Jesse

Jesse (meaning gift or firm; Hebrew Yishai) was the son of Obed, grandson of Boaz and Ruth, and the father of King David. He lived at Bethlehem of Judah and had eight sons, the youngest of whom was David (Ruth 4:17, 22; 1 Samuel 16). Jesse is the figure at whose home Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, passing over seven impressive older sons before God directed Samuel to the overlooked shepherd boy keeping the sheep.

Jesse's theological significance far exceeds his narrative role. Isaiah 11:1 prophesies that "a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit," and 11:10 speaks of "the Root of Jesse" as a banner for the nations. These passages, taken up in Romans 15:12 and Revelation 5:5, became central messianic prophecies identifying the Messiah as a descendant of Jesse — not just of David. Paul quotes Isaiah 11:10 to support the inclusion of Gentiles in God's people (Romans 15:12). Matthew and Luke both include Jesse in Jesus's genealogy (Matthew 1:5-6; Luke 3:32).