Who are Jesse's parents in the Bible?

Jesse is best known as the father of King David. But who were Jesse’s parents? This blog post explores the biblical and historical context surrounding Jesse’s lineage, examining what the Scriptures say—and don’t say—about his parentage.

Jesse: A Key Ancestor in Israel’s History

Jesse is a significant character in the Bible, primarily because he is the father of David, the second king of Israel and a central figure in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Jesse is introduced in the Old Testament as a Bethlehemite, living in the town of Bethlehem in Judah. His name appears in various genealogies, most notably those that lead to Jesus Christ in the New Testament, highlighting his importance in the messianic line.

The Biblical Record: Jesse’s Parentage

When readers search the Bible for explicit information about Jesse’s parents, they may be surprised to find that the Scriptures do not directly mention the names of Jesse’s mother or father. Unlike some other prominent figures whose parents are clearly identified, Jesse’s lineage is described in more general terms, often focusing on his descendants rather than his ancestors.

However, the Bible provides enough genealogical information for us to trace Jesse’s family line back several generations. To understand who Jesse’s parents were, we need to examine the genealogies found in the books of Ruth, 1 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, and the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Jesse’s Father: Obed

While the Bible does not give us the names of both of Jesse’s parents, it does explicitly identify Jesse’s father. In Ruth 4:17 and 4:22, we read:

“And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, ‘A son has been born to Naomi.’ So they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:17, ESV)

This passage is part of the conclusion to the Book of Ruth, where Ruth and Boaz have a son named Obed. Obed is then identified as the father of Jesse, making Boaz and Ruth Jesse’s grandparents. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles 2:12 and Matthew 1:5-6 confirm this:

“Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.” (1 Chronicles 2:12, ESV)

Thus, according to the biblical record, Jesse’s father was Obed.

Jesse’s Mother: Unnamed in Scripture

While the lineage of Jesse’s father is clear, the Bible does not provide the name of Jesse’s mother. This is not uncommon in ancient genealogies, where male lineage was typically emphasized, especially in patriarchal societies. Several generations of women, except for particularly notable figures like Ruth, are often omitted from genealogical lists.

In Jesse’s case, his mother’s name is never mentioned in the canonical texts. The focus remains on the line from Boaz and Ruth to Obed, then Jesse, and subsequently to David. This lack of information has led to a degree of speculation and tradition filling in the gaps, but the Bible itself remains silent.

Ruth and Boaz: Jesse’s Grandparents

To appreciate Jesse’s place in biblical history, it is helpful to look at his grandparents, Ruth and Boaz. Their story is pivotal in the history of Israel, not just as a beautiful narrative of loyalty and faith but also as a bridge in the genealogy that leads to David and, according to Christian belief, to Jesus.

Ruth was a Moabite woman who, after the death of her first husband, chose to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Her famous declaration, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16), marks her as a woman of remarkable faith. Boaz, a wealthy and honorable man from Bethlehem, redeems Ruth by marrying her, thus ensuring her place in the lineage that leads to Jesse and David.

The Significance of Jesse’s Lineage

Jesse’s importance in the biblical narrative comes largely from his place in the genealogy of David, Israel’s greatest king. The phrase “son of Jesse” becomes synonymous with David throughout the books of Samuel and Kings. In addition, the prophets speak of the coming Messiah as a shoot from the “stump of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1), emphasizing the enduring significance of Jesse’s family line.

In the New Testament, both Matthew and Luke trace the genealogy of Jesus through Jesse, reinforcing the messianic expectations tied to his family. Matthew 1:5-6 and Luke 3:32 list Jesse as the father of David and a critical ancestor in the line leading to Jesus, underscoring his ongoing spiritual legacy.

Jewish Tradition and Extra-Biblical Sources

Although the Bible does not name Jesse’s mother, Jewish tradition has sometimes sought to fill this gap. In some rabbinic writings and genealogical compilations, Jesse’s mother is named Nitzevet, daughter of Adael. However, this name does not appear in the canonical Scriptures and comes from much later sources. Such traditions reflect the desire to complete the picture of biblical families, but they should be distinguished from the biblical record itself.

Why the Silence About Jesse’s Mother?

The omission of Jesse’s mother’s name may seem puzzling to modern readers, but it reflects the conventions of ancient genealogical recording. In ancient Israelite society, family lines were typically traced through the male descendants, especially when establishing legal rights, inheritance, and royal succession. While the Bible includes notable women like Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, and Ruth, it does not always provide the names of every mother in a given family line.

Conclusion: Jesse’s Place in the Biblical Story

To answer the question, “Who are Jesse’s parents in the Bible?”—the Bible tells us that Jesse’s father was Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth. The name of Jesse’s mother is not recorded in Scripture. While later traditions may offer names, the biblical text remains silent on this point. Jesse’s significance endures not because of extensive biographical details but because of his place in the family line that leads to David and, ultimately, to the Messiah in Christian belief.