Ruth 1:19-21), and now they rejoice in her complete restoration. Their act of naming signifies communal affirmation, shared joy, and a public 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, celebrating God's redemptive work among them.
What is the significance of Obed being the "father of Jesse, the father of David"?
This seemingly simple genealogical statement in Ruth 4:17 is incredibly significant as it directly connects the personal 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 and the recipient of the Davidic covenant, promising an eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16). 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). This highlights God's sovereign plan, working through unexpected individuals and circumstances to fulfill His redemptive purposes, demonstrating His inclusive grace.
How does the book of Ruth, and this verse specifically, contribute to the larger biblical narrative?
The book of Ruth, culminating in Ruth 4:17, serves as a crucial bridge between the chaotic period of the Judges (a time when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes," as noted in Judges 21:25) 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).
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, essential step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan to bring forth the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, 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 and bringing us into His family (Galatians 3:13). The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite woman, in this sacred lineage (as explicitly noted in Matthew 1:5) 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, breaking down all dividing walls (Ephesians 2:14-16). 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) would indeed come through the lineage of David, culminating in Jesus Christ, the true King, the "Root and the Offspring of David," and the ultimate source of restoration, joy, and eternal life for all who trust in Him (Revelation 22:16).