Matthew 1:4 kjv

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

Matthew 1:4 nkjv

Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon.

Matthew 1:4 niv

Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon,

Matthew 1:4 esv

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

Matthew 1:4 nlt

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

Matthew 1 verses

Matthew 1 4 Meaning

This verse continues Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus, specifically listing the lineage from Nahshon through Obed to Jesse, King David's father. It emphasizes the direct patriarchal line but notably includes two non-Israelite women, Rahab and Ruth, as mothers in the Messiah's ancestry. This highlights the unexpected ways God works through various backgrounds and foreshadows the universal scope of salvation available through Jesus Christ. The sequence establishes Jesus’ rightful claim as heir to the Davidic covenant.

Matthew 1 4 Context

Matthew chapter 1 begins the Gospel by presenting the "book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham." This opening statement establishes Jesus' identity and royal claims. Verses 2-17 systematically list Jesus' patrilineal descent, deliberately organized into three sets of fourteen generations, signifying completeness and the culmination of Israel's history in Christ. The specific string of names analyzed here—Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, Obed, and Jesse—connects Jesus' lineage from the generation of the Exodus leaders to the revered King David. Historically, Jewish genealogies were crucial for identity, validating claims to priesthood, tribal inheritance, or, in this case, the Messiah's Davidic kingship. Culturally, these lists were usually patrilineal and exclusive. Matthew's decision to explicitly mention women, especially those like Rahab and Ruth who were non-Israelite and had complex social standing, subtly introduces a groundbreaking theological message: God's redemptive plan transcends conventional boundaries of purity, ethnicity, and social status, anticipating the inclusion of all peoples in the coming kingdom. This indirectly serves as a gentle polemic against an overly nationalistic or exclusive view of God's covenant blessings.

Matthew 1 4 Word analysis

• Nahshon (Ναασσών, Naassōn): A prominent figure in the Old Testament. He was a prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus (Num 1:7). His mention signifies leadership and being a banner bearer, linking Jesus’ lineage to a foundational period of Israel’s formation.
• the father of: A standard genealogical phrase indicating direct paternal descent. Matthew uses this repeated phrase to clearly demonstrate a successive line of ancestry, building the historical case for Jesus' human lineage.
• Salmon (Σαλμών, Salmōn): His biblical presence outside of genealogies is minimal. He serves as the transitional link between the Exodus generation (through Nahshon) and the entry into the land, notably marrying Rahab in Jericho.
• Boaz (Βόοζ, Booz): A key figure in the book of Ruth, a wealthy landowner and a kinsman-redeemer from Bethlehem. His character exemplifies righteousness, integrity, and adherence to Mosaic law (Deut 25:5-10 regarding levirate marriage or kinsman redemption). His story highlights the redemption of an outcast, a direct precursor to Christ's redeeming work.
• by Rahab (ἐκ τῆς Ῥαχάβ, ek tēs Rhachab): The Greek phrase ek tēs indicates "from" or "by means of." Rahab (Hebrew: רָחָב, Rakháv) was a Canaanite woman and harlot from Jericho (Josh 2:1). Her inclusion is highly significant. She was a Gentile and considered an outsider, yet her faith in Israel's God led to her salvation (Heb 11:31) and integration into the Israelite community and eventually, the Messianic line. Her story signifies God's grace extended to the unexpected and the universal reach of salvation beyond ethnic boundaries.
• by Ruth (ἐκ τῆς Ῥούθ, ek tēs Rhouth): Ruth (Hebrew: רוּת, Ruth) was a Moabitess (Ru 1:4), whose people were traditionally excluded from Israel (Deut 23:3). Her steadfast loyalty and faith to Naomi and the God of Israel (Ru 1:16-17) despite her foreign origin mark her as a remarkable figure. Her inclusion further underscores God's electing grace and the welcoming of Gentiles into His people, illustrating that faithfulness, not solely bloodline, is central to God's covenant.
• Obed (Ὠβήδ, Ōbēd): Son of Boaz and Ruth, grandson of Naomi. His name means "serving" or "worshipping." His birth represents the continuity of the line and the restoration of Naomi's family, fulfilling the role of the kinsman-redeemer.
• Jesse (Ἰεσσαί, Iessai): The father of David (1 Sam 16:1). His mention here is climactic within this segment of the genealogy, establishing the direct link to Israel's greatest king, pivotal for the messianic promises associated with the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:12-16; Isa 11:1).

Words-group analysis:

• "Nahshon the father of Salmon": Connects Jesus' lineage to the period of the Exodus, anchoring His ancestry within the formative years of the Israelite nation and a princely figure of Judah. This sets the stage for a continuation of significant historical connections.
• "Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab": This phrase is profound, directly introducing Rahab, a Gentile and former harlot. It powerfully highlights God's radical grace and redemptive work. Her story is a testament to salvation by faith, irrespective of past, ethnicity, or social standing, and prefigures the inclusion of all peoples in the Gospel.
• "Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth": Further reinforces the theme of Gentile inclusion and divine grace. Ruth, a Moabitess, demonstrates unwavering loyalty and faith, leading to her being woven into Israel's heritage. Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, provides a key parallel to Jesus’ future role in redeeming humanity. This sequence illustrates God's inclusive design for His people from the outset.
• "Obed the father of Jesse": This simple yet significant link culminates this segment of the genealogy by pointing directly to Jesse, making the connection to King David explicit and strengthening Jesus' credentials as the anticipated Messiah from David's royal line.

Matthew 1 4 Bonus section

• Theological Significance of Women in the Genealogy: Matthew's inclusion of four women in the broader genealogy (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and "the wife of Uriah" / Bathsheba), often with unique or controversial circumstances, is highly unusual for a patriarchal Jewish genealogy. For this specific verse, Rahab and Ruth explicitly demonstrate a crucial theme: God's grace extends beyond ethnic and social conventions, and often operates through seemingly unexpected or "outsider" figures. This reveals the impartiality of God's favor and anticipates the gospel's reach to all people, including Gentiles and the socially marginalized.
• Purpose of Matthew's Genealogy: It serves a vital theological and apologetic purpose. Beyond simply tracing ancestry, it authenticates Jesus’ identity as the Jewish Messiah promised through Abraham and David. By highlighting figures like Rahab and Ruth, Matthew subtly argues that God's plan has always involved universal redemption, broadening the scope of salvation beyond just the Jews and prefiguring the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19).
• Messianic Expectation: This genealogical segment directly culminates with Jesse, setting the stage for David's entry, reinforcing Jesus' position as the rightful "Son of David" whom the Jewish people eagerly expected. The emphasis on David's line undergirds Jesus' royal and kingly credentials.

Matthew 1 4 Commentary

Matthew 1:4, with its explicit inclusion of Rahab and Ruth, is not merely a dry list of ancestors but a vibrant illustration of God's redemptive plan throughout history. The presence of these two Gentile women, both from traditionally outcast groups and with challenging backgrounds (Rahab as a harlot from a doomed city, Ruth as a Moabitess from an enemy nation), fundamentally transforms the typical understanding of a royal, "pure" Jewish lineage. Matthew's deliberate mention signals God's extraordinary grace, which extends beyond conventional boundaries of ethnicity, social status, and moral history. This serves as a vital prophetic foreshadowing: the Messiah, whose lineage includes such figures, would ultimately be the Savior for all nations, Jew and Gentile alike. It underscores that God works through unlikely vessels, transforming their pasts and integrating them into His divine purposes, illustrating that His kingdom is open to all who come in faith.