Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This genealogy isn't just a dry list; it's a bridge to the Messiah, quietly highlighting how God weaves His redemptive plan through seemingly ordinary lives, even naming a foreign woman like Ruth in its lineage. It’s a powerful reminder that our stories, too, can be part of God’s grand, unfolding narrative.
Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This genealogy appears at the very end of the Book of Ruth, following the account of Boaz and Ruth's marriage and the birth of their son, Obed. It traces the lineage from Obed back through several generations, ultimately leading to David and then, as later biblical texts reveal, to Jesus.
Why does the Bible spend time listing names in genealogies? It's more than just a family tree – it's a roadmap of God's faithfulness.
A Thread Through Time
Genealogies like the one in Ruth 4:19 might seem dry at first glance. But these lists are crucial. They show how God's promises and plans unfold across generations.
This particular genealogy isn't just a random collection of names. It's a vital link in the lineage leading to King David, and ultimately, to Jesus Christ.
Ruth, a foreigner, marries into Israel and becomes a vital part of the Messianic line. What does this tell us about God's inclusion?
God's Embrace Beyond Borders
The inclusion of Ruth's story and her descendants in this genealogy is incredibly powerful. She was a Moabite woman, a foreigner to Israel, yet she becomes a central figure.
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This genealogy, though brief, connects the story of Ruth and Boaz to the foundational periods of Israel's history, including the Exodus, the Judges, and the establishment of the Davidic monarchy, highlighting the importance of lineage and faithfulness through turbulent times.
c. 13th-12th century BC
Israelites Leave Egypt
The Exodus from Egypt and the subsequent wilderness wanderings led to the conquest of Canaan. This marked the beginning of Israel's national identity and covenant relationship with God.
c. 12th-11th century BC
Period of the Judges
A turbulent era in Israelite history characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance through charismatic leaders known as Judges. This period sets the backdrop for the events in Ruth.
c. 11th century BC— this verse
Boaz Redeems Elimelech's Land
Boaz, acting as a kinsman-redeemer, marries Ruth and secures the land and lineage of Elimelech, demonstrating faithfulness within the community customs.
c. 1040 BC
Birth of David
Obed, son of Boaz and Ruth, is born. He becomes the father of Jesse, who is the father of King David.
c. 10th century BC
United Monarchy Under David
The establishment of the monarchy with David as king, uniting the tribes of Israel. This era sees a greater emphasis on centralized law and governance.
c. 10th century BC
Solomon's Reign and Temple Construction
The period of peace and prosperity under King Solomon, marked by the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, signifying a new era of worship and national identity.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile
The deportation of many Judeans to Babylon, leading to the loss of the land and the destruction of the First Temple. Genealogies became even more crucial for maintaining identity during this period.
This passage provides a more detailed account of this same genealogy, listing Hezron's descendants and offering further context to these ancient family lines.
Matthew 1:3The Gospel of Matthew directly quotes this part of the genealogy, showing its critical importance in tracing the lineage of Jesus Christ back to Judah and ultimately to Ruth.
Exodus 6:23This verse mentions Amminadab's daughter, Elisheba, who married Aaron, connecting this specific ancestor to a pivotal figure in Israel's history and the priesthood.
1 Chronicles 2:25-27These verses offer a slightly different, yet related, lineage stemming from Hezron, highlighting the complexity and variations that can exist within ancient genealogies while still tracing back to key figures.
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…
clarkeRuth 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 .
This genealogy isn't just a dry list; it's a bridge to the Messiah, quietly highlighting how God weaves His redemptive plan through seemingly ordinary lives, even naming a foreign woman like Ruth in its lineage. It’s a powerful reminder that our stories, too, can be part of God’s grand, unfolding narrative.
This genealogy appears at the very end of the Book of Ruth, following the account of Boaz and Ruth's marriage and the birth of their son, Obed. It traces the lineage from Obed back through several generations, ultimately leading to David and then, as later biblical texts reveal, to Jesus.
This genealogy appears at the very end of the Book of Ruth, following the account of Boaz and Ruth's marriage and the birth of their son, Obed. It traces the lineage from Obed back through several generations, ultimately leading to David and then, as later biblical texts reveal, to Jesus.
"Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon," — This genealogy isn't just a dry list; it's a bridge to the Messiah, quietly highlighting how God weaves His redemptive plan through seemingly ordinary lives, even naming a foreign woman like Ruth in…
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Last reviewed October 2026