active participle of עָבַד; serving; Obed, the name of five Israelites; Obed.
Transliteration:ʻÔwbêd
Pronunciation:o-bade'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5744}}` (ʻÔwbêd), transliterated as ʻÔwbêd, is an active participle derived from the verbal root `{{H5647}}` (ʻābad). The root `{{H5647}}` carries a broad semantic range, encompassing meanings such as "to serve," "to work," "to labor," "to cultivate," "to minister," and "to worship." As an active participle, `{{H5744}}` therefore literally means "serving," "one who serves," or "worshiper." When used as a proper noun, "Obed" encapsulates this active state of service or worship, indicating a person characterized by such dedication. It is a name that inherently points to a life of labor or devotion, often in the context of serving God or others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Obed (ʻÔwbêd, `{{H5744}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily as the name of four distinct individuals, reflecting the base meaning of "serving" in various capacities:
1. **Obed, Grandfather of David:** This is the most prominent figure bearing the name. He is the son of Boaz and Ruth, and the father of Jesse, making him the grandfather of King David ([[Ruth 4:17]], [[Ruth 4:21]], [[Ruth 4:22]]). His lineage is also recorded in [[1 Chronicles 2:12]] and the genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament ([[Matthew 1:5]], [[Luke 3:32]]). His birth is presented as a divine blessing and a fulfillment of God's covenant promises, ensuring the continuation of the line from Judah through which the Messiah would come. His name, "Serving," subtly underscores the humble, yet pivotal, role he played in God's redemptive plan, emerging from the faithful service of his parents, Ruth and Boaz.
2. **Obed, One of David's Mighty Men:** Listed among the valiant warriors who served King David, Obed the Mehonothite is mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 11:47]]. This context highlights service in a military and loyal capacity, underscoring the dedication and labor required of those who stood with the king.
3. **Obed, a Korahite Gatekeeper:** In the organization of the temple service under David, Obed is identified as a son of Shemaiah, a Korahite, who along with his sons and brothers, served as gatekeepers ([[1 Chronicles 26:7]]). This role involved guarding the temple gates and treasuries, a form of dedicated service within the sacred sphere, emphasizing watchfulness and responsibility.
4. **Obed, Father of Azariah:** Obed is mentioned as the father of Azariah, one of the commanders who assisted the high priest Jehoiada in restoring the rightful king Joash to the throne ([[2 Chronicles 23:1]]). Here, Obed's name is associated with a family involved in courageous and faithful service to God and the Davidic monarchy during a time of crisis.
Across these occurrences, the name "Obed" consistently aligns with its core meaning, whether in the context of genealogical succession, military loyalty, temple ministry, or political restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H5744}}` is deeply rooted in the concept of "service" and "work" in the biblical worldview. Key related terms and concepts include:
* **`{{H5647}}` (ʻābad):** The verbal root from which ʻÔwbêd is derived, meaning "to serve, work, worship, cultivate, enslave." This root is foundational to understanding the biblical concept of human responsibility towards God and fellow humans.
* **`{{H5650}}` (ʻebed):** A noun meaning "servant," "slave," or "bondservant." This term frequently describes humanity's relationship with God (e.g., "servant of the Lord") and societal roles.
* **`{{H5656}}` (ʻabōdâ):** A noun meaning "work," "service," "labor," or "ministry." It can refer to physical labor, priestly service, or general acts of service.
* **`{{H5657}}` (ʻăbōdâ):** Another noun related to the root, specifically referring to "worship" or "divine service."
* **Concepts:**
* **Obedience (שָׁמַע, shama):** While not etymologically related, service often implies obedience to a master or to God's commands.
* **Worship (הִשְׁתַּחֲוָה, hishtahawah):** A primary form of service to God, involving prostration and homage.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** Service to God is a key demonstration of faithfulness to the covenant relationship.
* **Humility:** True service often flows from a humble heart, recognizing one's place before God and others.
These related words and concepts illuminate the pervasive biblical emphasis on service as a fundamental aspect of human existence, whether in relation to God, community, or daily life.
### Theological Significance
The name Obed, meaning "serving" or "worshiper," carries profound theological significance, particularly through its most prominent bearer, the grandfather of King David.
1. **Divine Providence and Humble Service:** Obed's place in the messianic lineage (from Abraham to David and ultimately to Christ) highlights God's sovereign plan working through seemingly ordinary individuals who embody the quality of "service." His very existence, born to Ruth and Boaz, is a testament to God's faithfulness to those who serve Him, even in difficult circumstances. The narrative of Ruth emphasizes the humble, faithful service of its characters, culminating in the birth of "Obed," a name that perfectly encapsulates this theme. It suggests that God uses the "serving ones" to accomplish His greatest purposes, often in ways that are not outwardly grand but are foundational to His redemptive history.
2. **The Ideal of Service:** The name "Obed" serves as a reminder of the biblical ideal of a life dedicated to service. In both the Old and New Testaments, serving God and others is presented as a core tenet of faith. Jesus Himself declared that He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([[Mark 10:45]]). The various Obeds in Scripture, whether in the royal lineage, military, or temple, exemplify different facets of this commanded and blessed life of service.
3. **Worship as Service:** Given the root's connection to worship, the name "Obed" also subtly points to the understanding that true worship is not merely ritual but an active, serving posture of the heart and life towards God. To be a "worshiper" is to be one who serves God with their entire being.
### Summary
The Hebrew name `{{H5744}}` (ʻÔwbêd), meaning "serving" or "worshiper," is an active participle of the root `{{H5647}}` (ʻābad), which signifies "to serve," "to work," or "to worship." While appearing as the name of primarily four distinct individuals in the Old Testament, its most significant bearer is Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, and the grandfather of King David. His inclusion in the messianic lineage underscores God's divine providence working through humble service to advance His redemptive plan. The name itself encapsulates a core biblical value: a life characterized by active dedication and service to God and others. Whether in the context of lineage, military duty, temple ministry, or political action, the name "Obed" consistently reflects the profound theological importance of service as a hallmark of faithfulness and a conduit for God's purposes.
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