Ὠβήδ

Obed

Definition

Ὠβήδ (Obed) is a proper masculine noun used exclusively as a personal name in the New Testament, referring to a specific individual in the genealogy of King David and, by extension, Jesus Christ. In the biblical record, Obed is the son of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:17) and the father of Jesse, making him the grandfather of David. The New Testament mentions him twice, always in genealogical lists that trace the lineage of Jesus back to David (Matthew 1:5, Luke 3:32). There are no differing meanings or senses for this name in the biblical text; it functions solely as an identifier for this historical figure.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only in the genealogical contexts of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Matthew 1:5, Obed is listed in the genealogy of Jesus presented to a Jewish audience, emphasizing his descent from David and Abraham. In Luke 3:32, he appears in the genealogy tracing Jesus's lineage back to Adam, presented to a broader audience. In both instances, the name serves as a crucial link connecting Jesus to the Davidic royal line, fulfilling Old Testament promises.

Etymology

The name Ὠβήδ is a direct Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name עוֹבֵד (ʿŌḇēḏ), which means 'servant' or 'worshipper.' It is derived from the Hebrew root ע־ב־ד (ʿ-b-d), meaning 'to work' or 'to serve.' In the Greek New Testament, the name is simply borrowed without translation, preserving its original Hebrew form and meaning.

Semantic Range

Obed is theologically significant as a vital link in the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. His placement in the line of David (through Ruth and Boaz) directly connects Jesus to the covenant promises made to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Understanding this name highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and God's faithfulness across generations, showing how God worked through ordinary people, including a Moabite convert (Ruth), to bring about the Savior. His Hebrew name meaning 'servant' also subtly foreshadows the servant nature of the Messiah who would come from his line.

In its original Hebrew context, the name 'Obed' meaning 'servant' or 'worshipper' was a common name reflecting a virtue valued in Israelite culture: faithful service to God. In the Greco-Roman world of the New Testament, the name would have been recognized by Greek readers as a foreign (Hebrew) personal name without its semantic meaning being transparent. Its inclusion in a genealogy signified heritage and lineage, which were of paramount importance in both Jewish and Roman society for establishing identity and legitimacy.

Δαυίδ (Dauid, G1138) — Refers to King David, the grandson of Obed and a central figure in the Messianic line. Ἰεσσαί (Iessai, G2421) — Refers to Jesse, the son of Obed and father of David.

Word Details

Scripture References