Ruth 4:18-22
Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse functions as a grand, formal opening to a lineage that doesn't just trace King David's family tree, but ultimately points to Jesus. It’s a reminder that God's redemptive plan, even when starting with ancient Israel, was always intended to bless all nations.
After the story of Ruth and Boaz culminates in the birth of their son Obed, this passage pivots to present a formal genealogy. It traces a line of descent specifically from Perez, Judah's son, all the way to King David, highlighting the lineage that the entire book has been building towards. This established line emphasizes that David, and by extension the promised Messiah, would indeed come from the tribe of Judah through this unexpected union.
Have you ever skipped over the family trees in the Bible? They might seem like dry lists, but they're actually packed with meaning!
This verse, Ruth 4:18, starts a genealogy that feels like a standard historical record. You see names like Perez, Hezron, Ram – names that might not mean much at first glance. But these aren't just names; they are the threads weaving together God's redemptive story.
Building a Bridge to the Messiah
This particular lineage is crucial because it traces the direct ancestry of King David, and ultimately, Jesus. The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite woman, into this line highlights a beautiful truth: God's plan of salvation isn't limited to one people. It's a story that embraces the unexpected and brings people from all nations into His family.
A Pattern of God's Faithfulness
Genealogies in Scripture often serve as reminders of God's faithfulness across generations. They show us that God is actively involved in human history, working out His purposes even through ordinary families and sometimes through challenging circumstances. This list confirms that God's promises, even those made long before, were unfolding exactly as He intended.
Perez and Hezron might sound like ancient history, but their place here is no accident. What makes them so important?
The genealogy in Ruth 4:18 begins with Perez, son of Judah and Tamar. This is significant because Perez's birth itself was a dramatic event, signifying a breakthrough or a 'bursting forth' (which is what his name means).
A Breakthrough in Judah's Line
Perez's story, though not detailed in this verse, is a powerful reminder that God can bring about new beginnings even out of difficult or messy situations. He was born into a scandalous situation, yet he became a key figure in the lineage leading to David.
Laying the Foundation for David
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.
yalad · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew word for "to father" or "to beget" signifies the act of procreation and the continuation of a biological or genealogical line. In the context of genealogies, it emphasizes the preservation of the family line and the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises through successive generations.
Boaz · Hebrew Noun
This genealogy isn't just a list of names; it connects the humble Moabite woman Ruth and the faithful Israelite Boaz to King David, highlighting God's overarching plan to bring salvation through a royal line that would eventually lead to the Messiah.
c. 1700-1600 BC
Jacob's Family Moves to Egypt
Jacob and his entire household, numbering around 70 people, migrated to Egypt during a severe famine. This included Judah and his sons, Perez and Zerah. The book of Ruth later traces a lineage from Perez.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Under Moses' leadership, the Israelites left Egypt after centuries of slavery. This event is a foundational moment for the nation, shaping their identity and future.
c. 1400 BC
Israel Enters and Conquers Canaan
Following the Exodus and 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua led the Israelites in conquering the Promised Land. The tribes were then allotted their territories, including Judah.
c. 1100-1030 BC
Period of the Judges
This era was characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance, with various leaders (judges) arising to govern and rescue the tribes. Ruth's story unfolds during this chaotic time.
This passage directly names Hezron as one of Jacob's descendants who went to Egypt, showing his place in the lineage.
Matthew 1:3The Gospel of Matthew includes this same genealogy, linking Perez, Hezron, and subsequent figures directly to the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Luke 3:31-33Luke's Gospel also traces Jesus' lineage back through David, highlighting the importance of this specific line of descent, including Perez and Hezron.
Genesis 49:10This verse from Jacob's prophecy foretells that the ruler's staff would not depart from Judah, making this genealogy a crucial confirmation of that Messianic promise.
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 verse functions as a grand, formal opening to a lineage that doesn't just trace King David's family tree, but ultimately points to Jesus. It’s a reminder that God's redemptive plan, even when starting with ancient Israel, was always intended to bless all nations.
After the story of Ruth and Boaz culminates in the birth of their son Obed, this passage pivots to present a formal genealogy. It traces a line of descent specifically from Perez, Judah's son, all the way to King David, highlighting the lineage that the entire book has been building towards. This established line emphasizes that David, and by extension the promised Messiah, would indeed come from the tribe of Judah through this unexpected union.
After the story of Ruth and Boaz culminates in the birth of their son Obed, this passage pivots to present a formal genealogy. It traces a line of descent specifically from Perez, Judah's son, all the way to King David, highlighting the lineage that the entire book has been building towards. This established line emphasizes that David, and by extension the promised Messiah, would indeed come from the tribe of Judah through this unexpected union.
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A name meaning "in his strength" or "swiftness." He was the son of Salmon and Rahab, and the husband of Ruth, playing a pivotal role in the preservation of the Messianic line. He is a type of kinsman-redeemer, illustrating God's grace in incorporating Gentiles into the lineage of the Messiah.
Obed · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning "serving" or "worshiper." He was the son of Boaz and Ruth, representing the bridge between the period of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, continuing the line of promise.
Yishay · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning "Yahweh exists" or "gift of God." He was the son of Obed and the father of King David; he represents the common Israelite family through whom God chose to work in establishing the royal line.
David · Hebrew Noun
A name meaning "beloved." He was the second king of Israel, the "man after God's own heart," and the primary human ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The covenant made with him (the Davidic Covenant) established an eternal throne, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
c. 1050 BC
Birth of David
David, the future king of Israel, was born in Bethlehem to Jesse, a descendant of Boaz and Ruth. This birth is the culmination of the genealogy presented in Ruth.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King of Israel
Samuel anointed David as king, though his reign over all Israel began later. This marked a significant shift towards a unified monarchy.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Genealogy of David Established
The book of Ruth concludes with the genealogy tracing David's lineage back through Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and ultimately to Perez, son of Judah. This lineage is crucial for understanding the Messianic line.
"Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathe…" — This verse functions as a grand, formal opening to a lineage that doesn't just trace King David's family tree, but ultimately points to Jesus. It’s a reminder that God's redemptive plan, even when st…
