1 Chronicles 2 10

1 Chronicles 2:10 kjv

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

1 Chronicles 2:10 nkjv

Ram begot Amminadab, and Amminadab begot Nahshon, leader of the children of Judah;

1 Chronicles 2:10 niv

Ram was the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, the leader of the people of Judah.

1 Chronicles 2:10 esv

Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah.

1 Chronicles 2:10 nlt

Ram was the father of Amminadab.
Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of Judah.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 10 Meaning

1 Chronicles 2:10 states a specific line of descent within the tribe of Judah: Ram became the father of Amminadab, Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon became the father of Salmon. This verse is part of an extended genealogical record crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance, and especially the lineage leading to King David and, ultimately, to the Messiah. It highlights God's faithfulness in preserving the royal line as promised.

1 Chronicles 2 10 Context

This verse is situated in the extensive genealogies presented at the beginning of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). The book of 1 Chronicles, written in the post-exilic period, serves to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with Israel despite the Babylonian exile. The genealogies were vital for establishing legitimate claims to land, priestly roles, and tribal identities in the re-established community. Chapter 2 specifically focuses on the tribe of Judah, the tribe from which kings of Israel descended, especially the royal line of David. Verses 1-9 detail Judah's earlier lineage, making Ram, who is part of the line of Judah's son Perez, a significant link. Verse 10 traces a critical path within this lineage, emphasizing the sequence that leads directly to King David (via Salmon, Boaz, Obed, and Jesse in subsequent verses). The mention of Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon here confirms their pivotal role in God's historical plan.

1 Chronicles 2 10 Word analysis

• Ram (רָם, Ram): A Hebrew name, possibly meaning "exalted" or "high." He is listed as the son of Hezron, linking this specific lineage directly back to Judah through his son Perez. His inclusion is vital as the direct ancestor in this particular path to David.
• begot (יָלַד, yalad): This is the standard Hebrew verb meaning "to beget," "to father," or "to bear." In genealogical contexts, it strictly indicates a direct father-son relationship. Its repetition emphasizes the continuous, unbroken nature of the lineage. This literal term for birth underscores the historical, flesh-and-blood reality of the descent.
• Amminadab (עַמִּינָדָב, Amminadav): The name means "My kinsman is noble/generous." Amminadab holds significance not just as a link in the Davidic line but also because his daughter, Elisheba, married Aaron (Exo 6:23), connecting this royal lineage to the priestly line.
• Nahshon (נַחְשׁוֹן, Naḥšōn): Possibly meaning "enchanter" or "serpent." Nahshon is a highly notable figure. During the wilderness wanderings, he served as the "prince" or "leader" of the tribe of Judah (Num 1:7; 2:3; 7:12; 10:14), indicating a position of great authority and responsibility within Israel's encampment and marches. His prominence highlights that this was not merely a list of names, but of significant leaders.
• Salmon (שַׂלְמוֹן, Salmōn): Meaning "garment" or "peaceful." Salmon is critical because he is identified elsewhere (Matt 1:5, Ruth 4:21) as the father of Boaz, who would later marry Ruth. This connection brings him into the direct line of David, solidifying the importance of this specific sequence of generations for the Chronicler's overarching purpose.

Words-group analysis

• "Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, Nahshon begot Salmon": This repetitive structure, common in biblical genealogies, highlights the direct and continuous transmission of the covenant promise through a specific paternal line. It stresses historical continuity and divine preservation, building the foundation for the royal line. The sequence serves to validate King David's legitimacy and his descendants as the chosen royal house. This careful tracing is foundational for understanding God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through concrete historical persons.

1 Chronicles 2 10 Bonus section

The detailed genealogical entries in Chronicles served multiple practical and theological purposes for the post-exilic community. Practically, these records established land inheritance claims and validated membership within specific tribal or family units. Theologically, they reinforced the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and, more specifically, with the Davidic dynasty. By tracing the line of Judah through figures like Nahshon, the Chronicler linked the present generation back to foundational moments in Israel's history—the wilderness journey and the establishment of the twelve tribes. This lineage not only pointed backward to Israel's identity but also forward to the future hope embedded in the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7), promising an eternal kingdom. The care taken in this particular section (leading to David) distinguishes it from other parts of the broader genealogies, revealing its primary theological intent.

1 Chronicles 2 10 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:10 is a compact yet profoundly significant verse embedded within the Chronicler's overarching genealogical record. It specifically isolates and affirms a crucial segment of the Judahite lineage, the tribe from which God designated the Davidic kingship would emerge. The inclusion of Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon is not accidental. Each name represents a vital link in the unbroken chain leading directly to David, underscoring the divine providence at work across generations. Nahshon, in particular, was not merely an ancestor but a leader of Judah during the Exodus, connecting this genealogical link to the very formation of Israel as a nation and the covenant at Sinai. This verse reassures the post-exilic community of their legitimate connection to Israel's storied past and divine promises. The precise recording of "begot" generations emphasized the stability and reliability of this chosen lineage, a lineage that culminates in the promise of a Messianic king. The purpose of such detailed lineage in Chronicles is to legitimize and assure the readers, primarily those returning from exile, that their heritage and the covenant promises endure, especially concerning the Davidic dynasty.