King James Version

What Does Ruth 4:19 Mean?

Ruth 4:19 in the King James Version says “And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,”

Ruth 4:19 · KJV

Context

17

And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18

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

19

And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

20

And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, Salmon: or, Salmah

21

And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

Read Ruth 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogy continues: 'And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab'. These names connect Ruth's era (judges period) to earlier patriarchal period and later monarchy. Ram and Amminadab appear in Numbers 1:7; 2:3 as princes of Judah during wilderness wanderings, showing Ruth married into prominent lineage. The genealogy demonstrates God's providence positioning Ruth within the tribe and family destined for kingship and messianic fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Each generation in this genealogy carried covenant promises forward, often unaware of ultimate significance. Ram and Amminadab were tribal leaders during Israel's wilderness period, demonstrating that Boaz descended from faithful leadership. The careful preservation of this genealogy through oral tradition and written record shows ancient Israel's attention to inheritance rights and prophetic promises about Messiah coming through Judah's line (Genesis 49:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does each generation's faithful living contribute to God's multi-generational purposes?
  2. What does genealogical preservation teach about remembering and honoring faithful ancestors?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְחֶצְרוֹן֙1 of 8

“And Hezron”

H2696

chetsron, the name of a place in palestine; also of two israelites

הוֹלִ֥יד2 of 8

“begat”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת3 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְרָ֖ם4 of 8

“Ram”

H7410

ram, the name of an arabian and of an israelite

וְרָ֖ם5 of 8

“Ram”

H7410

ram, the name of an arabian and of an israelite

הוֹלִ֥יד6 of 8

“begat”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת7 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃8 of 8

“Amminadab”

H5992

amminadab, the name of four israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Ruth 4:19 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 Ruth 4:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 1:41 Chronicles 2:9-10Luke 3:33

Test Your Knowledge

Ruth 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRuth Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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