Ruth 4:18

KJV

Now these [are] the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now these are the generations {H8435} of Pharez {H6557}: Pharez {H6557} begat {H3205} Hezron {H2696},

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is the genealogy of Peretz. Peretz was the father of Hetzron,

Berean Standard Bible

Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron,

American Standard Version

Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez begat Hezron,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:18 marks a pivotal transition, concluding the intimate narrative of Ruth and Boaz by initiating a formal genealogy. This seemingly simple verse, "Now these [are] the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron," is profoundly significant. It serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the specific events of Ruth's life to the grand sweep of biblical history, establishing the foundational lineage through which King David, and ultimately the Messiah, would descend, thereby underscoring God's meticulous providence in salvation history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Following the joyous culmination of Ruth's story in Bethlehem—her marriage to Boaz, the birth of their son Obed, and the elders' pronouncement of blessing and hope for a lineage like that of Pharez and Judah ([Ruth 4:11](/ruth/4-11 "Ruth 4:11 - Elders' Blessing on Ruth and Boaz"))—this verse shifts the narrative's focus dramatically. The preceding verses highlight the community's recognition of Ruth's pivotal role in restoring Naomi's line and securing an heir. Ruth 4:18 then broadens the scope from the immediate family unit to the overarching divine plan, demonstrating that these personal events were not isolated but intricately woven into the fabric of God's redemptive history. The book, often lauded for its themes of *hesed* (loyal love) and kinsman-redemption, culminates by revealing that these acts of faithfulness were divinely orchestrated steps towards the establishment of the Davidic monarchy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies held immense importance in ancient Israelite society, serving multiple critical functions. They established tribal identity, validated claims to land and inheritance, confirmed priestly or royal legitimacy, and preserved a people's collective memory and covenantal heritage. The period of the Judges, in which the Book of Ruth is set, was characterized by moral decline and political fragmentation, yet God was faithfully at work behind the scenes. The meticulous recording of this lineage, particularly one that includes a Moabitess (Ruth) and a son born from an irregular union (Pharez, from Judah and Tamar in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar")), highlights God's sovereign ability to work through diverse and often unconventional circumstances to achieve His purposes. This genealogy provides a crucial link between the patriarchal era and the impending monarchy, signaling a new phase in Israel's history.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding genealogy powerfully reinforces several core themes of the Book of Ruth and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous hand in guiding seemingly ordinary lives and events to fulfill His grand purposes. The seemingly chance encounter of Ruth and Boaz was part of a divine orchestration leading to the birth of Obed, who would become the grandfather of Israel's greatest king, David ([Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - Birth of Obed")). Secondly, the verse is central to the theme of **Messianic Lineage**. By tracing the line from Pharez to Hezron, the text begins the explicit connection to the future King David ([Ruth 4:22](/ruth/4-22 "Ruth 4:22 - David's Lineage Concludes Ruth")) and, by extension, to the ultimate Messiah, Jesus Christ, whose New Testament genealogies prominently feature these very names ([Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Pharez in Jesus' Genealogy"), [Luke 3:33](/luke/3-33 "Luke 3:33 - Pharez in Luke's Genealogy")). Lastly, it highlights **Continuity and Fulfillment** of God's covenant promises, showing how the narrative of Ruth seamlessly integrates into the larger tapestry of salvation history, linking the patriarchal promises to the future Davidic covenant and the coming of the Redeemer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Generations (Hebrew, _tôlĕdôt_):** This noun (תּוֹלְדֹת) literally means "begettings," "descendants," or "account of descendants." It is a technical term frequently used in the Old Testament, especially in Genesis (e.g., "the generations of Noah," "the generations of Isaac"), to introduce a genealogical record or a family history. Its use here signals a formal and significant shift from narrative to a structured record of ancestry, emphasizing the continuity, legitimacy, and divine preservation of this specific family line. The term itself points to the unfolding of history through successive births, highlighting God's faithfulness in sustaining a chosen lineage.
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad_):** The verb (יָלַד) means "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to beget." In genealogical contexts, it signifies the act of procreation and the continuation of a family line. Its repetition throughout the subsequent verses of the genealogy (Ruth 4:18-22) emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent. This simple verb carries profound theological weight, as each "begetting" represents a step in God's sovereign plan to bring forth the promised seed, culminating in the Messiah. It underscores the organic, human process through which divine purposes are realized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now these [are] the generations of Pharez:"** This opening clause acts as a formal heading, introducing the genealogical list that follows. The phrase "the generations of" (Hebrew: *tôlĕdôt*) signals a shift from the immediate narrative of Ruth and Boaz to a broader historical and theological context. By beginning with Pharez, the text immediately connects the lineage to Judah, one of the patriarchs, and specifically to the unconventional circumstances of Pharez's birth (from Judah and Tamar, Genesis 38). This inclusion sets a precedent for God working through unexpected and even scandalous means to accomplish His purposes, foreshadowing the later inclusion of other non-traditional figures in the Messianic line.
* **"Pharez begat Hezron,"** This second clause initiates the actual chain of descent. Pharez is identified as the progenitor, and Hezron as his immediate son in this specific lineage. This simple statement is foundational, establishing the first link in a chain that will ultimately lead to King David. The verb "begat" (Hebrew: *yalad*) emphasizes the direct, biological continuity of the line, highlighting the unbroken succession of generations through whom God's promises are being faithfully preserved and advanced. This precise naming underscores the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, which serve as historical anchors for theological claims.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ruth 4:18, and indeed in the concluding verses of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form with significant theological implications. It serves as a **Foreshadowing** device, pointing forward to the Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, to the Messiah. By ending the Book of Ruth with a genealogy, the author uses a form of **Framing** or **Inclusio**, connecting the specific narrative of Ruth's redemption in Bethlehem to the larger historical arc of Israel's salvation. The seemingly domestic story is thus elevated to a crucial stage in God's unfolding plan. The **Repetition** of the verb "begat" throughout the subsequent verses (Ruth 4:19-22) reinforces the continuity and divine preservation of the lineage, emphasizing the unbroken chain of succession that leads to the fulfillment of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:18 transcends its simple genealogical statement to become a profound theological declaration. It underscores God's meticulous and unwavering providence, demonstrating that even in periods of national disarray (the time of the Judges), God is actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His covenant promises. The inclusion of Pharez, born from a controversial union, and the subsequent inclusion of Ruth, a Moabitess, in this crucial lineage highlights God's expansive grace and His ability to use unexpected individuals and circumstances to advance His redemptive plan. This verse serves as a vital link, connecting the Abrahamic covenant's promise of a great nation and blessing to all families of the earth ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) with the future Davidic covenant, which promised an eternal throne and kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). It affirms that God's faithfulness is not dependent on human perfection but on His own sovereign will and steadfast love, meticulously guiding history towards its ultimate Christ-centered culmination.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 4:18, though a mere list of names, offers profound reassurance and practical application for believers today. It reminds us that God is deeply involved in the minutiae of human history, orchestrating events and lives, even those seemingly insignificant or ordinary, to accomplish His grand, eternal purposes. Our individual acts of faithfulness, kindness, and obedience, like Ruth's, are not lost in the vastness of time but are woven into God's larger narrative. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when we cannot see the full picture or understand how our present circumstances fit into His design. It teaches us that God works through both the expected and the unexpected, the prominent and the humble, to bring about His perfect will. Our lives, no matter how mundane they may seem, contribute to His ongoing story of redemption, ultimately leading to the glory of Christ and His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous providence in genealogies like Ruth 4:18 impact your trust in His plan for your own life, especially in seemingly ordinary or challenging seasons?**
* **In what ways does the inclusion of unexpected figures (like Pharez's mother Tamar, or Ruth the Moabitess) in this significant lineage challenge your perceptions of who God uses to accomplish His purposes?**
* **How can recognizing your place within God's grand, unfolding story, as highlighted by this genealogy, encourage you to live with greater purpose and faithfulness today?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Book of Ruth, a narrative, conclude with a genealogy?**

Answer: The Book of Ruth concludes with a genealogy to elevate its seemingly simple domestic story to a position of profound theological and historical significance. It demonstrates that the events concerning Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz were not isolated incidents but integral to God's overarching plan for Israel and humanity. By tracing the lineage from Pharez through Obed to David, the genealogy explicitly connects Ruth's story to the establishment of the Davidic monarchy, fulfilling the elders' blessing in [Ruth 4:11-12](/ruth/4-11 "Ruth 4:11-12 - Elders' Blessing on Ruth"). This ending transforms the book from a charming tale of loyalty into a crucial chapter in salvation history, highlighting God's providential hand in preparing the way for the coming of Israel's greatest king and, ultimately, the Messiah.

**What is the significance of Pharez being the first name mentioned in this genealogy?**

Answer: Pharez is significant because he is a son of Judah, born from the controversial union between Judah and Tamar, as recounted in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar"). His inclusion as the starting point of this crucial lineage underscores several key themes. Firstly, it reiterates that God's redemptive plan often works through imperfect human circumstances and even scandalous origins. Secondly, it firmly roots the Davidic line within the tribe of Judah, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy that the scepter would not depart from Judah ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")). Pharez's presence at the head of the list reminds the reader that God's faithfulness transcends human failings and societal norms, meticulously guiding the lineage that would lead to both King David and Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 4:18, by meticulously tracing the lineage from Pharez to Hezron, stands as a quiet yet powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This seemingly dry list of names is a vital link in the chain leading to the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, stepped in to redeem Ruth and restore Naomi's line, so Jesus Christ is our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, stepping into human history to rescue humanity from the bondage of sin and death. The Davidic lineage, initiated here, culminates in Jesus, the Son of David, who inherits an eternal throne and kingdom ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Throne")). The inclusion of Pharez, born from an unconventional union, and Ruth, a Moabitess, in this sacred genealogy foreshadows the expansive grace of Christ, whose redemptive work embraces all nations and peoples, breaking down barriers and offering salvation to all who believe, regardless of their past or origin ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Thus, Ruth 4:18 is not merely an ancient record but a divine signpost pointing directly to the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King and Redeemer.

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.