Ruth 4:19

KJV

And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hezron {H2696} begat {H3205} Ram {H7410}, and Ram {H7410} begat {H3205} Amminadab {H5992},

Complete Jewish Bible

Hetzron was the father of Ram, Ram was the father of 'Amminadav,

Berean Standard Bible

Hezron was the father of Ram, Ram was the father of Amminadab,

American Standard Version

and Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:19 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the climactic concluding genealogy of the Book of Ruth. It meticulously records the lineage from Hezron to Ram and then to Amminadab, serving as a vital link in the ancestral chain that culminates in King David. Far from a mere list of names, this verse underscores God's meticulous providence, demonstrating how seemingly ordinary individuals and their sequential generations are integral to His overarching redemptive plan, ultimately paving the way for the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ruth 4:19 is situated within the climactic final section of the Book of Ruth, specifically within the genealogy presented in [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David"). This genealogy provides the narrative's ultimate resolution, transforming a heartwarming family story into a crucial chapter in Israel's redemptive history. The preceding chapters detail Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi, their return to Bethlehem, Ruth's providential encounter with Boaz, and Boaz's selfless act as a kinsman-redeemer. The birth of Obed, mentioned just prior to this genealogy in [Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - The Birth of Obed"), is the immediate precursor, establishing the direct line to David. This concluding genealogical record affirms that God was actively at work, even in the turbulent days when [every man did that which was right in his own eyes](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel"), orchestrating events to fulfill His promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies held immense importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as official records that established tribal identity, inheritance rights, priestly eligibility, and, crucially, royal legitimacy. In a culture where oral tradition was strong but written records provided authoritative validation, these lists were not merely historical curiosities but foundational documents that connected individuals to their heritage and divine promises. The names Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab represent individuals who, though not prominent characters in the broader biblical narrative, were essential links in the chain of descent from Judah to David. Their inclusion here emphasizes the meticulous record-keeping and the cultural value placed on tracing one's ancestry, particularly when it pertained to the fulfillment of covenant promises regarding a king from the tribe of Judah, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogy, powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Ruth and wider biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's intricate and long-term plan unfolding through generations, even through individuals who might seem insignificant. The seemingly random events of Ruth's life are revealed as divinely guided steps toward a greater purpose. Secondly, the primary focus is the **Lineage of David**, establishing the legitimate and divinely appointed ancestry of Israel's greatest king. This meticulous tracing reinforces the idea that David's kingship was not accidental but part of God's deliberate design, fulfilling the promises of a perpetual dynasty. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Continuity of God's Covenant Promises**, assuring readers that despite periods of national unfaithfulness (as seen in the book of Judges), God remained faithful to His promises, preserving the line through which His ultimate deliverer would come. Finally, while not explicit in this verse, the very presence of this genealogy within the Book of Ruth, featuring a Moabitess ancestor, subtly foreshadows God's broader plan of salvation that would eventually extend [beyond Israel to include all nations](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - God's Salvation to the Ends of the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hezron (Hebrew, _Chetsrôwn'_):** From the root meaning "court-yard," Hezron is the name of a significant ancestor. As the son of Perez, who was the son of Judah ([Genesis 46:12](/genesis/46-12 "Genesis 46:12 - Hezron, Son of Perez")), Hezron firmly roots this lineage within the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. His inclusion here highlights the continuity of the tribal identity and the preservation of the specific line.
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** The repeated verb "begat" (from the Hebrew verb יָלַד, _yâlad_) is fundamental to understanding biblical genealogies. It literally means "to bear young," "to bring forth," or "to beget." In this context, it denotes a direct father-to-son relationship, emphasizing the unbroken, sequential nature of the lineage. Its consistent use here underscores the direct transmission of the line, ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of the ancestry being traced. While in some biblical genealogies "begat" can refer to a broader ancestral connection (e.g., grandfather to grandson), in this specific, concise list, it strongly implies direct paternal descent, crucial for establishing the royal line.
* **Amminadab (Hebrew, _ʻAmmîynâdâb'_):** Meaning "people of liberality" or "my kinsman is noble," Amminadab is a name that carries a sense of communal significance. He is a notable figure in other biblical genealogies, specifically as the father of Nahshon, a prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, and the father-in-law of Aaron ([Exodus 6:23](/exodus/6-23 "Exodus 6:23 - Amminadab, Father of Nahshon and Father-in-Law of Aaron")). His name and position in the lineage underscore the importance of the individuals who, though not central to the narrative of Ruth, were vital links in the chain of God's redemptive history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hezron begat Ram":** This clause establishes the first link in this specific verse, connecting Hezron to his son, Ram. Hezron is a significant figure, identified in [Genesis 46:12](/genesis/46-12 "Genesis 46:12 - Hezron, Son of Perez") as a son of Perez, who was a son of Judah. This connection firmly places the lineage within the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. The transition from Hezron to Ram continues the meticulous tracing of the family tree, vital for validating the subsequent generations and ensuring the direct path to David.
* **"and Ram begat Amminadab":** This second clause continues the direct succession, naming Amminadab as the son of Ram. Amminadab is also mentioned in other biblical genealogies, notably as the father of Nahshon, a prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, and the father-in-law of Aaron ([Exodus 6:23](/exodus/6-23 "Exodus 6:23 - Amminadab, Father of Nahshon and Father-in-Law of Aaron")). This connection to figures prominent in Israel's history further solidifies the historical grounding and importance of this lineage, demonstrating its continuity through significant periods of Israel's development and its integral role in the broader narrative of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ruth 4:19, and indeed the entire genealogy of [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David"), is **Genealogy** itself. As a literary form, it serves multiple functions: establishing historical continuity, validating lineage (especially for royalty or priesthood), and demonstrating divine faithfulness across generations. The **Repetition** of the phrase "begat" creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory quality, emphasizing the unbroken chain of succession and the meticulous nature of the record. This repetitive structure provides a sense of certainty and inevitability to the unfolding divine plan. Furthermore, the genealogy functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing towards the future Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, the Messiah, whose lineage would trace back through these very names. The inclusion of these seemingly ordinary names within a sacred text elevates their significance, transforming a simple list into a profound testament to God's enduring purpose and His sovereign orchestration of history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:19, as an integral part of the concluding genealogy, powerfully reinforces the theme of God's sovereign control over history and His meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His promises. It is a testament to divine providence, illustrating how God works through the ordinary lives and successive generations of individuals to achieve His extraordinary redemptive purposes. The inclusion of these specific names—Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab—is not arbitrary; each represents a vital, divinely ordained link in the chain that leads to King David, and ultimately, to the Messiah. This verse assures the reader that God's covenant promises, particularly those related to a future king from the tribe of Judah, were being faithfully preserved and advanced through the centuries, even when His direct intervention might not have been overtly visible. It underscores that every life, no matter how seemingly obscure, plays a part in God's grand narrative, contributing to the unfolding of His eternal plan.

* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18-22 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:3-4](/matthew/1-3-4 "Matthew 1:3-4 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 4:19, a brief entry in a long list of names, holds profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's work is often incremental, spanning generations, and involving countless individuals whose contributions may seem small in isolation but are indispensable to His overarching plan. Our lives, like those of Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab, are not random occurrences but are woven into God's vast tapestry of redemptive history. This verse encourages us to embrace faithfulness in our own sphere, knowing that our obedience and choices, however humble, contribute to the unfolding of God's purposes in the world. It highlights the importance of spiritual heritage, urging us to consider how we are stewarding the faith and values passed down to us, and how we, in turn, are transmitting them to future generations, ensuring the continuity of God's work. This quiet verse calls us to trust in God's timing and His sovereign hand, even when we cannot see the full scope of His plan, knowing that He is meticulously working all things together for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the long, generational nature of God's plan, as seen in this genealogy, impact your perspective on patience and perseverance in your own life and faith journey?**
* **In what ways can you identify your own life and actions as part of God's larger, unfolding narrative, even if your role seems small or unheralded?**
* **What aspects of your spiritual heritage are you called to preserve and pass on to the next generation, reflecting the biblical emphasis on lineage and continuity?**

### FAQ
**Why are these seemingly obscure names important in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: The names Hezron, Ram, and Amminadab, while not central figures in the narrative of Ruth, are profoundly important because they represent crucial links in the messianic lineage. They are part of the direct ancestral line that leads to King David, and ultimately, to Jesus Christ. In ancient Israel, genealogies served as official records to establish identity, inheritance, and royal legitimacy. By meticulously listing these names, the Bible validates the historical and divine appointment of David's kingship and, by extension, the kingship of Jesus. Their inclusion underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant promises through specific individuals across generations, ensuring the fulfillment of prophecies regarding a deliverer from the tribe of Judah, as mentioned in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah"). These "obscure" names are therefore essential threads in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that God works through every generation to bring about His ultimate purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 4:19, though a simple genealogical entry, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous tracing of the lineage from Hezron through Ram and Amminadab to David is not merely historical record-keeping; it is the divine preparation for the arrival of the promised Messiah. The New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1:3-4](/matthew/1-3-4 "Matthew 1:3-4 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:33](/luke/3-33 "Luke 3:33 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") explicitly include these very names, affirming Jesus' direct descent from David and, by extension, from the patriarch Judah. This establishes Jesus' legitimate claim to the throne of Israel, fulfilling God's eternal covenant with David in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Covenant with David"), which promised an everlasting kingdom through his offspring. Jesus is the true King, the ultimate Son of David ([Matthew 22:42](/matthew/22-42 "Matthew 22:42 - Jesus, Son of David")), and the long-awaited heir to the promises made to Abraham and Judah. Thus, Ruth 4:19 is a silent but powerful testimony to God's unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating His sovereign hand orchestrating centuries of human history to bring forth the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one in whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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;

1 Chronicles 2:9

The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him; Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai.

1 Chronicles 2:10

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

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,