Ruth 4:20
And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,
Original Language Analysis
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
H3205
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
2 of 8
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
H3205
הוֹלִ֥יד
begat
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
6 of 8
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
Cross References
Historical Context
Nahshon's prominence in wilderness generation (he led Judah's first tribal offering at tabernacle dedication—Numbers 7:12-17) established his family's significance. The marriage to Rahab parallels Ruth's story—another foreign woman demonstrating faith, incorporated into Israel, contributing to messianic lineage. The pattern of Gentile women in Jesus' genealogy (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba) emphasizes that salvation comes by faith, not ethnicity, foreshadowing the gospel's universal scope.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the recurring pattern of foreign women in messianic lineage teach about God's inclusive grace?
- How does this demonstrate that God's promises reach all who come to Him in faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Genealogy progresses: 'And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon'. Nahshon was prince of Judah during the Exodus (Numbers 1:7; 7:12), brother of Aaron's wife Elisheba (Exodus 6:23), making him Moses and Aaron's brother-in-law. This connection shows Ruth's integration into Israel's leadership families. Salmon married Rahab the Canaanite (Matthew 1:5), making Boaz son of another foreign woman of faith. This pattern—foreign women incorporated through faith and marriage into messianic line—demonstrates God's grace transcending ethnicity.