Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This genealogically focused verse highlights how even seemingly small, disconnected names like Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon are crucial pieces in God's unfolding plan. They're not just names on a list; they are the very threads God weaves through history to ultimately bring forth His Son, Jesus.
Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This genealogy marks the triumphant conclusion of the book, tracing the lineage from an early Israelite prince, through Boaz and Ruth's son Obed, all the way to David, the great king of Israel. It solidifies Ruth's place in the history of God's people and beautifully culminates in the Messianic line, highlighting God's faithfulness even through foreign nations.
This short verse lists names, but it’s a crucial thread connecting us to something far greater. Who are these people, and why does their lineage matter so much?
This verse is a genealogical marker, a vital piece of the puzzle that traces the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus. While the list seems brief, each name represents a link in a chain of promise stretching across centuries.
The Significance of the Lineage
Some scholars point out that this genealogy seems to skip generations. Why might this be, and what does it teach us about how we read Scripture?
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While the genealogies in Scripture are accurate, they sometimes present a condensed history. The link between Salmon and Boaz (Ruth's husband) might involve missing generations, a common practice in ancient genealogies to highlight key figures or significant lineage.
Why the Gaps?
This genealogy, though brief, highlights key figures like Nahshon, a prince during the Exodus, and Salmon, potentially linked to Rahab. It firmly places Ruth's story within the broader sweep of Israel's history, leading directly to the Davidic line.
c. 1400 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River and begin their conquest of Canaan.
c. 1350 BC
Rahab Shelters Spies in Jericho
Rahab, a Canaanite woman of Jericho, hides Israelite spies, an act that is later recognized by some traditions as linking her to Salmon.
c. 1350 BC
Salmon Marries Rahab
According to tradition and hints in later genealogies, Salmon, a prince of Judah, marries Rahab, integrating her into Israelite lineage.
c. 1300 BC
Birth of Boaz
Salmon and Rahab have a son named Boaz, who will later play a crucial role in the lineage of King David.
c. 1200 BC
Amminadab Lives
Amminadab is a significant figure in the tribe of Judah, living during or shortly after the Exodus, and is the father of Nahshon.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Boaz Marries Ruth
Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, marries Ruth, a Moabite widow, fulfilling ancient customs and ensuring Naomi's lineage continues.
c. 1090 BC
Birth of Obed
Boaz and Ruth have a son named Obed, who becomes the father of Jesse and grandfather of King David.
This passage provides a more detailed genealogy connecting back to Judah, including Nahshon and Salmon, and places them in the lineage leading to David, reinforcing the historical significance of these names.
Numbers 1:7This verse identifies Nahshon as the prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, highlighting his prominent role and the lineage's importance even before the time of Ruth and Boaz.
Matthew 1:4-5The Gospel of Matthew explicitly includes Nahshon and Salmon (as Salmon) in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, directly linking this specific line from Ruth to the Messiah.
Luke 3:32This Lucan genealogy also traces the lineage of Jesus through Salmon, underscoring the continuous importance of this ancestral line throughout biblical history.
gillRuth 4:20: "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,"
And Amminadab begat Nahshon,.... The prince of the tribe of Judah, as the Targum adds; and so he was when the Israelites were come out of Egypt, and were in the wilderness at the time of the dedication of the altar, Numbers 7:12 called Nahsson, Matthew 1:4 , and Nahshon begat Salmon; or, as in the Hebrew text, Salmah, and in 1 Chronicles 2:11 , Salma; and yet in the verse following Salmon, as we read it.
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 genealogically focused verse highlights how even seemingly small, disconnected names like Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon are crucial pieces in God's unfolding plan. They're not just names on a list; they are the very threads God weaves through history to ultimately bring forth His Son, Jesus.
This genealogy marks the triumphant conclusion of the book, tracing the lineage from an early Israelite prince, through Boaz and Ruth's son Obed, all the way to David, the great king of Israel. It solidifies Ruth's place in the history of God's people and beautifully culminates in the Messianic line, highlighting God's faithfulness even through foreign nations.
This genealogy marks the triumphant conclusion of the book, tracing the lineage from an early Israelite prince, through Boaz and Ruth's son Obed, all the way to David, the great king of Israel. It solidifies Ruth's place in the history of God's people and beautifully culminates in the Messianic line, highlighting God's faithfulness even through foreign nations.
"Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon," — This genealogically focused verse highlights how even seemingly small, disconnected names like Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon are crucial pieces in God's unfolding plan. They're not just names on a l…
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Last reviewed October 2026