King James Version

What Does Ruth 4:22 Mean?

Ruth 4:22 in the King James Version says “And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.”

Ruth 4:22 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogy concludes: 'And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David'. The genealogy's climax reveals the story's ultimate human significance—Ruth is David's great-grandmother. This explains why her story was preserved and honored. David's Moabite ancestry might have been controversial (Deuteronomy 23:3), but Ruth's faithful conversion and the genealogy's careful documentation established legitimacy. More profoundly, this genealogy ultimately leads to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-38), making Ruth ancestress of Messiah. Her faithfulness contributed directly to redemptive history's culmination.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) established Israel's united monarchy, making Jerusalem its capital and preparing for temple construction. His significance in redemptive history as Israel's greatest king, author of many Psalms, and recipient of covenant promises about eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7) makes his ancestry crucial. That his great-grandmother was Moabite convert demonstrates God's grace transcending ethnic boundaries and validates inclusion of Gentiles in covenant people. Matthew's genealogy explicitly names Ruth (Matthew 1:5), ensuring her memorial and theological significance. The Ruth-to-David connection ultimately points to David's greater Son, Jesus Christ, in whom Jew and Gentile become one body.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ruth's position as David's ancestor and Christ's ancestress demonstrate that our faithfulness has eternal significance beyond our knowledge?
  2. What does the inclusion of Moabite Ruth in messianic line teach about the gospel's universal reach?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְעֹבֵד֙1 of 8

“And Obed”

H5744

obed, the name of five israelites

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)

וְיִשַׁ֖י4 of 8

“Jesse”

H3448

jishai, david's father

וְיִשַׁ֖י5 of 8

“Jesse”

H3448

jishai, david's father

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)

דָּוִֽד׃8 of 8

“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 4:22 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 4:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 11:11 Samuel 16:1Luke 3:311 Chronicles 2:15Matthew 1:6

Test Your Knowledge

Ruth 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRuth Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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