1 Chronicles 2:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 2:11 mean?

1 Chronicles 2:11 records part of a family line, stating that Nahshon was the father of Salma, and Salma was the father of Boaz. This verse is part of a genealogy tracing the descendants of Judah, one of the tribes of Israel.

This verse appears in a list where the writer is carefully documenting the ancestry of important figures in Israel’s history. The names Nahshon, Salma, and Boaz are significant because Boaz later becomes a key character in the book of Ruth and an ancestor of King David. The chronicler is showing the direct family connections that lead to David’s royal line.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 2:11

• "begat" (יָלַד, yalad): This Hebrew word means "to father" or "to bring forth." In genealogies like this, it marks a direct line of descent, emphasizing the biological relationship from one generation to the next.
• "Nahshon" (נַחְשׁוֹן, Nakhshon): Nahshon is a well-known leader from the tribe of Judah during the Exodus. His mention here highlights the continuity of leadership in Judah’s line.
• "Salma" (שַׂלְמָא, Salma): Salma is sometimes called Salmon in other passages. His name here connects the genealogy to the story of Ruth, where Boaz is his son.
• "Boaz" (בֹּעַז, Boaz): Boaz is a central figure in the book of Ruth, known for his kindness and for being the great-grandfather of David. His inclusion in this list underlines the importance of his role in Israel’s history.

Why 1 Chronicles 2:11 matters

• This verse helps clarify the direct lineage from Judah to King David, which is a major theme in the books of Chronicles.
• By naming Boaz, the verse connects the genealogies of Chronicles to the story of Ruth, showing how different parts of the Bible are linked through family history.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of ancestry and heritage in Israel’s understanding of leadership and God’s promises, especially regarding the royal line.