Old Testament
Ruth 4:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
Compare translations
And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,
What Ruth 4:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Ruth 4:20, we see a brief genealogy that connects significant figures in Israel's history. Amminadab is identified as the father of Nahshon, who is then noted as the father of Salmon. This lineage is important as it establishes the family line leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. Genealogies in the Bible serve to highlight God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through specific individuals and families. They remind us that every person has a role in God's plan, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. This verse emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant through generations, showing how He works through families to achieve His purposes. Understanding these connections helps us appreciate the broader narrative of redemption that unfolds throughout Scripture.
How to apply Ruth 4:20 to your life
Reflect on your own family history and consider how God has worked through your ancestors. Recognize that every family has a story that contributes to God's larger narrative. Embrace your role in this ongoing story and seek to live in a way that honors your heritage and God's purpose for your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Ruth 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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 Ruth 4:20
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 Ruth 4:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ruth
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of Ruth 4:20 in the Bible?
Ruth 4:20 is significant because it provides a genealogy that connects key figures in Israel's history, specifically linking Amminadab to Nahshon and then to Salmon. This lineage is crucial as it leads to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through generations. Genealogies like this one remind us of the continuity of God's covenant and His divine plan working through families.
How does Ruth 4:20 relate to the story of Ruth?
Ruth 4:20, while a brief genealogy, is a culmination of the story of Ruth, who is a Moabite woman that becomes part of the Israelite community through her loyalty to Naomi. This verse emphasizes the importance of Ruth's role in the lineage that leads to David and Jesus, showcasing how her faithfulness and actions had lasting implications in God's redemptive plan.
What can we learn from the genealogy in Ruth 4:20?
The genealogy in Ruth 4:20 teaches us that every individual has a role in God's larger narrative, regardless of their background or status. It emphasizes the importance of family heritage and how God works through ordinary people to fulfill His divine purposes. This encourages us to recognize our own place in our family history and to honor our heritage while contributing positively to God's ongoing story.
Why are genealogies important in the Bible?
Genealogies in the Bible, including Ruth 4:20, serve multiple purposes: they establish the legitimacy of individuals, highlight God's faithfulness across generations, and connect significant biblical figures. They remind readers of the unfolding story of redemption and God's covenant with His people. By tracing lineages, the Bible illustrates how God works through families to achieve His purposes, reinforcing the idea that every person matters in His plan.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.