King James Version

What Does Ruth 4:21 Mean?

Ruth 4:21 in the King James Version says “And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,”

Ruth 4:21 · KJV

Context

19

And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

20

And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, Salmon: or, Salmah

21

And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

22

And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

Read Ruth 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogy continues: 'And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed'. This verse formally includes Boaz and his son Obed in the genealogical record, cementing Ruth's integration and Obed's legitimacy. The economy of expression—'begat'—emphasizes the biological and legal continuity across generations. Boaz, son of Rahab the Canaanite, married Ruth the Moabitess, showing his family's pattern of receiving faithful Gentiles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The inclusion of Boaz, whose mother was Canaanite convert Rahab, highlights God's repeated incorporation of Gentile women into Israel's most important family line. This wasn't accident or coincidence but divine pattern demonstrating that covenant inclusion comes through faith, not ethnicity. Archaeological and historical evidence suggests significant intermarriage between Israelites and Canaanites during judges period, though Scripture condemns marriages lacking proper conversion. Rahab and Ruth represent proper conversions—genuine faith producing full covenant commitment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Boaz's heritage as son of a Gentile convert inform his reception of Ruth?
  2. What does this multi-generational pattern teach about God's consistent grace toward Gentiles who believe?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְשַׂלְמוֹן֙1 of 8

“And Salmon”

H8012

salmon, an israelite

הוֹלִ֥יד2 of 8

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת3 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּבֹ֖עַז4 of 8

“Boaz”

H1162

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

וּבֹ֖עַז5 of 8

“Boaz”

H1162

boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple

הוֹלִ֥יד6 of 8

“begat”

H3205

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

אֶת7 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עוֹבֵֽד׃8 of 8

“Obed”

H5744

obed, the name of five israelites

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 4:21 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 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 1:5Luke 3:321 Chronicles 2:11-12

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