Ruth 4:17

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה
and they called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
ל֨וֹ
H0
#3
הַשְּׁכֵנ֥וֹת
And the women her neighbours
a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen
#4
שְׁמוֹ֙
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#5
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
יֻלַּד
born
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#7
בֵּ֖ן
There is a son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
לְנָֽעֳמִ֑י
to Naomi
noomi, an israelitess
#9
וַתִּקְרֶ֤אנָֽה
and they called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#10
שְׁמוֹ֙
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#11
עוֹבֵ֔ד
Obed
obed, the name of five israelites
#12
ה֥וּא
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
#13
אֲבִ֥י
H1
he is the father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#14
יִשַׁ֖י
of Jesse
jishai, david's father
#15
אֲבִ֥י
H1
he is the father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#16
דָוִֽד׃
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ruth, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ruth.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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