Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah. Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse.
English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Chronicles 2:10-12
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It's easy to breeze through genealogies like this, but notice that it specifically calls Nahshon the "prince of the sons of Judah." This isn't just a casual mention; it highlights the specific lineage and leadership role Nahshon held within his tribe, setting the stage for future significance. This detailed designation underscores the importance of lineage and God's purposeful placement of individuals within His unfolding plan.
Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah. Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a long genealogy tracing the lineage of Israel, specifically focusing on the descendants of Judah. It's laying the groundwork for understanding who belongs to this significant tribe, ultimately leading to King David and then Jesus. Immediately before and after, the text continues listing key figures and their generations, emphasizing their place within God's unfolding plan for His people.
Ever feel lost in a long list of names? These genealogies aren't just history; they're threads woven into God's grand narrative.
More Than Just Names
Ancient genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles, can seem like a dry list of names. But for the people of Israel, these records were vital. They established identity, tribal belonging, and, crucially, the fulfillment of God's promises.
The Significance of This Line
This specific lineage traces back to Judah, one of Jacob's twelve sons. This isn't accidental. The New Testament reveals that Jesus, the Messiah, would come from the tribe of Judah. These verses are like signposts, showing us how God was faithfully working through generations to bring about His redemptive plan.
The verse ends by highlighting Nahshon's special role. What does it mean to be a 'prince' in ancient Israel, and why is it significant?
The Role of a Prince
In the context of the Israelite tribes, a 'prince' (Hebrew: nasi) wasn't just a noble title. It signified a leader, a chief, someone appointed to represent and guide their people. Nahshon was the prince of the sons of Judah.
Setting the Stage for Leadership
This position is incredibly important. Later, in the book of Numbers, Nahshon is the one chosen to lead the census and the tribal encampments. He's also the one who offers the first sacrifice for the dedication of the altar. His leadership in this lineage is foundational for Judah's journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land.
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Understand the original words
yalad · Hebrew Verb
To beget, give birth to, or establish a line of descent. It signifies the role of a father in continuing the family heritage and tribal succession.
nasi · Hebrew Noun
A person of high rank, status, or leadership within a tribe or community. In the context of Israel, it often refers to a head of a tribe or a clan leader appointed to oversee the interests of the people.
Nachshon · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Hebrew name meaning "diviner" or "enchanter," referring to a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus. He is a significant figure in the messianic lineage as an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
Salmon · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Hebrew name meaning "shining" or "garment." He appears in the genealogy of the Messiah as the son of Nahshon and the father of Boaz.
Boaz · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning "swiftness" or "in him is strength." He is a pivotal figure in the Old Testament as the husband of Ruth and the great-grandfather of King David, symbolizing God's inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant line.
Obed · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning "servant" or "worshipper." He was the son of Boaz and Ruth, serving as the grandfather of King David and a link in the messianic line.
Yishay · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning "God exists" or "gift of God." He was the father of King David and is frequently referred to in prophecy as the "root" or "stump" from which the Messiah, the Branch, would spring.
This passage also lists the lineage of Judah, highlighting Nahshon's place as an ancestor of David, reinforcing his importance in the line of kings.
Matthew 1:4The genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament includes Nahshon, showing how his leadership role in Judah's tribe connects him directly to the Messiah.
Numbers 1:7Here, Nahshon is identified as the prince of the tribe of Judah during the census in the wilderness, demonstrating his leadership in a pivotal moment for Israel.
1 Chronicles 4:14-15This section continues the genealogy of Judah, mentioning Shephatiah son of Ishmael, who is contrasted with the leaders from Perez’s line, including Nahshon, further emphasizing his prominent position.
It's easy to breeze through genealogies like this, but notice that it specifically calls Nahshon the "prince of the sons of Judah." This isn't just a casual mention; it highlights the specific lineage and leadership role Nahshon held within his tribe, setting the stage for future significance. This detailed designation underscores the importance of lineage and God's purposeful placement of individuals within His unfolding plan.
This verse is part of a long genealogy tracing the lineage of Israel, specifically focusing on the descendants of Judah. It's laying the groundwork for understanding who belongs to this significant tribe, ultimately leading to King David and then Jesus. Immediately before and after, the text continues listing key figures and their generations, emphasizing their place within God's unfolding plan for His people.
This verse is part of a long genealogy tracing the lineage of Israel, specifically focusing on the descendants of Judah. It's laying the groundwork for understanding who belongs to this significant tribe, ultimately leading to King David and then Jesus. Immediately before and after, the text continues listing key figures and their generations, emphasizing their place within God's unfolding plan for His people.
"Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah. Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse." — It's easy to breeze through genealogies like this, but notice that it specifically calls Nahshon the "prince of the sons of Judah." This isn't just a casual mention; it highlights the specific lineag…
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Last reviewed October 2026