King James Version

What Does Ruth 4:17 Mean?

Ruth 4:17 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ruth 4:17 · KJV

Context

15

And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. a nourisher of: Heb. to nourish thine: Heb. thy gray hairs

16

And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.

17

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.

18

Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,

19

And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Naming and genealogy: 'And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed'. The community names the child 'Obed' (Oved, עוֹבֵד, meaning 'servant' or 'worshiper'), perhaps indicating 'servant of God' or noting his future service to family line. The statement 'son born to Naomi' legally establishes him as heir to Elimelech/Mahlon, not Boaz's primary heir. 'He is the father of Jesse, the father of David'—this genealogical note reveals the story's cosmic significance. Ruth's faithfulness positioned her as great-grandmother of Israel's greatest king and ancestress of Christ (Matthew 1:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The naming by neighbors rather than parents was unusual but emphasized community involvement in this redemptive act. The name Obed's meaning suggests dedication to divine service, fitting given his role in providential plan. The genealogical connection to David reveals why Ruth's story was preserved—it explains David's ancestry and validates his kingship despite Moabite heritage (normally disqualifying—Deuteronomy 23:3). That Scripture includes Ruth the Moabitess in Messiah's genealogy demonstrates God's grace transcending ethnic boundaries and incorporating Gentiles into redemptive history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Obed's genealogical significance demonstrate that our faithfulness impacts generations beyond our knowledge?
  2. What does Ruth's inclusion in messianic lineage teach about God's redemptive plan including Gentiles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַתִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה1 of 16

“and they called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ל֨וֹ2 of 16
H0
הַשְּׁכֵנ֥וֹת3 of 16

“And the women her neighbours”

H7934

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

שְׁמוֹ֙4 of 16

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 16

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֻלַּד6 of 16

“born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בֵּ֖ן7 of 16

“There is a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לְנָֽעֳמִ֑י8 of 16

“to Naomi”

H5281

noomi, an israelitess

וַתִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה9 of 16

“and they called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמוֹ֙10 of 16

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עוֹבֵ֔ד11 of 16

“Obed”

H5744

obed, the name of five israelites

ה֥וּא12 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲבִ֥י13 of 16

“he is the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

יִשַׁ֖י14 of 16

“of Jesse”

H3448

jishai, david's father

אֲבִ֥י15 of 16

“he is the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

דָוִֽד׃16 of 16

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ruth. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ruth 4:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ruth 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:58-63

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