Boy Old Testament Rare
Obed
a servant; workman
עוֹבֵד o.ved
Obed (Hebrew: עוֹבֵד, o.ved) means “a servant; workman”, by traditional interpretation. Five men in scripture bear the name; the best attested is a king. In 2025 it was given to 72 children in the United States. Around 4,135 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears in the same passages as Abihud.
Which Obed?
Five men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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Obed
son of Boaz
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Obed
father of Azariah
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Obed
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Obed
descendant of Judah
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Obed
son of Shemaiah
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 11 across 5 books
- Bearers
- 5 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- Both
- Era
- Judges
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 72 | Steady |
| All-time total | 4,135 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 137 in 2005 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | TX | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Ruth 4:17 |
| Last appears | Luke 3:32 |
| Cross-references | 88 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Salmon co-occurrence Appears with Salmon in Luke 3.
- Ishmael co-occurrence Appears with Ishmael in 2 Chronicles 23.
- Elishaphat co-occurrence Appears with Elishaphat in 2 Chronicles 23.
- Adaiah co-occurrence Appears with Adaiah in 2 Chronicles 23.
- Azariah co-occurrence Appears with Azariah in 2 Chronicles 23.
- Jehohanan co-occurrence Appears with Jehohanan in 2 Chronicles 23.
- Elihu co-occurrence Appears with Elihu in 1 Chronicles 26.
- Jaasiel co-occurrence Appears with Jaasiel in 1 Chronicles 11.
Origin & meaning
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.11.47
§ Obed = "serving"
1) son of Boaz by Ruth and the grandfather of David
2) a Judaite, a descendant of Jarha, the Egyptian slave of Sheshan, in the line of Jerahmeel
3) a Judaite, father of Azariah, one of the captains of hundreds who joined with Jehoiada in the revolution by which Athaliah fell
4) one of David's mighty warriors
5) son of Shemaiah and a gatekeeper of the temple
Obed was an Ishmaelite warrior who fought in David's army.
The biblical story
Obed was an Ishmaelite warrior who fought in David's army (1Ch.11.47). He is mentioned among the list of mighty men who supported David, which includes warriors from various backgrounds and regions. As an Ishmaelite, Obed likely descended from Ishmael, Abraham's son. His presence in David's army demonstrates the diversity of support David received during his reign.
Key verses
Obed appears in 1 verse. Here are some of the most notable:
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Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.
1 Chronicles 11:47
Show all 1 reference
1 Chronicles (1)
- 1 Chronicles 11:47