Matthew 1:4

Berean Standard Bible

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

King James Bible

And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

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Matthew 1:4, in the New International Version, reads: "Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon." This verse forms part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ presented in the opening chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, a list tracing the lineage from Abraham to Joseph, the husband of Mary. While seemingly a simple genealogical notation, this verse carries profound theological, historical, and literary significance, serving as a critical link in Matthew’s effort to establish Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s covenantal promises and the rightful heir to the Davidic throne. To unpack its depth, we must consider its place within the broader genealogy, its historical and biblical context, and its role in conveying Matthew’s theological message.

The genealogy in Matthew 1 is structured with intentionality, divided into three sets of fourteen generations (Abraham to David, David to the exile, and the exile to Jesus), reflecting a stylized presentation of Israel’s history. Matthew 1:4 falls within the first section, which traces the line from Abraham to David, emphasizing the patriarchal and monarchic roots of Jesus’ ancestry. The names listed—Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon—are drawn from Old Testament genealogies, particularly those found in 1 Chronicles 2:10–11 and Ruth 4:18–20. These figures connect the patriarchal era to the establishment of the Davidic line, anchoring Jesus’ lineage in the covenantal promises made to Abraham and extended through Judah’s tribe. Matthew’s inclusion of these names underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive plan, showing that Jesus is not an isolated figure but the culmination of a divinely orchestrated lineage.

Historically, the individuals in Matthew 1:4 are significant figures in Israel’s story, though their roles vary in prominence. Ram (often identified with Aram in some Old Testament texts) is a descendant of Judah through Hezron, as noted in 1 Chronicles 2:9. His inclusion establishes a direct link to the tribe of Judah, which is critical for Matthew’s audience, as the Messiah was expected to come from Judah’s line (Genesis 49:10). Amminadab, Ram’s son, is a less prominent figure but notable as the father-in-law of Aaron, Israel’s first high priest (Exodus 6:23). This connection subtly introduces a priestly dimension to the genealogy, hinting at Jesus’ dual role as king and priest, though Matthew’s primary focus remains on the royal line. Nahshon, Amminadab’s son, is a more prominent figure, known as the leader of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 1:7, 2:3). His leadership during the Exodus period ties the genealogy to a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, evoking themes of liberation and covenant fidelity. Salmon, Nahshon’s son, is less detailed in Scripture but is significant as the father of Boaz (Matthew 1:5), who marries Ruth, a key figure in the Davidic lineage. Together, these names bridge the patriarchal era, the Exodus, and the settlement in Canaan, encapsulating foundational moments in Israel’s covenantal history.

Theologically, Matthew 1:4 serves to affirm Jesus’ messianic credentials. By tracing his lineage through these figures, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus is the legitimate heir to the promises made to Abraham and David. The Abrahamic covenant promised a great nation and a blessing to all peoples (Genesis 12:2–3), while the Davidic covenant assured an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:12–16). Each name in the genealogy, including those in verse 4, reinforces the idea that God’s promises are fulfilled across generations, culminating in Jesus, who embodies both the universal blessing of Abraham and the eternal kingship of David. The deliberate inclusion of these figures, even those with minimal narrative detail in the Old Testament, underscores God’s faithfulness in preserving the messianic line through centuries of Israel’s triumphs and failures.

Literarily, Matthew 1:4 contributes to the genealogy’s rhetorical purpose. Matthew’s audience, likely Jewish Christians, would have recognized the significance of these names in connecting Jesus to Israel’s history. The genealogy is not merely a historical record but a theological argument, countering any skepticism about Jesus’ messianic identity. By grounding Jesus’ lineage in recognizable figures from Judah’s tribe, Matthew appeals to his audience’s knowledge of Scripture, reinforcing the claim that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. The brevity of the verse—listing names without elaboration—mirrors the concise style of Old Testament genealogies, lending authenticity and authority to Matthew’s account. Yet, the very simplicity of the verse belies its depth, as each name carries echoes of Israel’s story, from the formation of the nation to its leadership under Moses and its settlement in the Promised Land.

The placement of Matthew 1:4 within the genealogy also invites reflection on the human and divine dimensions of Jesus’ ancestry. While the names represent noble figures in Judah’s history, they are not without complexity. The tribe of Judah, from which these men come, had a mixed legacy, marked by both faithfulness and failure. Nahshon’s role as a leader during the Exodus evokes a time of divine deliverance, but also of Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness. Salmon’s connection to Ruth, a Moabite woman (Matthew 1:5), introduces a note of inclusivity, foreshadowing the Gentile mission that Matthew emphasizes later in his Gospel (e.g., Matthew 28:19). This blend of human imperfection and divine grace woven into the genealogy reflects the broader narrative of Scripture, where God works through flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes. In this sense, Matthew 1:4 is a microcosm of the gospel message: God’s redemptive plan unfolds through ordinary human lives, culminating in the extraordinary person of Jesus.

The verse also has implications for understanding Matthew’s broader themes of identity and fulfillment. By situating Jesus within this lineage, Matthew asserts that Jesus is the true Israel, embodying the nation’s calling to be a light to the world. The names in verse 4, tied to key moments in Israel’s history, evoke the covenantal relationship between God and His people, which Jesus both inherits and fulfills. For early Christian readers, this genealogy would have provided assurance that Jesus’ coming was not a break from Israel’s story but its climax. For modern readers, the verse invites reflection on how God’s purposes unfold across generations, often in ways that are not immediately apparent but become clear in the fullness of time.

In conclusion, Matthew 1:4, though brief, is a vital link in the chain of Jesus’ genealogy, connecting the patriarchal promises to the Davidic hope. Its historical roots in the tribe of Judah, its theological affirmation of God’s covenantal faithfulness, and its literary role in establishing Jesus’ messianic identity make it a rich text for contemplation. The names Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon are not mere placeholders but signposts of God’s enduring plan, pointing to the Messiah who fulfills the aspirations of Israel and the hopes of all nations. Through this verse, Matthew invites readers to see Jesus as the heir of a divine legacy, woven through the tapestry of human history, and to trust in the God who keeps His promises across generations.

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Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! As we gather in spirit across homes, churches, and communities, I invite you to reflect with me on a single verse from the Holy Scriptures: Matthew 1:4. It reads, in the genealogy of our Savior, “Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon.” At first glance, this may seem like a simple list of names, a thread in the tapestry of Christ’s ancestry. Yet, within these names lies a profound testimony to God’s grace, His faithfulness, and His purpose that weaves through generations—including ours.  

You might wonder: why pause here, on this verse, amid the grand narrative of Matthew’s Gospel? The answer is simple yet wondrous: God’s story is not only in the miracles, the sermons, or the cross—though these are central—but also in the quiet, steady unfolding of His plan through ordinary lives. Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon were not kings or prophets in the way we often imagine heroes of faith. They were men of Israel, part of a people chosen not for their greatness, but for God’s glory. And yet, through them, the line of the Messiah was carried forward.  

Consider Nahshon, a name that stands out if we look to the Old Testament. In Numbers 1:7, he is named a leader of the tribe of Judah during the exodus—a man who, tradition holds, stepped into the Red Sea before it parted, trusting God’s promise. Whether this story is in view here or not, Nahshon’s inclusion reminds us that God uses those who walk in faith, even when the waters seem deep and the way unclear. Protestant brothers and sisters, is this not our calling today? To trust God’s leading, to step forward in obedience, even when the world around us feels uncertain?  

But let us not miss the broader wonder of this genealogy. Matthew 1 traces the lineage of Jesus through Judah, through men like Ram and Amminadab—figures we know little about—and yet God knew them. He chose them. This is the heartbeat of the Gospel: God works through the overlooked, the ordinary, the flawed. A few verses later, we encounter Rahab and Ruth, women of courage from outside Israel, and even David, a king whose sins were great yet whose heart turned back to God. The lineage of Christ is not a parade of perfection, but a testimony of redemption.  

Dear church, what does this mean for us? First, it assures us that God’s grace is not reserved for the mighty or the spotless. You and I, with our struggles, our quiet faithfulness, our stumbles and recoveries—we are not disqualified from God’s story. The same God who wove Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon into the ancestry of Christ is weaving your life into His eternal purpose. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10, “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Your name, too, is known to Him.  

Second, this verse calls us to perseverance. These men lived in times of wandering, of waiting, of promise yet unfulfilled. They did not see the Messiah, but they carried the hope forward. So it is with us. We live between Christ’s first coming and His return, and our task is to hold fast, to pass on the faith, to trust that God is building something eternal through us.  

Finally, let us rejoice in the One to whom this genealogy points: Jesus, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, the Son of God. Matthew 1:4 is not the climax, but it is a stepping stone to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. Every name in this list whispers of God’s faithfulness, culminating in the Name above all names.  

So, beloved, take heart. Whether you feel like a Nahshon, standing at the edge of the sea, or a Ram, known only to God in quiet obedience, you are part of His story. Live in faith, rest in grace, and look to Christ, our Savior and King. May the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Him, now and forever. Amen.  

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O Eternal and Sovereign God, Creator of all that is, seen and unseen, whose hand has woven the tapestry of time and whose mercy endures from generation to generation, we bow before Your boundless majesty, lifting our hearts in fervent prayer and adoration. You are the Alpha and Omega, the One who was, who is, and who is to come, and in Your divine providence, You have ordained the lineage of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, through the generations named in Your holy Word. As we meditate upon the sacred genealogy in Matthew, where Aram begat Aminadab, Aminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, we stand in awe of Your unchanging faithfulness, which stretches across the ages, binding Your promises to Your people with cords of everlasting love.

O Lord, You are the God of covenant and continuity, who calls forth families, tribes, and nations to walk in the light of Your truth. From Aram to Salmon, each name in this lineage whispers of Your purposeful design, a testament to Your unwavering commitment to redeem a fallen world. We praise You for Your meticulous care, for not one step in the journey of Your people has been left to chance. As You guided these ancestors through the wilderness of human history, so too do You guide us, Your children, today. We confess our need for Your wisdom and strength, for we are frail, and the world around us is fraught with trials and temptations. Yet, in Your grace, You have made us heirs of the same promise, grafted into the lineage of Your Son, the King of kings.

Father of all mercies, we pray for the church universal, Your body scattered across the earth. May Your Spirit unite us as one family, regardless of tongue, tribe, or nation, that we might reflect the harmony of Your divine plan. Strengthen those who labor in Your vineyard, pastors and teachers, missionaries and servants, who proclaim the gospel of Christ, the Seed of the woman, born through the line You ordained. Grant them boldness like Nahshon, who led with courage, and humility like Salmon, who served in quiet faithfulness. Equip Your people to shine as lights in a world shrouded in darkness, bearing witness to the hope that is found only in Jesus.

O God of all compassion, we lift before You the weary and the broken, those who wander far from Your fold, those burdened by sin, sorrow, or despair. Just as You never abandoned Your people through the generations, pursue the lost with Your relentless love. Draw them to the cross, where the blood of Your Son, descended from this holy lineage, cleanses and restores. Heal the sick, comfort the grieving, and provide for the needy, for You are the God who sees and sustains. We pray for the leaders of nations, that they might govern with justice and seek the welfare of all, remembering that You alone are the King eternal, whose throne endures forever.

Most gracious Lord, we intercede for the generations yet to come, the children and their children, who will inherit the faith we proclaim. May they know You as the God who keeps His word, who fulfilled Your promise through the line of Aram, Aminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon, culminating in the birth of Emmanuel, God with us. Stir in us a zeal to pass down this sacred trust, teaching our descendants to love You with all their heart, soul, and mind. Let our lives be living epistles, written by Your Spirit, that the story of Your redemption might resound through every age until Christ returns in glory.

We offer this prayer in the precious and holy name of Jesus Christ, the Root and Offspring of David, the Lion of Judah, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forevermore. Amen.