Ruth 4:21
And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,
Original Language Analysis
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
H3205
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
2 of 8
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּבֹ֖עַז
Boaz
H1162
וּבֹ֖עַז
Boaz
Strong's:
H1162
Word #:
4 of 8
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
וּבֹ֖עַז
Boaz
H1162
וּבֹ֖עַז
Boaz
Strong's:
H1162
Word #:
5 of 8
boaz, the ancestor of david; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
H3205
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
6 of 8
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Boaz's heritage as son of a Gentile convert inform his reception of Ruth?
- What does this multi-generational pattern teach about God's consistent grace toward Gentiles who believe?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.