King James Version

What Does Ruth 4:20 Mean?

Ruth 4:20 in the King James Version says “And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, Salmon: or, Salmah” — study this verse from Ruth chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ruth 4:20 · KJV

Context

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,

22

And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

Read Ruth 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the recurring pattern of foreign women in messianic lineage teach about God's inclusive grace?
  2. How does this demonstrate that God's promises reach all who come to Him in faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְעַמִּֽינָדָב֙1 of 8

“And Amminadab”

H5992

amminadab, the name of four 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)

וְנַחְשׁ֖וֹן4 of 8

“Nahshon”

H5177

nachshon, an israelite

וְנַחְשׁ֖וֹן5 of 8

“Nahshon”

H5177

nachshon, 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)

שַׂלְמָֽה׃8 of 8

“Salmon”

H8009

salmah, an israelite

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 4:20 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 4:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:7Luke 3:32Matthew 1:4

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