Ruth 4 18

Ruth 4:18 kjv

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

Ruth 4:18 nkjv

Now this is the genealogy of Perez: Perez begot Hezron;

Ruth 4:18 niv

This, then, is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron,

Ruth 4:18 esv

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

Ruth 4:18 nlt

This is the genealogical record of their ancestor Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron.

Ruth 4 verses

Ruth 4 18 Meaning

Ruth 4:18 serves as the precise introduction to the genealogical postscript of the book of Ruth. It directly states the intention to present the lineage, specifically focusing on "Perez" as the foundational ancestor from whom the subsequent line of descendants would be traced, culminating in David. This single verse bridges the intimate narrative of Ruth and Boaz with the broader historical and theological narrative of Israel, preparing the reader for the revelation of God's provident hand in preserving a chosen lineage for a redemptive purpose.

Ruth 4 18 Context

Ruth 4:18 stands as a pivotal transition within the book of Ruth. Immediately prior to this verse, the narrative culminates in the birth of Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, who is described as the "father of Jesse, the father of David" (Ruth 4:17). Having fully resolved the initial themes of destitution, faithfulness, kinsman-redeemer action, and the restoration of Naomi's family line, the book then shifts its focus. Ruth 4:18 introduces a genealogical appendix, not just any genealogy, but specifically the lineage leading to David. This postscript transcends the individual family drama, elevating the narrative to a grander theological and historical scope, firmly establishing how Ruth's seemingly humble story fits into God's overarching plan for the nation of Israel and the ultimate coming of the Messiah through the royal line of Judah. Historically, precise genealogical records were vital for land inheritance, tribal identity, and validating priestly and royal claims in ancient Israel. The book's ending reinforces the divine providence woven into the seemingly ordinary lives, highlighting the faithfulness that sustained God's covenant promises.

Ruth 4 18 Word analysis

• And (וְאֵלֶּה, wĕʾelleh): This conjunctive phrase signals a continuation or transition. In Hebrew narrative, "and these are" often introduces a new section or a list, especially a genealogy. Here, it seamlessly links the conclusion of Ruth’s immediate story to the following lineage, suggesting a continuous, unfolding divine plan rather than an abrupt ending.
• these (אֵלֶּה, ʾelleh): Demonstrative pronoun pointing forward to the forthcoming names, signifying that the following information belongs to the category just announced. It emphasizes the specific list that will be presented.
• are (אֵלֶּה, ʾelleh): Implied verb "to be" is common in Hebrew; the preceding demonstrative pronoun itself carries the force of "these are." It straightforwardly introduces the subject.
• the generations (תּוֹלְדֹות, tôldōt): A crucial Hebrew term. This noun, derived from the verb yalad ("to beget," "to give birth"), carries the sense of "generations," "descendants," or "family history/lineage." It is famously used throughout Genesis (e.g., Gen 2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10, 27) to structure the primeval and patriarchal histories, marking divisions and introducing genealogical accounts. Its presence here firmly places the lineage within the broader biblical understanding of divinely guided human history and the progression of covenant promises through specific families. It indicates an orderly record of descendants rather than a mere list of names. The use of tôldōt highlights continuity, not just of individuals, but of God's work across successive ages.
• of Perez (פֶּרֶץ, peretz): Perez is the son of Judah and Tamar, born under dramatic circumstances in Genesis 38:29. His name means "breach" or "breaking out," given that he "breached" his way out of the womb ahead of his twin brother, Zerah, despite Zerah putting his hand out first. Perez is a significant figure because he is the primary progenitor of the royal line of Judah, through whom David, and ultimately the Messiah, would descend. Starting the genealogy with Perez immediately signals the importance of the Judahite royal lineage, implicitly fulfilling the promise to Judah in Genesis 49:10 concerning the scepter. The naming incident, with the unexpected "breach," prefigures how God's purposes often unfold through unconventional or surprising means, even within seemingly irregular circumstances like Perez's birth or Ruth's Moabite origin.

Ruth 4 18 Bonus section

The inclusion of a detailed genealogy at the end of the book of Ruth (vv. 18-22), beginning with Ruth 4:18, suggests the purposeful integration of the narrative within Israel's historical and theological tradition. Scholars note that such genealogies were not mere historical records but carried theological weight, confirming divine election, covenant fulfillment, and legitimacy for kingship. In this case, it specifically legitimizes David's descent and his divinely appointed role. This demonstrates how a seemingly minor narrative like Ruth's provides vital connective tissue in the broader biblical metanarrative, especially in showing how foreign individuals like Rahab and Ruth are providentially woven into God's plan, underscoring the universal scope of God's redemptive work. It illustrates that God's sovereignty works not only through the powerful but also through the vulnerable and unexpected, building up His kingdom.

Ruth 4 18 Commentary

Ruth 4:18 is a concise but profoundly significant verse, functioning as the theological hinge of the book. Having described the human faithfulness and kinsman-redeemer work of Boaz, and Ruth's integration into Israel, the book suddenly broadens its scope. The use of "tôldōt" (generations) echoes Genesis's method of marking epochs, instantly connecting Ruth’s intimate story to the sweep of biblical history and God’s sovereign plan. By stating "these are the generations of Perez," the text focuses specifically on the lineage that flows from Judah, Israel's royal tribe. This single verse elevates the family drama to a national and indeed messianic context. It’s not just a happy ending for Ruth and Naomi, but a clear signpost to David, and ultimately to the Messiah. The naming of Perez, meaning "breach," also carries ironic and significant overtones; just as Perez breached out unexpectedly to head his twin brother, so too does this humble story of a Moabite woman and a godly Israelite breach the ordinary to produce an extraordinary lineage. It underlines God's consistent working through unexpected means and seemingly common individuals to fulfill His covenant purposes. This verse assures the reader that even amidst trials and migrations, the divine blueprint for redemption remains intact and progressive.