Strong’s G5601: A proper noun of Hebrew origin (עוֹבֵד, Obed) meaning “serving” or “worshipper.” The name appears in the genealogy of the Messiah, specifically as the son of Boaz and Ruth, grandfather of King David, establishing a crucial link in the royal and Messianic lineage.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ἰωβήδ represents a significant figure in the Messianic genealogy, embodying both faithful service and divine providence. The name carries deep theological significance as it connects the Gentile lineage of Ruth with the royal house of David, foreshadowing the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan. In the early church, Ἰωβήδ served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in preserving the Messianic line, even through unexpected means. This name continues to teach us about God’s sovereign plan in working through ordinary people who serve Him faithfully.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ἰωβήδ, Iobed, /i.oʊ.ˈbɛd/
• Pronunciation: ee-oh-BED
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Hebrew origin: עוֹבֵד (Obed)
• Root meaning: “servant” or “worshipper”
• Derived from Hebrew עָבַד (abad) meaning “to serve, work, worship”

D – Defining Meanings

• A proper name meaning “serving” or “worshipper”
• The son of Boaz and Ruth
• Grandfather of King David

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a transliteration of a Hebrew name

Translation Options:

• Obed – Most common English translation, preserving the Hebrew pronunciation
• Jobed – Alternative transliteration reflecting Greek form
• Iobed – Direct transliteration of the Greek form

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ἰωβ (Iob) /i.ˈoʊb/ – The Greek form of Job, another name related to service – See G2492
• δοῦλος (doulos) /duː.ˈlɒs/ – A common word for servant – See G1401
• λατρεύω (latreuo) /la.ˈtreʊ.oʊ/ – To serve in worship – See G3000

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Indeclinable
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: None (proper noun)

As an indeclinable proper noun, Ἰωβήδ maintains the same form regardless of its grammatical function in the sentence. This is common for transliterated Hebrew names in Greek.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical tradition consistently identifies Ἰωβήδ as a transliteration of the Hebrew עוֹבֵד (Obed). BDAG notes its significance in the Messianic genealogy, while Thayer’s emphasizes its meaning as “serving.” The LSJ includes its usage in the Septuagint, particularly in Ruth and Chronicles. Vine’s expands on the theological significance of the name, connecting it to the theme of service in Scripture. Moulton and Milligan note its appearance in early Christian literature, particularly in discussions of the Messiah’s genealogy.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 1:5 “Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of [Ἰωβήδ] Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse”

Additional References:
Luke 3:32

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Josephus: Antiquities	“And they named the child Obed [Ἰωβήδ], which signifies a servant”
LXX Ruth 4:17	“And the women neighbors gave it a name, saying, ‘A son is born to Naomi,’ and they called his name Obed [Ἰωβήδ]”
LXX 1 Chronicles 2:12	“And Boaz begat Obed [Ἰωβήδ], and Obed begat Jesse”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ἰωβήδ stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving the Messianic line through ordinary people who served Him. The name’s meaning of “servant” or “worshipper” beautifully foreshadows the ultimate Servant, Jesus the Messiah, who would come through this lineage. Through Ἰωβήδ, we see God’s plan to include Gentiles in His redemptive story, as demonstrated through his mother Ruth. This name proclaims the good news that God uses faithful servants to accomplish His purposes and that His salvation extends to all peoples.

D – Did You Know?

• Ἰωβήδ represents the only biblical character whose name means “worshipper”
• His birth story in Ruth is one of only three detailed birth narratives in the Old Testament
• The name appears in both Matthew and Luke’s genealogies of Jesus, confirming its importance in the Messianic lineage

Strong’s G5601: A proper noun of Hebrew origin (עוֹבֵד, Obed) meaning “serving” or “worshipper.” The name appears in the genealogy of the Messiah, specifically as the son of Boaz and Ruth, grandfather of King David, establishing a crucial link in the royal and Messianic lineage.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: genealogy, Messiah, David, Ruth, servant, worship, lineage, Hebrew-names, Biblical-names, Matthew-genealogy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​