Matthew 1:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Aram {G689} begat {G1080} Aminadab {G284}; and {G1161} Aminadab {G284} begat {G1080} Naasson {G3476}; and {G1161} Naasson {G3476} begat {G1080} Salmon {G4533};

Complete Jewish Bible

Ram was the father of `Amminadav, `Amminadav was the father of Nachshon, Nachshon was the father of Salmon,

Berean Standard Bible

Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon.

American Standard Version

and Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon; and Nahshon begat Salmon;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:4 continues the meticulous genealogical record of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage through Aram, Aminadab, Naasson, and Salmon. This verse is a vital link in the chain that establishes Jesus' legal and historical credentials as the promised Messiah, demonstrating His direct descent from the patriarchs and kings of Israel, thereby affirming His fulfillment of ancient prophecies and His rightful claim to the Davidic throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:4 is an integral part of the opening section of Matthew's Gospel, specifically the genealogy presented in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). This detailed list serves as the foundational argument for Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham, as declared in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Each name, including those in verse 4, represents a successive generation, meticulously recorded to demonstrate the unbroken lineage leading directly to Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. The repetitive "begat" structure emphasizes the continuity and historical veracity of this divine line, setting the stage for the narrative of Jesus' birth and ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Jewish society, serving not merely as historical records but as crucial documents for establishing identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and particularly, messianic claims. For a figure to be recognized as the Messiah, direct descent from Abraham and David was a non-negotiable requirement, as prophesied in the Old Testament. The names listed in this verse, though appearing as simple entries, represent real individuals within a patriarchal society where lineage was traced through the father. The meticulous preservation of such records, even through periods of exile and foreign domination, underscores the deep cultural value placed on ancestral heritage and the anticipation of the promised deliverer.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogy, powerfully illustrates several key theological and narrative themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, meticulously guiding history through generations, even through seemingly ordinary lives, to bring about His ultimate plan of redemption. It also highlights the **Messianic Lineage**, proving Jesus' legitimate claim as the "Son of David" and "Son of Abraham," fulfilling prophecies such as those found in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham") and [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant"). Furthermore, the genealogy subtly introduces the theme of **God's Inclusive Plan**, as later verses will reveal the inclusion of women and Gentiles, hinting at a salvation broader than just the Jewish nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Greek, _gennáō_):** This verb, repeated throughout the genealogy, is derived from a word meaning "to procreate." It signifies the act of giving birth or bringing forth, primarily from the father's perspective, but extending to the mother as well. In this context, it emphasizes the direct, successive, and biological (or legal, in Joseph's case) transmission of lineage, crucial for establishing Jesus' rightful place in the messianic line. Figuratively, it can also mean "to regenerate," hinting at the spiritual new birth that Jesus would bring.
* **And (Greek, _dé_):** This primary particle serves as a conjunction, connecting the clauses within the verse and linking it to the preceding and following verses. While often unexpressed in English, its presence in the Greek emphasizes the continuous, sequential nature of the generations, reinforcing the unbroken chain of descent that leads directly to Christ. It creates a rhythmic flow, underscoring the meticulous and deliberate progression of God's plan through history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Aram begat Aminadab;":** This clause introduces Aram, a descendant of Judah (through Hezron and Ram, as seen in 1 Chronicles 2:9-10). His inclusion confirms the lineage's connection to the tribe from which the Messiah was prophesied to come ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "The Scepter Will Not Depart from Judah")). Aram serves as a necessary link, ensuring the continuity of the royal line.
* **"and Aminadab begat Naasson;":** Aminadab, though not extensively detailed in scripture, is significant as the father of Naasson. His presence reinforces the unbroken chain of descent. The focus shifts to his son, who holds more prominence in Old Testament narratives.
* **"and Naasson begat Salmon;":** Naasson (often spelled Nahshon in the Old Testament) is a particularly notable figure. He was a prince of the tribe of Judah and a leader during the Exodus, mentioned as the first to offer his sacrifice at the dedication of the tabernacle ([Numbers 7:12](/numbers/7-12 "Naasson's Offering")). His leadership role during a pivotal moment in Israel's history underscores the importance of this lineage, connecting Jesus' ancestry to the foundational events of the nation. Salmon, his son, is also significant as the father of Boaz, a key figure in the Book of Ruth, and the husband of Rahab (mentioned in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Salmon and Rahab")).

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 1:4 and the surrounding genealogy is **Repetition**, specifically through the recurring phrase "begat" (Greek: *egennēsen*). This anaphoric structure creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like effect, emphasizing the direct, successive, and unbroken chain of descent. This repetition serves to underscore the historical veracity and legal continuity of Jesus' lineage, reinforcing His rightful claim as the Son of David and the Messiah. The entire passage functions as a **Genealogy**, a specific literary form designed to establish identity, heritage, and legitimacy, which for Matthew is crucial for presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The meticulous listing also subtly employs **Parallelism**, as each clause follows a similar subject-verb-object structure, creating a sense of order and divine intentionality in the unfolding of history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:4, as part of the broader genealogy, serves as a profound theological statement about God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness. It demonstrates that God's plan of redemption is not haphazard but unfolds with precise intentionality across centuries, through the lives of ordinary and extraordinary individuals alike. Each "begat" signifies a divine orchestration, ensuring that the promised Messiah would indeed descend from the rightful lineage, fulfilling the covenants made with Abraham and David. This seemingly dry list becomes a testament to God's patience, sovereignty, and commitment to His word, assuring believers that His purposes will always come to fruition, regardless of human circumstances or the passage of time.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")
* [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Jesus Christ, Descendant of David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple list of names in Matthew 1:4 offers profound insights for our lives today. It reminds us that God works through generations, through the unfolding of history, and often through individuals whose lives may seem ordinary or unrecorded beyond their place in a lineage. This verse invites us to consider our own place within God's grand narrative. Just as Aram, Aminadab, Naasson, and Salmon played their part in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, so too do our lives contribute to His ongoing work in the world. It encourages patience and trust in God's timing, knowing that His faithfulness spans across centuries, meticulously bringing His promises to pass. We are called to live faithfully in our own generation, recognizing that our actions, however small, are woven into the larger tapestry of God's sovereign purpose, contributing to the legacy of faith for those who follow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness through generations in this genealogy encourage you in your own life's journey and in waiting for His promises?**
* **In what ways do you see God working through seemingly ordinary or overlooked details in your life or the lives of those around you?**
* **What does the meticulous record-keeping of Jesus' lineage teach us about the importance of history and truth in our faith?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially for Jesus?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes, particularly for Jesus. First, they establish **legal and historical legitimacy**. For the Messiah, it was essential to prove direct descent from Abraham, through whom God made His covenant promises ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham")), and from King David, from whose line the eternal King was prophesied to come ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")). Matthew's genealogy, including Matthew 1:4, meticulously verifies Jesus' credentials as the rightful heir to the Davidic throne and the fulfillment of these prophecies. Second, they demonstrate **God's faithfulness and sovereignty** over history, showing how He meticulously guided the lineage through centuries to bring about His redemptive plan. Finally, they highlight the **humanity of Jesus**, rooting Him firmly in human history and a specific family line, making His incarnation tangible and real.

**Who were Aram, Aminadab, Naasson, and Salmon, and why are they significant?**

Answer: These four individuals are part of the direct lineage of Jesus, appearing after Judah and before David in Matthew's genealogy. While Aram and Aminadab are primarily known for their place in this list, serving as vital links in the chain, Naasson and Salmon hold additional significance. **Naasson (Nahshon)** was a prominent figure during the Exodus, serving as a prince of the tribe of Judah and a leader among the Israelites, specifically mentioned in [Numbers 1:7](/numbers/1-7 "Naasson, Prince of Judah") as the son of Aminadab. His leadership during such a foundational period for Israel underscores the importance of this line. **Salmon** is significant as the father of Boaz, a key figure in the Book of Ruth, and is identified in [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Salmon and Rahab") as the husband of Rahab, a Gentile woman who became part of the messianic line. Their inclusion, especially Rahab's, foreshadows the inclusive nature of Christ's salvation, extending beyond the Jewish people to all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:4, though a seemingly dry list of names, is profoundly Christ-centered, serving as an indispensable link in the chain leading directly to the Incarnation. Each "begat" in this verse, and indeed throughout the genealogy, points forward to the ultimate "begetting" of the Son of God in human flesh, establishing Jesus' legal right as the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Son of Abraham](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), thereby fulfilling centuries of prophetic expectation. The very existence of this meticulously preserved lineage testifies to God's sovereign hand guiding history, ensuring that His eternal plan for redemption would culminate in Christ. Figures like Naasson, a prince and leader during the Exodus, and Salmon, whose son Boaz would marry Ruth and whose wife Rahab was a Gentile, subtly foreshadow Christ's own leadership and His radical inclusion of all peoples into His kingdom. Ultimately, this verse, by anchoring Jesus in a specific, verifiable human history, underscores that the Christ is not a myth but the historical fulfillment of God's promises, the one in whom [all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Christ, the Sustainer of All Things") and through whom God's eternal purpose to [sum up all things in Christ](/ephesians/1-10 "God's Plan in Christ") is realized.

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

1 Chronicles 2:10

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

1 Chronicles 2:12

And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse,

Numbers 7:12

And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:

Numbers 1:7

Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

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.

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,

Numbers 10:14

In the first [place] went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host [was] Nahshon the son of Amminadab.