New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 1:4

The King Arrives

Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon. Matthew 1:4 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 1:4, in plain English

These are the quiet generations, people whose names you may not know, but who faithfully carried the family line forward through hard times. Every link in the chain mattered.

Why it's here

Some of these people lived during Israel's darkest days in Egypt. Their faithfulness kept the promise alive even when it seemed forgotten.

Who's speaking

Matthew continues tracing the family tree.

Where it sits in the story

This bridges the gap between the patriarchs and the time of Moses, centuries of hidden faithfulness.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

This verse traces the lesser-known generations between Judah's son Perez and Nahshon, who was a leader of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 1:7).

Language and setting

These names bridge the patriarchal period to the Exodus era, representing generations of faithful Israelites who preserved the lineage during Egyptian bondage.

Voice

Matthew, narrating the genealogical record.

Significance

The genealogy moves through the period of slavery in Egypt and the wilderness, showing God's faithfulness across silent centuries.

In context

Matthew 1:2–6

2Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.

3Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.

4Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon.

5Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,

6and Jesse the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

Read all of Matthew 1 — The New Testament opens with a genealogy — and every name carries a story. Two great promises converge in one person. This is where it all comes together.

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