Meaning & History
Obed is a masculine given name that appears in several Old Testament contexts, deriving from the Hebrew verb ‘avad meaning "to serve" or "to worship" (Hebrew: עוֹבֵד, romanized: ‘Ōḇēḏ).
Etymology and Meaning
The name means "serving, worshipping" or "worshipper" — reflecting a theophoric quality often found in Hebrew names where the bearer is described in relation to God. The shared root with related names like Abd, Abdel, Abdo, Abduh, Abdul, and Abed underscores the pan-Semitic cognate ‘bd, meaning "servant" (especially of God), common in Arabic and other Semitic names.
Biblical Figures
Several Old Testament characters bear this name. The most prominent is the son of Ruth and Boaz, and the grandfather of King David. His story is told in the Book of Ruth; Obed is the link between Ruth, a Moabite convert, and the Davidic line that ultimately leads to Jesus (according to Matthew 1:5). Other figures named Obed appear in 1 Chronicles (the son of Ephlal and descendant of Jerahmeel, a warrior of David, and a gatekeeper). These appear in genealogical lists.
Variant Forms
In the Greek translations of the Bible, the name appears as Iobed. The name is the same for Old Testament anchor figures across English, Greek, and Latin Biblical usages.
Notable Bearers
Outside the Bible, the name has been used throughout history, particularly in religious or conservative communities, and in regions influenced by the Christian Old Testament such. Notable modern bearers include Obed Akwa (born 1955), a Ghanaian military lieutenant-general; Obed Asamoah (born 1936), a Ghanaian politician; Obed Dlamini (born 1937), Prime Minister of Eswatini; Obed Ariri (born 1956), a Nigerian gridiron football player; and Obed Díaz (born 1979), boxer. In the Colonial United States, Obed was used as a given and family name (e.g., Obed Dickinson, 1818–1892, founded the Springfield Armory), affirming within wider usage among Puritan communities who frequently selected:
Key Facts
- Meaning: "servant" or "worshipper" (of God)
- Origin: Hebrew
- Name Type: Biblical First Name
- Usage regions: English Bible, Greek Bible, Latin Bible; global Christian contexts
- Related names: Iobed (Biblical Greek), Abd, Abdel, Abdo, Abduh (Arabic)
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Obed (name)