1 Chronicles 2:11

KJV

And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Nahshon {H5177} begat {H3205} Salma {H8007}, and Salma {H8007} begat {H3205} Boaz {H1162},

Complete Jewish Bible

Nachshon fathered Salma; Salma fathered Bo'az;

Berean Standard Bible

Nahshon was the father of Salmon, and Salmon was the father of Boaz.

American Standard Version

and Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:11 is a pivotal, albeit concise, genealogical entry within the extensive tribal records of Judah, documenting the direct lineage from Nahshon to Salma and then to Boaz. This seemingly simple statement serves a profound purpose, meticulously tracing a critical branch of the Davidic line, which ultimately culminates in the person of Jesus Christ, thereby affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 2:11 is situated within the extensive genealogical records that dominate the first nine chapters of the book, a unique literary feature emphasizing the Chronicler's primary concern. These lists meticulously trace the lineage of Israel, beginning with Adam and moving through the patriarchs, tribes, and eventually to the Davidic monarchy. Specifically, this verse falls within the detailed account of the tribe of Judah, which occupies the majority of [1 Chronicles chapter 2](/1_chronicles/2 "1 Chronicles 2 - The Genealogy of Judah") and [1 Chronicles chapter 4](/1_chronicles/4 "1 Chronicles 4 - Further Genealogies of Judah"). The placement of Nahshon, Salma, and Boaz here highlights their crucial role in the development of the royal line, leading directly to King David, whose story becomes the central focus of the remainder of the book. This precise tracing underscores the continuity and legitimacy of God's covenant promises to His people, particularly the promise of an enduring dynasty through Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, possibly by Ezra or a contemporary scribe, for the community of Jews who had returned from Babylonian captivity. For these returning exiles, understanding their identity, their place in God's covenant, and the continuity of His promises was paramount. Genealogies were not merely dry lists of names but foundational documents that established tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and the legitimacy of leadership. In a society where identity was deeply rooted in one's ancestry, these records provided a vital link to their past, affirming their status as the chosen people of God and reassuring them that the divine plan, including the promise of a future king, remained intact despite the upheaval of exile. The meticulous preservation of lines like that of Judah, from which kings and the Messiah would come, served to reinforce hope and national identity.
* **Key Themes:** The genealogical entry in 1 Chronicles 2:11, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **divine providence and faithfulness** of God, demonstrating His meticulous oversight in preserving the promised lineage of Judah, as prophesied by Jacob in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter"). Each individual, whether renowned or seemingly obscure, plays an indispensable part in God's unfolding redemptive plan. Secondly, it underscores the **continuity of God's covenant**, particularly the Davidic Covenant, which promised a perpetual kingdom through David's seed, as articulated in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise to David"). The unbroken chain of descent from Nahshon to Boaz and beyond serves as a tangible testament to God's unwavering commitment. Finally, the verse highlights the profound **significance of lineage** in ancient Israel, not just for identity and inheritance, but as a historical and theological anchor, confirming the earthly reality and legitimate ancestry of figures like King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, as seen in the New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Boaz and Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy") and [Luke 3:32](/luke/3-32 "Luke 3:32 - Boaz in Jesus' Genealogy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** The Hebrew verb יָלַד (_yalad_), consistently translated as "begat" or "bore," is fundamental to biblical genealogies. It signifies not merely biological procreation but also the establishment of a direct, legitimate lineage. Its repetitive use throughout these chapters emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent, crucial for establishing legal claims, tribal identity, and the fulfillment of covenant promises. In the context of 1 Chronicles, the repeated _yalad_ underscores the meticulous preservation of the Davidic line, demonstrating God's active hand in overseeing the succession of generations to bring about His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Nahshon begat Salma":** This clause identifies Nahshon, a prominent figure during the Exodus as the prince of the tribe of Judah (Numbers 1:7; 2:3), as the father of Salma. Nahshon's leadership and position at the head of Judah's march in the wilderness (Numbers 10:14) underscore the significance of this lineage from its early stages. His inclusion here highlights the continuity of the leadership role within Judah, setting the stage for the later prominence of the Davidic monarchy.
* **"and Salma begat Boaz":** This second clause continues the direct line, naming Salma as the father of Boaz. While Salma himself is not extensively detailed in scripture beyond his genealogical role (also appearing as Salmon in Ruth 4:21 and Matthew 1:4), his significance is immense as the crucial link between the Exodus generation (Nahshon) and the pivotal figure of Boaz. Boaz is famously known from the Book of Ruth as the wealthy and righteous kinsman-redeemer who married Ruth the Moabitess, ensuring the continuation of this vital lineage through their son, Obed, the grandfather of King David. This connection bridges significant eras of Israel's history, from the wilderness wanderings to the period of the Judges, leading directly to the establishment of the monarchy.

#### Literary Devices
The concise nature of 1 Chronicles 2:11, typical of genealogical entries, employs several subtle but powerful literary devices. The most obvious is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated use of the verb "begat" (Hebrew _yalad_). This creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect, emphasizing the unbroken, divinely ordained succession of generations. The very form of **Genealogy** itself serves as a literary device, functioning as a historical anchor, a legal document, and a theological statement. It is not merely a list but a narrative of divine faithfulness, demonstrating God's meticulous preservation of His covenant promises through specific individuals. Furthermore, this verse, by tracing the line to Boaz, implicitly uses **Foreshadowing**. For the original audience, familiar with the story of Ruth and the subsequent rise of David, this seemingly simple entry subtly points towards the future establishment of the Davidic monarchy and the ultimate fulfillment of the messianic promise, making each name a stepping stone in a larger redemptive narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 2:11 carries profound theological weight, connecting the reader to the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan. It illustrates God's sovereign control over human history, demonstrating that even in the quiet succession of generations, His purposes are being meticulously advanced. The preservation of this specific lineage, from Nahshon through Salma to Boaz, highlights the divine faithfulness to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and specifically to Judah, concerning the scepter that would not depart from his line. This verse affirms that God works through ordinary human lives, often in ways unseen and uncelebrated, to bring about extraordinary outcomes, ensuring the continuity of the chosen people and the eventual arrival of the promised Messiah.

* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of Perez to David")
* [Matthew 1:5-6](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5-6 - Boaz and Obed in Jesus' Genealogy")
* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 2:11 may appear as a mere historical record, it offers profound opportunities for reflection and personal application. It reminds us that our lives, however ordinary they may seem, are intricately woven into God's grand tapestry of history. Just as Nahshon, Salma, and Boaz each played their part in a lineage that led to the Messiah, so too does God use each of us in His unfolding plan. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign providence, knowing that He is meticulously working through generations to fulfill His promises, even when the path is not immediately clear. It challenges us to consider our own legacy—not just what we accumulate, but how we faithfully live out our calling, contributing to the spiritual heritage we pass on to future generations. Our faithfulness today can have ripple effects for centuries, impacting the lives of those who follow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the long, unbroken lineage in 1 Chronicles 2:11 strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways can you see your own life, however small, contributing to God's larger redemptive narrative?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are you building or hoping to build for future generations, inspired by the continuity seen in this genealogy?**

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

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible, particularly in books like Chronicles, serve several crucial purposes. They establish **identity and legitimacy**, proving tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and the rightful claim to leadership, especially for the post-exilic community seeking to re-establish their national and religious life. They also demonstrate **divine faithfulness**, showing how God meticulously preserves His covenant promises across generations, ensuring the continuity of the chosen people and the fulfillment of prophecies, such as the promise of a perpetual Davidic kingdom (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Covenant with David")). Furthermore, they provide **historical continuity**, linking past events and figures to present realities, and ultimately foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah, whose lineage is meticulously traced in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). They are not mere lists, but theological statements about God's active involvement in human history.

**Who were Nahshon, Salma, and Boaz, and why are they significant?**

Answer: Nahshon, Salma (also known as Salmon), and Boaz are significant figures in the lineage of Judah, leading directly to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ. **Nahshon** was a prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, noted for being the first to present his offering for the dedication of the tabernacle ([Numbers 7:12](/numbers/7-12 "Numbers 7:12 - Nahshon's Offering")) and leading Judah's march in the wilderness ([Numbers 10:14](/numbers/10-14 "Numbers 10:14 - Judah's Marching Order")). His prominence underscores the early importance of this line. **Salma** (or Salmon) serves as the crucial, though less detailed, link between Nahshon and Boaz. His primary significance lies in his role in maintaining the unbroken chain of descent. **Boaz** is a beloved figure from the [Book of Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth"), celebrated for his integrity, generosity, and his pivotal role as a kinsman-redeemer. By marrying Ruth the Moabitess, he ensured the continuation of this vital lineage through their son, Obed, who became the grandfather of King David. Their inclusion in this genealogy highlights God's sovereign hand in preserving the messianic line, even incorporating Gentiles (through Ruth) into His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly simple genealogical entry in 1 Chronicles 2:11 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This verse, tracing the lineage from Nahshon through Salma to Boaz, is not merely a historical record but a vital thread in the tapestry of God's redemptive plan that culminates in the Messiah. Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer in the [Book of Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth"), foreshadows Christ's greater redemptive work. Just as Boaz willingly redeemed Ruth and her family's inheritance, so Jesus, our ultimate [Kinsman-Redeemer](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son"), willingly entered humanity to redeem us from the bondage of sin and death, restoring our lost inheritance in God. The inclusion of this specific line in the genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, notably in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Boaz and Ruth in Jesus' Genealogy") and [Luke 3:32](/luke/3-32 "Luke 3:32 - Boaz in Jesus' Genealogy"), explicitly connects these Old Testament figures to the Christ. Every "begat" in this genealogy points forward to the birth of the One who would truly fulfill the promise of a scepter from Judah ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter")) and establish an eternal kingdom, as promised to David ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Promise to David")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 2:11 is a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness, demonstrating His sovereign orchestration of history to bring forth the Savior of the world, making the seemingly mundane a powerful declaration of Christ's historical reality and divine purpose.

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

Ruth 4:21

And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

Matthew 1:4

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

Matthew 1:5

And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

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,