Now these are the generations
This phrase introduces a genealogical record, a common literary device in the Hebrew Bible known as "toledot." The Hebrew word "toledot" signifies "generations" or "descendants," and it serves as a structural marker in the text, indicating a transition to a lineage that holds theological significance. In the context of Ruth, this genealogy underscores God's providential plan, linking the account of Ruth and Boaz to the broader narrative of Israel's history and ultimately to the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.

of Perez
Perez, whose name means "breach" or "burst forth," was the son of Judah and Tamar, as recorded in Genesis 38. His birth was marked by unusual circumstances, yet he became a significant figure in the lineage of Judah. The mention of Perez here highlights God's ability to work through complex and even morally ambiguous situations to fulfill His divine purposes. Perez's inclusion in this genealogy emphasizes the theme of redemption and God's sovereign orchestration of history.

Perez was the father of Hezron
Hezron, the son of Perez, continues the lineage that will eventually lead to King David. The name Hezron may mean "enclosed" or "surrounded by a wall," suggesting protection or fortification. This lineage, beginning with Perez and continuing through Hezron, signifies the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and His commitment to bringing forth a Savior through this chosen line. The genealogical record here is not merely a list of names but a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history.

1. Perez
The son of Judah and Tamar, Perez is a significant figure in the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ. His birth is recorded in Genesis 38, and he is noted for continuing the line of Judah.

2. Hezron
The son of Perez, Hezron is an ancestor of King David. His mention in this genealogy highlights the continuity of God's promise to Abraham through the line of Judah.

3. Genealogy
This passage begins a genealogy that traces the lineage from Perez to David, emphasizing the providential unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific family lines.God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The genealogy in Ruth 4:18 reminds us that God is sovereign over history and uses family lines to accomplish His purposes. This encourages us to trust in His plan for our lives, even when we cannot see the full picture.

The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith. Just as Perez and Hezron were part of God's unfolding plan, we too are part of a larger account that God is writing.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of these generations encourages us to consider the impact of our faithfulness on future generations. Our actions and faith today can influence the spiritual legacy we leave behind.

God's Redemption Through Imperfect People
The inclusion of Perez, born from a complex family situation, highlights that God can redeem and use imperfect people for His glory. This gives hope to all believers that their past does not disqualify them from being used by God.(18) Hezron.--See Genesis 46:12.

Verses 18-22. - And these are the lineal descendants of Pharez. Pharez begat Hezron, and Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, and Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, and Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David. This is the genealogy of King David, and it is therefore an integral part of the genealogy of King David's great descendant, his "Lord" and ours. As such it is incorporated entire in the two tables that are contained respectively in the first chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew, and the third of the Gospel according to Luke. Some of the names are somewhat Grecised and otherwise modified in those New Testament tables. Instead of Hezron we have Esrom; instead of Ram we have Aram; instead of Nahshon we have Naason; instead of Boaz we have Boos; in 1 Chronicles 2:11 we have Salma instead of Salmon. It has been keenly debated by chronologists and genealogists whether we should regard the list of David's lineal ancestors, given here and in 1 Chronicles 2:10-12, as also in Matthew 1:3-5, and Luke 3:31-33, as complete. It is a thorny question to handle, and one not ready to be finally settled till the whole Old Testament chronology be adjusted. It is certain that in the larger tables of our Lord's genealogy there was, apparently for mnemonic purposes (Matthew 1:17), the mergence of certain inconspicuous links (see Matthew 1:8); and it would not need to be matter of wonder or concern if in that section of these tables which contains the genealogy of King David there should be a similar lifting up into the light, on the one hand, of the more prominent ancestors, and a shading off into the dark, on the other, of some who were less conspicuous. It lies on the surface of the genealogy that the loving-kindness and tender mercies of Yahveh stretch far beyond the confines of the Hebrews, highly favored though that people was. "Is he," asks St. Paul, "the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes," the same apostle answers, "of the Gentiles also" (Romans 3:29).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Now these [are]
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ (wə·’êl·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

the generations
תּוֹלְד֣וֹת (tō·wl·ḏō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 8435: Descent, family, history

of Perez:
פָּ֔רֶץ (pā·reṣ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6557: Perez -- son of Judah and Tamar

Perez
פֶּ֖רֶץ (pe·reṣ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6557: Perez -- son of Judah and Tamar

was the father of
הוֹלִ֥יד (hō·w·lîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

Hezron,
חֶצְרֽוֹן׃ (ḥeṣ·rō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2696: Hezron -- two Israelites, also two places in Judah


Ruth 4:18 NIV
Ruth 4:18 NLT
Ruth 4:18 ESV
Ruth 4:18 NASB
Ruth 4:18 KJV

Ruth 4:18 BibleApps.com
Ruth 4:18 Biblia Paralela
Ruth 4:18 Chinese Bible
Ruth 4:18 French Bible
Ruth 4:18 Catholic Bible

OT History: Ruth 4:18 Now this is the history (Ru Rut.)