Obed
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Obed in the Bible?
Obed appears in biblical genealogies as the son of Boaz and Ruth and the father of Jesse, placing him as the grandfather of King David.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Obed's position clarifies the lineage connecting the Moabite ancestor Ruth to the Davidic monarchy, illustrating the inclusion of foreign women in the ancestral line of Israel's greatest king.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Obed reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Obed in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Obed clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Obed." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/obed/