Ruth 4:20-21
Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The genealogy here is intentionally condensed, skipping generations to highlight significant ancestors and connect directly to the line of David, underscoring God's redemptive plan unfolding through history. It’s not a complete family tree, but a curated path leading to a promised king.
This verse concludes the genealogy of David, tracing his lineage back through Jesse, Obed, and Boaz, ultimately connecting to the ancient figures of Amminadab and Nahshon. It signifies the fulfillment of promises and establishes Ruth's place in the Messianic line, a line that will lead to the coming of Jesus.
Understand the original words
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
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.
This genealogical list, though brief, connects Ruth's humble faithfulness to the lineage of King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ, underscoring God's sovereign plan to include Gentiles in His redemptive purposes.
c. 1440 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, led by Moses, depart from slavery in Egypt, beginning their 40-year journey in the wilderness.
c. 1400 BC
Israel enters Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest and division of the Promised Land.
c. 13th-11th century BC
Period of the Judges
A tumultuous era where Israel lacked centralized leadership, often falling into cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
c. 11th century BC— this verse
Boaz marries Ruth
Boaz, a landowner in Bethlehem, redeems the family inheritance and marries Ruth, a Moabite widow. This union is central to the Book of Ruth.
c. 1040 BC
This passage directly quotes or alludes to the lineage, naming Salmon as the father of Boaz, reinforcing the genealogical significance.
Numbers 1:7Nahshon is identified as the prince of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness wanderings, highlighting his prominent role in Israel's history before this lineage is traced.
1 Chronicles 2:11This verse also lists the same genealogy, mentioning Salmon (spelled as Salma here), providing another scriptural witness to this important line.
Ruth 4:13This verse immediately follows, showing that Salmon's son, Boaz, married Ruth, thus connecting this specific genealogical line to the central story of the book and its redemptive themes.
Luke 3:32This Gospel passage includes Salmon in the genealogy of Jesus, demonstrating the enduring significance of this ancestral line that leads directly to the Messiah.
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…
The genealogy here is intentionally condensed, skipping generations to highlight significant ancestors and connect directly to the line of David, underscoring God's redemptive plan unfolding through history. It’s not a complete family tree, but a curated path leading to a promised king.
This verse concludes the genealogy of David, tracing his lineage back through Jesse, Obed, and Boaz, ultimately connecting to the ancient figures of Amminadab and Nahshon. It signifies the fulfillment of promises and establishes Ruth's place in the Messianic line, a line that will lead to the coming of Jesus.
This verse concludes the genealogy of David, tracing his lineage back through Jesse, Obed, and Boaz, ultimately connecting to the ancient figures of Amminadab and Nahshon. It signifies the fulfillment of promises and establishes Ruth's place in the Messianic line, a line that will lead to the coming of Jesus.
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Birth of David
Obed, son of Boaz and Ruth, becomes the father of Jesse, who in turn is the father of King David, the most famous descendant of this line.
c. 970 BC
Reign of Solomon
David's son, Solomon, ascends the throne, ushering in a period of peace and prosperity. This era likely saw the compilation and writing of many historical books, including Ruth.
"Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed," — The genealogy here is intentionally condensed, skipping generations to highlight significant ancestors and connect directly to the line of David, underscoring God's redemptive plan unfolding through…
