King James Version

What Does Matthew 1:4 Mean?

Matthew 1:4 in the King James Version says “And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; — study this verse from Matthew chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 1:4 · KJV


Context

2

Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

3

And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

4

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

5

And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6

And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The repetition of generations underscores the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan. Each name represents a real person through whom God was working out His eternal purposes. The genealogy moves deliberately toward its climax in verse 16, demonstrating that all of Israel's history points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This covers the period of the patriarchs in Canaan and Egypt, approximately 1900-1500 BC, before the exodus and wilderness wanderings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the methodical progression of generations demonstrate God's patience in fulfilling His promises?
  2. In what ways do seemingly ordinary lives contribute to God's extraordinary purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἀρὰμ1 of 15

Aram

G689

aram (i.e., ram), an israelite

δὲ2 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγέννησεν3 of 15

begat

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

τὸν4 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀμιναδὰβ5 of 15

Aminadab

G284

aminadab, an israelite

Ἀμιναδὰβ6 of 15

Aminadab

G284

aminadab, an israelite

δὲ7 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγέννησεν8 of 15

begat

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

τὸν9 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ναασσὼν10 of 15

Naasson

G3476

naasson (i.e., nachshon), an israelite

Ναασσὼν11 of 15

Naasson

G3476

naasson (i.e., nachshon), an israelite

δὲ12 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγέννησεν13 of 15

begat

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

τὸν14 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Σαλμών15 of 15

Salmon

G4533

salmon, an israelite


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 1:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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