Ruth 4:19-20 Meaning Explained

Ruth 4:19-20

Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,

English Standard Version (ESV)

While this verse lists names in a genealogy, it highlights how God's grand plan of salvation, culminating in Jesus, is built upon seemingly ordinary family lines, weaving even a foreign woman like Ruth into that significant tapestry. This wasn't just a record of who begat whom; it was setting the stage for the promised Messiah, a divine thread connecting these ancient lives to our present hope.

What Ruth 4:19-20 means

This genealogy concludes the Book of Ruth, tracing the lineage from Perez (Judah's son) through David's ancestors, ultimately highlighting Ruth's inclusion into God's redemptive plan. It follows Boaz's legal redemption of Naomi's land and his marriage to Ruth, which brought joy and a continuation of lineage, securing a place for Ruth and her descendants within Israel's history.

The Significance of Genealogies

Why does the Bible spend so much time tracing family lines? It's more than just names on a page; it's about God's unfolding plan.

Genealogies in the Bible, like the one in Ruth 4:19, serve a crucial purpose. They aren't just historical records; they demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

God's Covenant Faithfulness

This lineage connects Ruth and Boaz to King David, and ultimately, to Jesus. It shows that God keeps His word, working through ordinary people and difficult circumstances to bring about His redemptive purposes. The inclusion of this genealogy highlights that God's plan of salvation is not random but deliberately woven through human history.

Establishing Messianic Lineage

For the Jewish people, tracing a lineage was vital for establishing identity, land inheritance, and legitimacy, especially for the Messiah. This genealogy confirms the royal and divine line through which Jesus would come, affirming Him as the promised King and Savior. Even though Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab may seem like distant figures, their place in this line assures us of the solid foundation of our faith.

Names that Echo Through Time

Hezron, Ram, Amminadab – these aren't just ancient names. They represent faith, continuity, and a promise passed down through generations.

The names mentioned in this verse carry weight beyond their simple pronunciation. They signify a continuation of the covenant promises and an enduring legacy of faith.

A Legacy of Faith

Hezron (meaning 'enclosed' or 'corps of workers') is a descendant of Judah, placing him in a line of significant promise. Ram ('exalted') and Amminadab ('my kinsman is generous') continue this legacy. Each name, in its own way, points to God's ongoing work and generous provision for His people.

Connected to the Exodus

Interestingly, Amminadab is identified as the father-in-law of Aaron (Exodus 6:23). This connects the lineage of Ruth and Boaz directly to the pivotal events of the Exodus, highlighting how God works through specific families to bring about His grand designs for salvation and deliverance.

Historical context

Written: Likely composed between 1000-700 BC, reflecting traditions from the period of the Judges.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel, though the book's setting and style suggest a later author, possibly during the monarchy.
Location: Written from the perspective of Israel, likely during the period of the Judges or early monarchy.
Genre: Historical narrative with genealogical elements, notable for its focus on a foreign woman's integration into Israelite society and lineage.

Historical background

This genealogy, while concise, anchors Ruth's story within the grand sweep of Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving a line that would eventually lead to King David and, ultimately, the Messiah.

~1700 BC
Israelites Settle in Egypt
The descendants of Abraham migrate to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen, initially welcomed but later enslaved.
~1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Moses leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, a pivotal event in their history and God's redemptive plan.
~13th Century BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquer the land of Canaan, establishing their presence as a people.
~11th Century BC
The United Monarchy Forms
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king, followed by David, ushering in a period of unified Israelite rule.
~1000 BC
David Reigns in Jerusalem

Key themes

01Generational lineage continuity
02Biblical ancestry tracing
03Inclusion in God's plan

Cross-references

Matthew 1:3

This passage directly quotes the same genealogy, showing the lineage from Hezron through Ram to Amminadab, highlighting its importance in the Messianic line.

1 Chronicles 2:9

This chapter provides a fuller account of the genealogy, including Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab, offering more context to their place within the lineage of Israel.

Exodus 6:23

This verse connects Amminadab to Aaron, showing that his descendants were significant figures in Israelite history, specifically within the priestly line, underscoring the importance of this lineage.

Ruth 4:21-22

These verses immediately follow the genealogy, linking it directly to the birth of Obed, who is the father of Jesse and grandfather of David, demonstrating the purpose of this genealogical tracing within the book of Ruth.

Scholarly commentary

Ruth 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…
henry

Ruth 4:19: "And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,"

Hezron begat Ram - He is called Aram here by the Septuagint, and also by St. Matthew, Matthew 1:3 .
clarke

Frequently asked questions

What does Ruth 4:19-20 mean?

Explain the meaning of Ruth 4:19-20

What is the context of Ruth 4:19-20?

Study this verse in Sola

Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.

Open in Sola app Get the app

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does the original Hebrew reveal about Ruth 4:19-20?”
“Why did Traditionally attributed to Samuel, though the book's setting and style suggest a later author, possibly during the monarchy. write Ruth 4:19-20?”
“How does generational lineage continuity show up in Ruth 4:19-20?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Ruth 4:19-20 is available in the Sola app.

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What Ruth 4:19-20 means

Historical context

Written: Likely composed between 1000-700 BC, reflecting traditions from the period of the Judges.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel, though the book's setting and style suggest a later author, possibly during the monarchy.
Location: Written from the perspective of Israel, likely during the period of the Judges or early monarchy.
Genre: Historical narrative with genealogical elements, notable for its focus on a foreign woman's integration into Israelite society and lineage.

Historical background

~1700 BC

Israelites Settle in Egypt

The descendants of Abraham migrate to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen, initially welcomed but later enslaved.

~1446 BC

The Exodus from Egypt

Moses leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, a pivotal event in their history and God's redemptive plan.

~13th Century BC

Conquest of Canaan

Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquer the land of Canaan, establishing their presence as a people.

~11th Century BC

The United Monarchy Forms

Samuel anoints Saul as the first king, followed by David, ushering in a period of unified Israelite rule.

~1000 BC

David Reigns in Jerusalem