Ruth 4:20 (KJV)

What does Ruth 4:20 mean?

Ruth 4:20 lists part of a family line, saying that Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon was the father of Salmon. This verse is part of a genealogy showing the ancestors leading up to King David.

This verse appears near the end of the book of Ruth, where a genealogy is being recited to trace the lineage from earlier generations down to David. The names mentioned—Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon—are all ancestors in the tribe of Judah, and this list helps connect the story of Ruth to the larger story of Israel’s royal line.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 4:20

• Amminadab (עַמִּינָדָב, Amminadav): This name means "my people are noble" or "people of the prince." Including Amminadab in the genealogy highlights the respected heritage of David’s family.
• begat (יָלַד, yalad): This verb means "to father" or "to give birth to." In genealogies, it marks the direct line of descent, emphasizing the continuity from one generation to the next.
• Nahshon (נַחְשׁוֹן, Nachshon): Nahshon is a significant figure, known elsewhere as a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus. His mention underlines the importance of this family within Israel.
• Salmon (שַׂלְמוֹן, Salmon): Salmon is another ancestor in the line leading to David, and according to tradition, he is the husband of Rahab from the book of Joshua.

Why Ruth 4:20 matters

• Ruth 4:20 helps establish the direct family line from the time of the Exodus to King David, showing that David’s ancestry is rooted in Israel’s history.
• By naming specific ancestors, the verse connects the story of Ruth to the broader story of God’s work through the people of Israel.
• This genealogy also appears in the New Testament (Matthew 1), linking Ruth’s story to the ancestry of Jesus, which is significant for both Jewish and Christian readers.