New Testament

Matthew 1:4

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

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

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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

What Matthew 1:4 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Matthew 1:4, we see a part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage back through significant figures in Israel's history. Ram, also known as Aram, is identified as the father of Amminadab, who is then the father of Nahshon. Nahshon is notable for being a leader during the Exodus and is linked to the tribe of Judah. Finally, Salmon, the son of Nahshon, is mentioned, connecting this lineage to the royal line of David. This genealogy emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's lineage, showing that Jesus is rooted in a rich history of faith and leadership. Each name represents a link in the chain of God's plan for redemption, highlighting the importance of family and heritage in biblical narratives. This passage serves to remind readers of the significance of Jesus' earthly lineage and God's faithfulness through generations.

How to apply Matthew 1:4 to your life

Understanding the genealogy of Jesus encourages us to appreciate our own family histories and the legacies we inherit. It reminds us that God works through families and generations, and we are part of a larger story. We can reflect on how our lives contribute to God's ongoing narrative.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Andrew bringing his brother Simon to Jesus

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Peter

An old color photograph of Nazareth spread across a hillside in Galilee.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Nazareth

The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Matthew 1:4

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Matthew 1:4

At a Glance — the Book of Matthew

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

Who are the key figures mentioned in Matthew 1:4?

Matthew 1:4 mentions Ram (also known as Aram), Amminadab, Nahshon, and Salmon. These individuals are part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, illustrating His lineage through significant figures in Israel's history.

What is the significance of Nahshon in the genealogy?

Nahshon is notable for being a leader during the Exodus and is associated with the tribe of Judah. His inclusion in the genealogy emphasizes the royal lineage of Jesus and highlights the importance of leadership in God's plan.

How does Matthew 1:4 connect to Old Testament prophecies?

The genealogy in Matthew 1:4 connects to Old Testament prophecies by tracing Jesus' lineage back to significant ancestors, fulfilling the promise that the Messiah would come from the line of David and Judah, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His promises.

What can we learn from the genealogy in Matthew 1:4?

The genealogy in Matthew 1:4 teaches us about the importance of family heritage and God's faithfulness through generations. It encourages us to reflect on our own family histories and recognize how they contribute to God's ongoing narrative in our lives.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.