and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
While this list might seem like a dry recitation of names, it actually highlights how even in the "obscure" or "troubled" periods between major biblical events, God was faithfully working to bring about His promised Savior. These generations, though less detailed in Scripture, were crucial stepping stones in the lineage of Jesus.
and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues Matthew's carefully constructed genealogy, tracing Jesus' lineage back through prominent figures in Israel's history. It follows directly after listing Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah, moving into the line that would eventually lead to King David, highlighting key ancestors like Nahshon, a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus. The names here connect Jesus not only to the patriarchs but also to significant moments and leadership roles within the formation of Israel as a nation.
Many names in Jesus' family tree are unfamiliar. What does it mean that these individuals, often living in obscurity or hardship, are crucial to God's plan?
This section of Matthew's genealogy highlights individuals like Ram, Amminadab, and Nahshon. While Scripture says little about their personal lives, their inclusion is vital. They weren't necessarily prominent figures in grand historical events, but they faithfully carried the lineage forward. Their lives, whether marked by obscurity in Canaan, hardship in Egypt, or challenges in the wilderness, demonstrate God's work through ordinary people across generations. It reminds us that God uses everyone, not just the famous, to fulfill His purposes. Nahshon, for instance, is noted as a leader of Judah during the Exodus, showing that even those with less biblical spotlight can hold significant positions within God's unfolding plan.
How could these generations fit within the historical timeline leading to King David? Explore the 'long generation' question.
When comparing this genealogy to historical timelines, a fascinating point arises: the span of years between certain figures, like Nahshon (present at the Exodus) and David, appears quite long if we assume standard generation lengths. Some scholars suggest that genealogies often list key ancestors, skipping individuals to condense the lineage. This means a 'generation' in these lists might represent a significant period, possibly averaging much longer than the typical 20-30 years. The inclusion of figures like Nahshon, who was a leader during the Exodus, places this part of the lineage firmly in the wilderness period, predating the settlement of Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy under David. It underscores that biblical genealogies are not just lists of names but are connected to specific historical moments and periods of leadership.
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This genealogy traces Jesus' lineage through prominent figures like Nahshon, a leader during the Exodus, and David, the king. The inclusion of these names roots Jesus' identity in Israel's pivotal historical moments, from their liberation from Egypt to the establishment of the Davidic monarchy.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Census of Israel at Sinai
Nahshon, prince of the tribe of Judah, is identified during this census taken in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt. This event marks his prominent leadership role.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters Canaan
The Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin their conquest of the Promised Land. Nahshon's leadership within Judah would have been relevant during this period.
c. 1056 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
After a period of tribal leadership and monarchy under Saul, David is established as king. Nahshon's descendant, David, becomes a pivotal figure in Israel's history.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following the reign of Solomon, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The lineage continues through the kings of Judah.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Temple, leading to the exile of many Jews. This marks a significant disruption for the Davidic line, though remnants of the royal family returned.
This passage from Ruth provides a parallel genealogy, directly linking Salmon to Boaz and continuing the line that leads to David, reinforcing the historical accuracy of Matthew's account.
1 Chronicles 2:10-15This chapter also lists a similar lineage from Perez down to David, including Nahshon and Salmon, further confirming the historical thread and highlighting Nahshon's leadership role among the tribes.
Numbers 1:7This verse identifies Nahshon as the prince of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness journey, showing his significant status as an ancestor of the kingly line.
Luke 3:31-32Luke's Gospel presents a different, yet historically aligned, genealogy from David to Jesus, including this same segment from Nahshon through Salmon, demonstrating a consistent witness to Christ's lineage.
bensonMatthew 1:4: "And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;"
Matthew 1:4 . And Aram begat Aminadab — Of these, to Jesse, little is said in Scripture, for either they lived in slavery in Egypt, or in trouble in the wilderness, or in obscurity in Canaan before the kingdom was settled. Naasson, as we learn Numbers 1:7 , was head of the house of Judah, not, as some through mistake have affirmed, when the Israelites entered Canaan, but when they were numbered and mar…
pulpitMatthew 1:4: "And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;"
Verse 4. - And Naasson ( Nahshon, Revised Version) begat Salmon. This line of descent, from Nahshon to David, is also given by St. Luke (Luke 3:31, 32), and is derived from Ruth 4:18-22. But it has occasioned some difficulty, because it makes but five steps from Nahshon, who (Numbers 1:7) was one of the heads of fathers' houses at the time of the Exodus, to the days of David. According to the chronolog…
While this list might seem like a dry recitation of names, it actually highlights how even in the "obscure" or "troubled" periods between major biblical events, God was faithfully working to bring about His promised Savior. These generations, though less detailed in Scripture, were crucial stepping stones in the lineage of Jesus.
This passage continues Matthew's carefully constructed genealogy, tracing Jesus' lineage back through prominent figures in Israel's history. It follows directly after listing Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah, moving into the line that would eventually lead to King David, highlighting key ancestors like Nahshon, a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus. The names here connect Jesus not only to the patriarchs but also to significant moments and leadership roles within the formation of Israel as a nation.
This passage continues Matthew's carefully constructed genealogy, tracing Jesus' lineage back through prominent figures in Israel's history. It follows directly after listing Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah, moving into the line that would eventually lead to King David, highlighting key ancestors like Nahshon, a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus. The names here connect Jesus not only to the patriarchs but also to significant moments and leadership roles within the formation of Israel as a nation.
"and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon," — While this list might seem like a dry recitation of names, it actually highlights how even in the "obscure" or "troubled" periods between major biblical events, God was faithfully working to bring ab…
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Last reviewed October 2026