1 Chronicles 2:10

KJV

And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ram {H7410} begat {H3205} Amminadab {H5992}; and Amminadab {H5992} begat {H3205} Nahshon {H5177}, prince {H5387} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063};

Complete Jewish Bible

Ram fathered 'Amminadav; 'Amminadav fathered Nachshon prince of the descendants of Y'hudah;

Berean Standard Bible

Ram was the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of the descendants of Judah.

American Standard Version

And Ram begat Amminadab, and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:10 meticulously traces a crucial segment of the tribal lineage of Judah, specifically highlighting the succession from Ram to Amminadab, and then to Nahshon, who is notably designated as "prince of the children of Judah." This verse, embedded within the Chronicler's extensive genealogies, serves not merely as a historical record but as a profound theological affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the foundational line through which His covenant promises, particularly those concerning the Davidic monarchy and the coming Messiah, would ultimately be fulfilled with divine precision and purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive genealogies that commence the book of 1 Chronicles, immediately following the broader Adamic lineage outlined in chapter 1. Chapter 2 then sharply narrows the focus to the descendants of Judah, the pivotal tribe from which Israel's kings, including the Davidic dynasty, would emerge. The Chronicler's meticulous detailing of this specific lineage, particularly the line of Perez (through whom Ram, Amminadab, and Nahshon descend), underscores its immense theological and historical importance. This genealogical foundation sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, which will heavily focus on the establishment and continuation of the Davidic dynasty and the central role of the temple, thereby demonstrating the unbroken continuity of God's covenant plan from creation through the patriarchs to the monarchy and beyond.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written in the post-exilic period, the book of 1 Chronicles served a vital purpose: to re-establish the identity, heritage, and continuity of the returned Jewish community. In ancient Israel, genealogies were far from dry lists; they were living documents essential for legitimizing claims to land, priestly roles, and tribal affiliations, providing a crucial anchor to the past for a people rebuilding their national life. For the tribe of Judah, tracing one's lineage was paramount due to the enduring prophecy in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah") concerning the enduring scepter and the future Davidic monarchy. Nahshon, explicitly named here as "prince," was a prominent historical figure during the wilderness wanderings, serving as the recognized leader of the tribe of Judah, as evidenced in [Numbers 1:7](/numbers/1-7 "Numbers 1:7 - Nahshon, Leader of Judah"). His inclusion and specific designation here emphasize his significant role in the formative period of the nation and his direct link to the royal line that would eventually lead to David.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of this lineage in 1 Chronicles 2:10 highlights several crucial themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda. Firstly, **Divine Faithfulness** is paramount, as the preservation of this specific line demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, especially the one made to Abraham and later solidified with David, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. Secondly, the **Importance of Lineage and Identity** is profoundly underscored; for the post-exilic community, these genealogies provided a crucial anchor to their past, their God-given heritage, and their enduring purpose as God's covenant people. This particular line is foundational for understanding the **Messianic Hope**, as it directly traces the ancestry of [King David](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David's Anointing") and, ultimately, the [Messiah, Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Lastly, the designation of Nahshon as "prince" speaks powerfully to the theme of **God-Appointed Leadership**, demonstrating that God sovereignly raises up individuals for specific, influential roles within His overarching plan for His people, guiding their journey through critical historical junctures.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root (H3205) is the foundational verb in biblical genealogies, signifying direct paternal descent. It means "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." Its repeated use throughout genealogical lists, including in 1 Chronicles 2:10, emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations, establishing legitimacy, continuity, and the precise lineage within a family line or tribal succession. The simplicity of the word belies its profound theological weight in tracing the lineage of promise, particularly the line leading to the Davidic monarchy and the Messiah.
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** This noun (H5387), often translated "prince," "chief," or "ruler," denotes an exalted one, a leader, or the head of a tribe or clan. It implies a position of significant authority, prominence, and responsibility. For Nahshon, being called _nâsîyʼ_ indicates his recognized status as the leading figure of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness period. This title highlights his influential role in guiding the largest and most significant tribe of Israel, signifying not merely a hereditary position but a divinely appointed leadership within the nascent nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ram begat Amminadab;":** This initial clause establishes the first link in the specific lineage segment highlighted in the verse. Ram is presented as the direct father of Amminadab, continuing the unbroken line of descent from Judah through Hezron and Perez. While a simple statement of biological succession, it is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the genealogical record, ensuring the precise continuation of the covenant line.
* **"and Amminadab begat Nahshon,":** This clause continues the chain of descent, identifying Amminadab as the direct father of Nahshon. This direct link is particularly significant because Nahshon is the individual who will be further identified with a special, prominent title, making him a key figure in this particular branch of the lineage. The repetition of "begat" reinforces the verifiable and divinely superintended nature of the genealogical succession.
* **"prince of the children of Judah;":** This concluding phrase provides a critical and elevating detail about Nahshon, distinguishing him beyond a mere name in a list. His designation as "prince" (Hebrew _nâsîyʼ_) signifies his prominent leadership role as the recognized head of the largest and most significant tribe of Israel during the Exodus period. This title highlights his authority, responsibility, and the divine appointment that placed him in a position of immense influence within the Israelite encampment, further emphasizing the importance of this specific genealogical branch for God's unfolding redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:10, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a structured literary form meticulously employed by the Chronicler to establish identity, legitimate claims (to land, office, or tribal affiliation), and, most importantly, to trace the continuity of God's covenant promises. The repeated phrase "begat" functions as a form of **Repetition**, creating a rhythmic pattern that underscores the unbroken chain of descent and the meticulous nature of the record, reinforcing the divine preservation of the lineage. Furthermore, the specific designation of Nahshon as "prince of the children of Judah" serves as a powerful form of **Emphasis** or **Highlighting**, drawing the reader's attention to his particular significance within the lineage, indicating his historical importance and his pivotal role in God's unfolding plan, rather than simply listing him as another name in a long succession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 2:10, though seemingly a simple record of names, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous preservation of this lineage, particularly the line of Judah, underscores that God's redemptive plan is not haphazard but unfolds through specific individuals and generations, each playing a crucial part in a grand divine tapestry. It reminds the post-exilic community, and us today, that even the most seemingly mundane details are integral to God's overarching purpose, demonstrating His active involvement in human history to bring about His ultimate will. This verse is a testament to the fact that God's promises, especially concerning the Davidic covenant and the coming King, are meticulously maintained across centuries, ensuring their certain fulfillment.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "The Genealogy from Perez to David")
* [Numbers 2:3](/numbers/2-3 "Judah's Position in the Camp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 2:10 holds deep spiritual truths and profound implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of meticulous detail, unwavering faithfulness, and sovereign purpose, working through countless generations to accomplish His grand designs. Just as Ram, Amminadab, and Nahshon each played their unique and indispensable part in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, so too does every individual have a distinct and vital role in God's ongoing story, whether that role is prominent or seemingly obscure. Our lives, our choices, and our faithfulness are not isolated events but are intricately woven into a larger divine narrative. This verse encourages us to live with intentionality, obedience, and profound faithfulness in our own generation, recognizing that our contributions, however small they may seem, are significant and contribute to God's eternal purposes. It also fosters a deep sense of belonging to a vast spiritual lineage, reminding us that we are part of a continuous stream of God's people, called to carry forward the torch of faith, truth, and witness for those who come after us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous attention to lineage in Scripture impact my view of His sovereignty and faithfulness in my own life and circumstances, particularly in seemingly insignificant details?**
* **What does Nahshon's designation as "prince" teach us about God's call to leadership, responsibility, and influence within His people, and how might I apply these principles in my own spheres of influence, whether large or small?**
* **In what specific ways am I currently contributing to God's ongoing story, whether in prominent or seemingly hidden roles, and how can I cultivate greater faithfulness and intentionality in fulfilling my unique part in His divine narrative?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several profound reasons. For the ancient Israelites, especially the post-exilic community addressed in 1 Chronicles, they served to establish and reinforce tribal identity, legitimate claims to land, priestly duties, and royal succession, providing a vital connection to their heritage. Most significantly, biblical genealogies, such as the one meticulously traced in [1 Chronicles 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - The Descendants of Judah"), serve a profound theological purpose: they meticulously trace the continuity of God's covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, ensuring the precise lineage through which the promised Messiah would ultimately come. They demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen line across generations.

**What makes Nahshon significant enough to be highlighted as "prince" in this genealogy?**

Answer: Nahshon was a highly significant figure in Israel's formative history. He was the recognized leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus period, a pivotal time of national formation and organization. As "prince" (_nâsîyʼ_) of Judah, he held a position of considerable authority and responsibility, leading the largest tribe and being among the first to bring offerings for the dedication of the tabernacle, as recorded in [Numbers 7:12](/numbers/7-12 "Numbers 7:12 - Nahshon's Offering"). Furthermore, his direct lineage is of immense theological importance as he is a key ancestor of King David and, subsequently, Jesus Christ. His prominence in this genealogy is therefore a theological as well as historical highlight, signaling his vital role in God's unfolding plan.

**How does this seemingly dry list of names connect to God's broader redemptive plan?**

Answer: This seemingly dry list of names is, in fact, a profound testament to God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His redemptive plan. By carefully preserving the lineage through Ram, Amminadab, and Nahshon, the Chronicler demonstrates God's sovereign hand guiding history to ensure the certain fulfillment of His promises. This specific line leads directly to King David, from whom the promised Messiah would come, establishing the royal lineage. Thus, every name, every "begat," is a divinely orchestrated link in the chain of God's covenant-keeping love, culminating in the ultimate salvation offered through Christ, as foretold in prophecies such as [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel") and [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 2:10, though embedded in an ancient Old Testament genealogy, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous tracing of the lineage from Ram to Amminadab to Nahshon is not merely a historical exercise; it is a divinely preserved record pointing directly to the coming of the Messiah. Nahshon, as "prince of the children of Judah," stands as a pivotal figure in the ancestral line that culminates in King David, from whose royal house the Christ would be born. The very purpose of these extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles is to affirm the continuity of God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), which promised an eternal throne and kingdom through David's descendant. Jesus, as the Son of David, is the ultimate fulfillment of this promise, the true and eternal King of Judah. Both His genealogies in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus through Mary") explicitly include Nahshon, unequivocally linking the seemingly obscure names of 1 Chronicles to the incarnate Son of God. He is the true "prince" and King, whose dominion is everlasting and whose reign brings salvation to all who believe, as triumphantly declared in [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 1:4

And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

Numbers 1:7

Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Luke 3:32

Which was [the son] of Jesse, which was [the son] of Obed, which was [the son] of Booz, which was [the son] of Salmon, which was [the son] of Naasson,

Luke 3:33

Which was [the son] of Aminadab, which was [the son] of Aram, which was [the son] of Esrom, which was [the son] of Phares, which was [the son] of Juda,

Ruth 4:19

And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

Ruth 4:20

And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

Numbers 2:3

¶ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.