Ruth 4:20

KJV

And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Amminadab {H5992} begat {H3205} Nahshon {H5177}, and Nahshon {H5177} begat {H3205} Salmon {H8009},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Amminadav was the father of Nachshon, Nachshon was the father of Salmon,

Berean Standard Bible

Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, Nahshon was the father of Salmon,

American Standard Version

and Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ruth 4:20, "And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," is a pivotal verse within the concluding genealogy of the Book of Ruth. It meticulously records two generations in the ancestral line that bridges the foundational era of the Exodus with the period leading directly to King David. This seemingly simple statement underscores God's sovereign hand in preserving a specific lineage, demonstrating His meticulous providence in guiding human history for His redemptive purposes, ultimately culminating in the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the final genealogical record of the Book of Ruth, meticulously detailed from [Ruth 4:18](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18 - Beginning of the Genealogy") to [Ruth 4:22](/ruth/4-22 "Ruth 4:22 - The Genealogy to David"). Following the heartwarming narrative of Boaz's redemptive actions—securing Elimelech's land and marrying Ruth—this genealogy serves as the theological climax and divine validation of their union. It powerfully demonstrates that their local Bethlehem story is not an isolated incident but a crucial, divinely orchestrated step within God's grand, unfolding plan for His people, particularly in establishing the future monarchy of Israel. Ruth 4:20 specifically traces two generations, linking the lineage of Judah from the wilderness generation to the immediate ancestors of Boaz, who then becomes the great-grandfather of David. The placement of this genealogy at the book's conclusion elevates the seemingly humble story of Ruth and Naomi into a narrative of cosmic significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies held immense importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as vital records for establishing tribal identity, validating land inheritance rights, and confirming social and legal standing. They were far more than mere lists of names; they were living affirmations of covenant continuity and divine faithfulness. The inclusion of this specific genealogy at the end of Ruth highlights the patriarchal nature of society and the critical role of male lineage for legal and historical purposes, ensuring the preservation of family lines and the fulfillment of promises. The names Amminadab and Nahshon are particularly significant as they directly connect this Bethlehem narrative to the foundational period of Israel's formation during the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, providing deep historical legitimacy and continuity to the subsequent generations. The Book of Ruth itself is set during the tumultuous period of the Judges, a time often characterized by moral decay and spiritual compromise, making the meticulous preservation of this righteous and royal lineage even more profoundly significant.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of [Ruth 4:20](/ruth/4-20 "Ruth 4:20 - Genealogy to Salmon") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Ruth and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Purpose**, revealing God's meticulous and long-term plan guiding seemingly ordinary events and individuals to achieve His grand design. Each generation, including those named in this verse, represents a deliberate step in God's larger redemptive narrative, demonstrating His sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His promises (compare [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")). Secondly, and most significantly, it underscores the **Messianic Lineage**. While David is not named in this specific verse, Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon are direct ancestors in the line that leads to him (as seen in [1 Chronicles 2:10-12](/1_chronicles/2-10 "1 Chronicles 2:10-12 - Descendants of Judah") and [Matthew 1:4-5](/matthew/1-4 "Matthew 1:4-5 - Genealogy of Jesus")). This genealogy establishes the legitimacy and purity of the line from which Israel's greatest king would come, and ultimately, the Messiah. Finally, it speaks to **Continuity and Blessing**, showing how God honors faithfulness across generations, incorporating individuals into His ongoing redemptive history and demonstrating His steadfast covenant love.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive Hebrew root (יָלַד) literally means "to bear young," "to give birth," or "to beget." In a genealogical context, as used twice in this verse, it signifies direct paternal descent, emphasizing the unbroken chain of generations. Its repeated use underscores the continuity of the lineage and the direct biological connection between the individuals, which was crucial for establishing legitimacy and inheritance rights in ancient Israel. While simple in meaning, its very simplicity highlights the foundational nature of procreation in God's plan for covenant succession and the preservation of a specific family line.
* **Amminadab (Hebrew, _ʻAmmîynâdâb'_):** Meaning "people of liberality" or "my kinsman is noble," Amminadab is a significant figure connecting this lineage to the foundational period of Israel. He is identified in [Exodus 6:23](/exodus/6-23 "Exodus 6:23 - Aaron's Wife") as the father of Elisheba, who married Aaron, making him Aaron's father-in-law. This connection links the Davidic line, through Nahshon, to the priestly line, emphasizing the intertwined nature of God's covenant people and the significance of this lineage within the broader history of Israel.
* **Nahshon (Hebrew, _Nachshôwn'_):** From a root meaning "enchanter" or "serpent" (though the former is less likely in this context, possibly related to "diviner"), Nahshon is a prominent figure in the wilderness generation. He was the son of Amminadab and the prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus (see [Numbers 1:7](/numbers/1-7 "Numbers 1:7 - Nahshon, Prince of Judah") and [Numbers 2:3](/numbers/2-3 "Numbers 2:3 - Nahshon's Position")). He is notably remembered as the first to step into the Red Sea when Moses commanded the Israelites to move forward, demonstrating great faith and leadership. His inclusion here highlights the continuity of the Judahite leadership from the Exodus to the time of Ruth and beyond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Amminadab begat Nahshon,"**: This clause establishes the direct paternal link from Amminadab to Nahshon. Amminadab, a figure from the Exodus generation, is known as the father-in-law of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel ([Exodus 6:23](/exodus/6-23 "Exodus 6:23 - Aaron's Wife")). By naming him, the genealogy immediately connects the line of David, and ultimately the Messiah, to the foundational covenant figures of Israel's wilderness journey, affirming the divine continuity and historical rootedness of God's people.
* **"and Nahshon begat Salmon,"**: This second clause continues the direct paternal succession, moving from Nahshon to Salmon. Nahshon was a prince of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness wanderings, a leader of his tribe, and a man of faith who led the way across the Red Sea ([Numbers 2:3](/numbers/2-3 "Numbers 2:3 - Nahshon's Position")). His son, Salmon, later became the father of Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer in the Book of Ruth, and is notably recorded in the New Testament as having married Rahab of Jericho ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Salmon and Rahab")). This progression highlights the ongoing preservation of the royal line of Judah through significant individuals who played pivotal roles in Israel's history.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ruth 4:20, and indeed the entire concluding section of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a powerful narrative and theological tool. Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple purposes: they establish **legitimacy** (for land claims, tribal identity, and especially kingship), demonstrate **continuity** (showing the unbroken thread of God's covenant people through generations), and underscore **divine faithfulness** (how God meticulously works through individuals and families to fulfill His promises). In this specific verse, the names Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon act as **historical anchors**, linking the narrative of Ruth, set in the period of the Judges, back to the foundational Exodus generation and forward to the Davidic monarchy. The very act of listing these names, particularly with the repeated "begat," emphasizes the **linear progression** of God's plan, culminating in the ultimate King.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ruth 4:20, though a simple statement of lineage, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a vital bridge, connecting the narrative of God's faithfulness to Ruth and Boaz with His overarching plan for the nation of Israel and, ultimately, for all humanity. This verse underscores the meticulous nature of God's providence, demonstrating how He orchestrates seemingly ordinary human relationships and events across generations to fulfill His grand redemptive purposes. The inclusion of names like Nahshon, a prince of Judah during the Exodus, links the Bethlehem story directly to the covenant promises made to Abraham and the establishment of Israel as God's chosen people. It reveals that the events in Ruth are not isolated but are part of a continuous, divinely guided history, preparing the way for the coming of Israel's greatest king and the promised Messiah.

* [Numbers 1:7](/numbers/1-7 "Biblical Reference")
* [1 Chronicles 2:10](/1_chronicles/2-10 "Biblical Reference")
* [Matthew 1:4-5](/matthew/1-4 "Biblical Reference")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ruth 4:20, a seemingly unassuming verse, profoundly reminds us that God works through long-term, multi-generational plans, often using ordinary people in extraordinary ways. It encourages us to see our lives, our families, and our acts of faithfulness not in isolation, but as integral parts of God's larger, unfolding story. Just as Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon played their part in a lineage that would lead to David and ultimately to Christ, so too do our lives contribute to God's ongoing work in the world. This verse invites us to trust in God's faithfulness across the generations, knowing that even seemingly small decisions or acts of obedience can have far-reaching, eternal implications. It challenges us to live with a long-term perspective, investing in spiritual legacies that will bless future generations, confident that God is meticulously weaving His purposes through the fabric of human history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the specific individuals in this genealogy deepen your appreciation for God's meticulous plan and His work through generations?**
* **In what ways can we see God working through seemingly ordinary or "background" individuals in our own lives or communities, much like the names listed in this genealogy?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the long-term impact of faithfulness and obedience across generations, and how might this influence your own life choices?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogies, especially at the end of a narrative book like Ruth?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies serve several crucial purposes. They establish legitimacy for land inheritance, tribal affiliation, and leadership roles (especially for kingship and priesthood). They demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises by showing the continuity of a specific lineage, particularly the covenant line leading to the Messiah. In Ruth's case, the genealogy validates Boaz's redemption and marriage to Ruth, integrating their story into the broader history of Israel and connecting it directly to the future Davidic monarchy. It underscores God's sovereign hand in history, meticulously preserving a chosen line, ensuring that the narrative of Ruth is understood as part of God's grand redemptive tapestry.

**Who were Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon, and why are they significant?**

Answer: These are not just random names; they are key figures in Israel's history, each contributing to the significance of this lineage. **Amminadab** was the father-in-law of Aaron, the first high priest ([Exodus 6:23](/exodus/6-23 "Exodus 6:23 - Aaron's Wife")), linking this line to the foundational Exodus generation. **Nahshon**, Amminadab's son, was the prince of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 1:7](/numbers/1-7 "Numbers 1:7 - Nahshon, Prince of Judah")) and a notable leader who showed faith by leading the Israelites into the Red Sea. **Salmon**, Nahshon's son, is known for marrying Rahab, the Canaanite woman from Jericho who aided the Israelite spies ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Salmon and Rahab")). Their inclusion bridges the gap between the Exodus generation and the time of the Judges, showing the continuous preservation of the Judahite line that would lead to King David.

**Is there any special significance to these specific names in Ruth 4:20 beyond their place in the lineage?**

Answer: Yes, their significance extends beyond simply filling a spot in the family tree. These names represent a crucial bridge in Israelite history, connecting the era of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings to the period of the Judges and the dawn of the monarchy. Nahshon, as a prince of Judah, highlights the continued prominence of this tribe, from which the promised King would come. The fact that Salmon married Rahab, a Gentile, foreshadows the inclusion of Ruth, another Gentile, into this sacred lineage, demonstrating God's expansive grace and His plan to include all nations in His redemptive story, a theme beautifully developed in the New Testament, particularly in the [genealogy of Jesus](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ruth 4:20, a seemingly dry genealogical entry, pulsates with profound Christ-centered significance, serving as a vital link in the unfolding story of God's redemptive plan that culminates in Jesus Christ. The meticulous tracing of the lineage through Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon underscores God's sovereign faithfulness in preserving a specific family line—the line of Judah—from which the promised Messiah would come. Nahshon, a prince of Judah and a leader during the Exodus, represents the continuity of God's covenant with His people, bridging the foundational period of Israel's nationhood with the later era of the monarchy. Ultimately, this entire genealogy, culminating in David, points forward to the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal King, the one to whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). The inclusion of such names in Ruth, a book about a Gentile woman's faithfulness, foreshadows the radical inclusion found in Christ, where neither Jew nor Gentile is excluded from God's family, for all are one in Christ Jesus ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ")). The very existence of this lineage, preserved through centuries of human fallibility and historical upheaval, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, proving that He is indeed the God who fulfills His word, bringing forth the [Savior of the world](/john/4-42 "John 4:42 - Jesus, Savior of the World") at the appointed time ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son")).

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

Numbers 1:7

Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Matthew 1:4

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

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,