Ruth 4:21

KJV

And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Salmon {H8012} begat {H3205} Boaz {H1162}, and Boaz {H1162} begat {H3205} Obed {H5744},

Complete Jewish Bible

Salmon was the father of Bo'az, Bo'az was the father of 'Oved,

Berean Standard Bible

Salmon was the father of Boaz, Boaz was the father of Obed,

American Standard Version

and Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:21 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse, serving as a vital link in the concluding genealogy of the Book of Ruth. It meticulously traces the lineage from Salmon to Boaz, and then to Obed, thereby establishing a direct ancestral connection that culminates in King David and, ultimately, in Jesus Christ. This verse underscores the divine orchestration of seemingly ordinary human events—marriages and births—to meticulously unfold God's grand redemptive plan throughout history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the climactic genealogy that concludes the Book of Ruth, spanning [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David"). It immediately follows the joyful and divinely blessed union of Boaz and Ruth, and the subsequent birth of their son, Obed, as detailed in [Ruth 4:13-17](/ruth/4-13 "Ruth 4:13-17 - Birth of Obed"). The inclusion of this genealogy is not merely an appendix; it is the theological capstone of the entire narrative, elevating the personal story of Ruth and Boaz beyond a simple romance to a pivotal moment in salvation history. It provides the necessary bridge, connecting the events of Bethlehem during the period of the Judges directly to the emergence of Israel's greatest king, David, whose lineage is crucial for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Ruth is set during the tumultuous period of the Judges, a time characterized by moral and spiritual decline where "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). Within this context, the emphasis on a righteous lineage and the meticulous recording of "begats" was paramount. Genealogies served to establish identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation, confirming one's place within the covenant community. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew: _go'el_), exemplified by Boaz, was a crucial legal and social institution designed to preserve family lines, land, and provide for the vulnerable, particularly widows. Ruth's status as a Moabitess, a foreigner from a nation traditionally hostile to Israel ([Deuteronomy 23:3](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3 - Exclusion of Moabites and Ammonites")), makes her inclusion in this vital Israelite genealogy exceptionally significant, highlighting God's sovereign hand in transcending cultural boundaries for His redemptive purposes.

* **Key Themes:** Ruth 4:21 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes of the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating how God meticulously orchestrates human affairs, even seemingly ordinary ones like a marriage between a foreign widow and a local landowner, to achieve His grand, long-term purposes. The lineage itself is a testament to God's active involvement in history, guiding specific individuals to fulfill His will. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Continuity of God's Promises**. By explicitly linking Salmon, Boaz, and Obed, and then extending to David in [Ruth 4:22](/ruth/4-22 "Ruth 4:22 - Obed to Jesse to David"), the genealogy affirms God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, promising a great nation and blessing through his descendants ([Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). This also anticipates the Davidic Covenant, promising an eternal dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Finally, the verse speaks to **Redemption and Inclusion**. Boaz's role as kinsman-redeemer is central, and his act of redemption not only secures Naomi's family line but also brings Ruth, a Gentile, into the very lineage of Israel's greatest king and, ultimately, the Messiah. This inclusion foreshadows God's expansive redemptive plan that embraces all nations, a theme profoundly developed in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, יָלַד, _yalad_):** This verb, commonly translated as "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to father," is a standard term in biblical genealogies. While it literally means to procreate, in genealogical contexts, it signifies direct paternal descent, establishing a clear and legitimate lineage. Its repetition emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations, each link essential for the unfolding of God's plan. The simplicity of the word belies the profound theological weight it carries in connecting disparate individuals across time into a single, divinely purposed family line.
* **Salmon (Hebrew, שַׂלְמוֹן, _Salmōn_):** Salmon is a significant figure as the father of Boaz. He is traditionally identified in the New Testament genealogy of Jesus as the husband of Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute who helped the Israelite spies in Jericho ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Jesus' Genealogy mentions Salmon and Rahab")). His inclusion here, alongside Ruth, highlights a recurring theme in the Messianic line: God's use of unexpected individuals, including Gentiles, in His sovereign plan.
* **Boaz (Hebrew, בֹּעַז, _Bo'az_):** Boaz, whose name means "in him is strength," is the central male figure in the Book of Ruth. His character embodies righteousness, integrity, and compassion. Most importantly, he functions as the kinsman-redeemer (_go'el_), fulfilling his legal and moral obligation to Naomi's family by marrying Ruth and raising up an heir for the deceased Elimelech. His act of redemption is pivotal, not only securing the future of Naomi and Ruth but also ensuring the continuation of the lineage that would lead to David and ultimately to Christ.
* **Obed (Hebrew, עוֹבֵד, _'Oved_):** Obed's name means "serving" or "worshipping." He is the son of Boaz and Ruth, born through an act of divine blessing and human faithfulness. His birth is celebrated by the women of Bethlehem as a restorer of life and a nourisher of Naomi's old age ([Ruth 4:15](/ruth/4-15 "Ruth 4:15 - Obed, a Restorer of Life")). More critically, Obed serves as the direct link between the story of Ruth and the Davidic monarchy, being explicitly identified as the father of Jesse, who was the father of David ([Ruth 4:22](/ruth/4-22 "Ruth 4:22 - Obed, Father of Jesse, Father of David")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Salmon begat Boaz":** This clause establishes the first link in the specific segment of the genealogy presented in this verse. Salmon's role is to father Boaz, ensuring the continuity of the lineage. As mentioned, Salmon's traditional connection to Rahab ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Salmon and Rahab")) adds a layer of theological depth, hinting at God's inclusive grace even before the time of David. This connection underscores that the Messianic line was not exclusively "pure" by human standards but was shaped by divine election and grace, incorporating individuals from diverse backgrounds.
* **"and Boaz begat Obed":** This second clause is the culmination of the Book of Ruth's narrative. Boaz, the faithful kinsman-redeemer, through his marriage to Ruth, fathers Obed. This act of procreation is not merely biological but profoundly theological, as it represents the successful fulfillment of the redemption narrative. Obed's birth signifies the restoration of Naomi's household, the blessing upon Ruth's faithfulness, and the secure continuation of the lineage through which God's promises would be realized. Without Boaz's redemptive act, this crucial link to David would have been broken, highlighting the immense significance of his obedience and compassion.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity of Ruth 4:21 belies its rich literary function. The primary device employed is **Genealogy**, which in biblical literature serves multiple purposes beyond mere record-keeping. Genealogies establish legitimacy, demonstrate continuity, and, most importantly, convey theological meaning. Here, it functions as a **Climactic Conclusion**, providing the ultimate resolution and significance to the entire narrative of Ruth. The story of a Moabite widow and a righteous Israelite landowner is elevated from a local tale to a pivotal moment in salvation history by its placement within the Davidic lineage. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the future greatness of David and the ultimate coming of the Messiah. The meticulous tracing of the line from Salmon to Obed points forward to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises through a specific royal lineage. Furthermore, there is an element of **Inclusio** when considering the broader book; the opening chapters deal with the loss of family and lineage, while the closing genealogy provides the triumphant restoration and continuation of that lineage, culminating in the birth of the ancestor of Israel's greatest king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:21, though a simple genealogical statement, is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical theology, particularly concerning God's covenant faithfulness and His overarching plan of redemption. It demonstrates that God works through specific individuals and generations to bring about His purposes, often using unexpected people and circumstances. The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabitess, in this sacred lineage highlights God's inclusive grace, foreshadowing the extension of salvation beyond Israel to the Gentiles. This verse affirms God's meticulous sovereignty, showing that even seemingly ordinary events like births are part of His grand design to bring forth the promised King and Redeemer. It is a testament to the fact that God's promises are not abstract but are fulfilled through real people, in real history, over long periods of time, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenants.

* [Matthew 1:5-6](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5-6 - Genealogy of Jesus, including Salmon, Boaz, Obed, and David")
* [1 Chronicles 2:11-12](/1_chronicles/2-11 "1 Chronicles 2:11-12 - Genealogy from Salmon to David")
* [Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Abrahamic Covenant: All Nations Blessed Through His Seed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 4:21, a mere two-clause statement of lineage, carries profound implications for our lives. It reminds us that God's great redemptive plan is not enacted in grand, isolated moments but is meticulously woven through the faithfulness and obedience of ordinary people across generations. Salmon, Boaz, and Obed were not necessarily famous in their day beyond their local communities, yet their lives, their choices, and their very existence were integral to God's unfolding story. This encourages us to see our own lives, however seemingly unremarkable, as part of God's ongoing narrative. Our faithfulness in daily duties, our acts of kindness, our commitment to family, and our trust in God's provision—even when we cannot see the full scope of His plan—contribute to His larger purposes. This verse calls us to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He is working all things together for good, even through the mundane details of life, to bring about His ultimate glory and our redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of seemingly ordinary individuals like Salmon, Boaz, and Obed in this crucial genealogy challenge our understanding of what makes a life "significant" in God's eyes?**
* **What does Ruth's presence as a Moabitess in this lineage teach us about God's expansive and inclusive grace, especially in contrast to the typical cultural norms of the time?**
* **In what ways can understanding God's faithfulness in preserving this lineage through generations encourage our trust in His sovereign plan for our own lives and for the future of His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Why is this genealogy included at the very end of the Book of Ruth?**

Answer: The genealogy at the end of the Book of Ruth (specifically [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")) serves as the theological climax and purpose of the entire narrative. It elevates the personal story of Ruth and Boaz from a simple account of love and redemption to a pivotal moment in salvation history. Its inclusion explicitly connects the events in Bethlehem during the time of the Judges to the lineage of King David, thereby legitimizing David's claim to the throne and demonstrating God's meticulous hand in preserving the line through which the Messiah would come. Without this genealogy, the profound significance of Ruth and Boaz's story within God's redemptive plan would be largely lost.

**Who was Salmon, and why is his mention in this verse significant?**

Answer: Salmon is identified in [Ruth 4:21](/ruth/4-21 "Ruth 4:21 - Salmon Begat Boaz") as the father of Boaz. His significance is further illuminated in the New Testament, specifically in the genealogy of Jesus presented in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Jesus' Genealogy mentions Salmon and Rahab"). There, Salmon is named as the husband of Rahab, the Canaanite woman from Jericho who aided the Israelite spies ([Joshua 2:1-21](/joshua/2-1 "Joshua 2 - Rahab and the Spies")). This connection makes Salmon's inclusion in the lineage of David (and thus of Jesus) highly significant. It highlights God's sovereign choice to include individuals from outside the covenant community, like Rahab (a Canaanite) and Ruth (a Moabitess), in the direct ancestral line of the Messiah, underscoring the theme of God's inclusive grace and His plan to extend salvation to all peoples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 4:21 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This seemingly simple genealogical statement is a direct link in the lineage that culminates in the birth of the Savior, as explicitly recorded in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Jesus' Genealogy") where it states, "Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David." The entire narrative of Ruth, culminating in this verse, foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, who sacrifices his own interests to redeem Naomi's family and marry Ruth, is a powerful type of Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. Just as Boaz brought Ruth, a Gentile outsider, into the covenant family and the Messianic line, so too does Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice, redeem humanity and bring both Jew and Gentile into God's family ([Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabitess, in this sacred lineage is a powerful testament to God's plan to bless all nations through the "seed" of Abraham ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Abrahamic Covenant")), a promise ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who came to be a light to the Gentiles and the glory of His people Israel ([Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - Simeon's Prophecy")). Thus, Ruth 4:21 is not just ancient history; it is a vital thread in the tapestry of God's redemptive story, pointing directly to the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 3:32

Which was [the son] of Jesse, which was [the son] of Obed, which was [the son] of Booz, which was [the son] of Salmon, which was [the son] of Naasson,

Matthew 1:5

And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

1 Chronicles 2:11

And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,

1 Chronicles 2:12

And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse,