Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This genealogy, though brief, is the crucial link showing how a foreigner like Ruth becomes part of the promised lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus. The formulaic language of "these are the generations" points to a carefully constructed lineage, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in weaving diverse lives into His grand plan of redemption, even extending to Gentiles.
Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the beginning of a formal genealogy, shifting from Ruth's story to a lineage that culminates in King David. The preceding verses detailed the birth of Obed to Ruth and Boaz, a pivotal moment connecting a Moabitess to Israel's royal line. This genealogical list, running from Perez through David, serves to anchor Ruth's redemption and David's ancestry within God's grand plan, ultimately pointing toward the coming Messiah.
Ever notice how Bible genealogies can feel like a long list of names? This verse starts one, but it's more than just a roll call.
The phrase "these are the generations" is a special way the ancient writers structured their history. It's like a formal introduction, signaling that an important lineage is about to be traced.
Think of it as a 'family tree' marker. These formulas, often found at the beginning of significant family lines (like in Genesis), show that the writer is intentionally highlighting a particular heritage.
In Ruth 4:18, this formula is used to connect the story of Ruth and Boaz to a much larger, pivotal story: the line leading to King David. It assures us that their small, faithful act is part of God's grand plan unfolding through history.
This verse immediately names Perez. Why him? And what does his inclusion tell us about the hopes of God's people?
Perez is not just any name; he's a significant son of Judah, born in a dramatic and unexpected way (Genesis 38). His birth marked a turning point for Judah's family, and he becomes the starting point for a critical lineage.
By beginning the genealogy here, the author is reminding us of God's promise to Judah. Jacob, before he died, prophesied that the ruler's staff would come from Judah, and that Shiloh (a Messianic title) would come from his line (Genesis 49:10).
Perez's inclusion signals that this line is destined to fulfill that ancient promise. It roots the story of Ruth and Boaz, and eventually David, in God's faithfulness to his covenant with Israel.
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This single verse kicks off a genealogy that ultimately leads to King David. What does this bridge represent for us today?
Ruth 4:18, by naming Perez as the father of Hezron, starts a chain that will eventually include Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and finally King David. This is no accident; it's a deliberate theological statement.
The compilers of these genealogies often omitted many generations, focusing on the key figures who carried the lineage forward. This isn't a historical oversight; it's a way to highlight the most important ancestors and the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness.
This lineage isn't just about earthly kings. It points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who is the descendant of David. The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite woman, also shows that God's plan of salvation extends beyond ethnic boundaries, fulfilling promises to bless all nations through this Davidic line.
Understand the original words
toledoth · Hebrew Noun
From the Hebrew 'toledoth', it refers to a historical account of descendants. In Scripture, these records often serve to bridge historical events and establish the messianic genealogy.
Peretz · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'breach' or 'bursting forth.' It refers to the son of Judah and Tamar, highlighting the sovereign and sometimes unexpected way God preserves the royal line.
This genealogy, tracing back to Perez, isn't just about naming ancestors; it’s a powerful statement of God's redemptive plan, highlighting His faithfulness in bringing forth a Savior through a lineage that includes a foreigner and culminates in King David.
c. 1800 BC
Judah and Tamar's Scandal
Judah, son of Jacob, has relations with his daughter-in-law Tamar, who then conceives twins, Perez and Zerah.
c. 1729 BC
Jacob's Family Moves to Egypt
Jacob and his entire family, including Perez's son Hezron (called Esrom in Matthew's genealogy), move to Egypt.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Leads Israelites into Canaan
The Israelites conquer and divide the Promised Land of Canaan, with the tribe of Judah receiving its inheritance.
c. 1100 BC
Period of the Judges
A chaotic period in Israel's history where tribal leaders, or judges, ruled, marked by cycles of apostasy and deliverance.
c. 1070 BC— this verse
Boaz and Ruth's Marriage
Boaz, a wealthy landowner from Bethlehem in Judah, marries Ruth, a Moabite woman, fulfilling the lineage required for David's ancestry.
c. 1070 BC
Birth of Obed
Ruth and Boaz have a son named Obed, who becomes the father of Jesse and grandfather of King David.
c. 1040 BC
Birth of King David
David, descendant of Perez, Judah, Boaz, Ruth, and Obed, is born and will later be anointed king over Israel.
This passage lists Hezron as one of Jacob's descendants who went down to Egypt, confirming his place in this lineage.
Matthew 1:3This verse in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus uses the Greek form 'Esrom' for Hezron, directly linking this Old Testament lineage to the ancestry of Christ.
Luke 3:33Luke's Gospel also includes Hezron (as 'Esrom') in Jesus' genealogy, further emphasizing the Messianic significance of this line tracing back to Perez.
1 Chronicles 2:5This parallel account in Chronicles provides the same genealogical line, highlighting the importance of this ancestry in Israel's history.
Genesis 49:10The prophecy that the ruler's scepter would not depart from Judah, and that Shiloh would come from his line, is fulfilled through the descendants listed here, starting with Perez.
gillRuth 4:18: "Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,"
Now these are the generations of Pharez,.... The son of Judah, by Tamar before mentioned, Ruth 4:12 , for the intention of this genealogy is to confirm the truth of Jacob's prophecy, of Shiloh the Messiah coming from the tribe of Judah, Genesis 49:10 and therefore it begins with Pharez, well known to be the son of Judah, and ends with David, whose son the Messiah was to be, as is owned by all Jews and Gentiles that belie…
henryRuth 4:13-22: "So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."
4:13-22 Ruth bore a son, through whom thousands and myriads were born to God; and in being the lineal ancestor of Christ, she was instrumental in the happiness of all that shall be saved by him; even of us Gentiles, as well as those of Jewish descent. She was a witness for God to the Gentile world, that he had not utterly forsaken them, but that in due time th…
This genealogy, though brief, is the crucial link showing how a foreigner like Ruth becomes part of the promised lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus. The formulaic language of "these are the generations" points to a carefully constructed lineage, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in weaving diverse lives into His grand plan of redemption, even extending to Gentiles.
This verse marks the beginning of a formal genealogy, shifting from Ruth's story to a lineage that culminates in King David. The preceding verses detailed the birth of Obed to Ruth and Boaz, a pivotal moment connecting a Moabitess to Israel's royal line. This genealogical list, running from Perez through David, serves to anchor Ruth's redemption and David's ancestry within God's grand plan, ultimately pointing toward the coming Messiah.
This verse marks the beginning of a formal genealogy, shifting from Ruth's story to a lineage that culminates in King David. The preceding verses detailed the birth of Obed to Ruth and Boaz, a pivotal moment connecting a Moabitess to Israel's royal line. This genealogical list, running from Perez through David, serves to anchor Ruth's redemption and David's ancestry within God's grand plan, ultimately pointing toward the coming Messiah.
"Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron," — This genealogy, though brief, is the crucial link showing how a foreigner like Ruth becomes part of the promised lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus. The formulaic language of "these are the…
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Last reviewed October 2026