New Testament
Matthew 1:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Salmon was the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz was the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed was the father of Jesse.
Compare translations
And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
What Matthew 1:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse is part of the genealogy of Jesus, showing the lineage from Salmon to Jesse. Salmon is noted as the father of Boaz, who is significant for marrying Ruth, a Moabite woman. Their story highlights themes of loyalty and redemption. Boaz and Ruth's son, Obed, continues the line leading to Jesse, who is the father of King David. This genealogy emphasizes God's plan through ordinary people, including those from diverse backgrounds. It illustrates how God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to fulfill His purposes. The mention of Rahab, a former prostitute, and Ruth, a foreigner, underscores the inclusivity of God's grace and the importance of faithfulness in relationships. This lineage ultimately leads to Jesus, showing that He comes from a rich heritage of faith and redemption.
How to apply Matthew 1:5 to your life
Understanding this genealogy encourages us to recognize that our backgrounds do not limit our potential in God's plan. Just as God used Rahab and Ruth, He can use us, regardless of our past. We should embrace our unique stories and trust in God's purpose for our lives.
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.
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
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 PlansAsk AI about Matthew 1:5
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 1:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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
What does Matthew 1:5 mean?
Matthew 1:5 is part of the genealogy of Jesus, showing the lineage from Salmon to Jesse. It highlights significant figures like Boaz and Ruth, emphasizing themes of loyalty and God's plan through ordinary people.
Who are the key figures mentioned in Matthew 1:5?
The key figures in Matthew 1:5 are Salmon, Boaz, Ruth, Obed, and Jesse. Boaz is notable for marrying Ruth, a Moabite woman, and their son Obed is the grandfather of King David.
What is the significance of Rahab in Matthew 1:5?
Rahab is significant in Matthew 1:5 as the mother of Boaz, highlighting God's grace and inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds in His plan. She was a former prostitute who showed great faith.
How does Matthew 1:5 relate to the theme of redemption?
Matthew 1:5 relates to redemption by showcasing how God used individuals like Rahab and Ruth, who had challenging pasts, to fulfill His purposes. Their stories illustrate that anyone can be part of God's plan.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.