Nahshon — person in the Bible

Nahshon

Man living before Israel's Monarchy

Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, was a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus and an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.

Also known as Naashon · Naasson

Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, was a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wilderness journey. He is mentioned in several books of the Bible, including Exodus, Numbers, Ruth, 1 Chronicles, Matthew, and Luke.

According to Exo.6.23, Nahshon was the brother-in-law of Aaron, as his sister Elisheba was married to Aaron. This connection to the priestly family highlights Nahshon's significant status within the tribe of Judah.

In Num.1.7 and Num.2.3, Nahshon is identified as the leader of the tribe of Judah during the census and the arrangement of the Israelite camp in the wilderness. As the head of Judah, he was responsible for a large portion of the Israelite population and held a position of authority and responsibility.

Nahshon's leadership role is further emphasized in Num.7.12,17, where he is the first of the tribal leaders to present offerings at the dedication of the tabernacle. His offering, like those of the other leaders, included silver and gold vessels, as well as animals for sacrifice.

In Num.10.14, Nahshon is mentioned again as the leader of the tribe of Judah when the Israelites set out from Mount Sinai, following the order of march determined by God.

The genealogies in Rut.4.20, 1 Chronicles Rut.2.10-11, Mat.1.4, and Luk.3.32 identify Nahshon as an ancestor of King David and, consequently, of Jesus Christ. This lineage underscores the importance of Nahshon's role in the history of Israel and God's plan of redemption.

Nahshon's life and leadership during the exodus and wilderness journey demonstrate his faithfulness and obedience to God. His prominent position within the tribe of Judah and his place in the lineage of David and Jesus make him a significant figure in the biblical narrative.

Family

Connections

Judah to David: Ruth 4 and Matthew 1

FamilyStated in the text

Ruth 4:18-22 lists ten generations from Perez to David, matching Matthew 1:3-6 and Luke 3:31-33. Scholars note that ten names cover about seven centuries, so the list is likely selective.

JudahSon of Israel PerezSon of Judah HezronSon of Perez RamSon of Hezron AmminadabSon of Ram NahshonSon of Amminadab SalmonSon of Nahshon BoazSon of Salmon ObedSon of Boaz JesseDavid's father DavidKing of Judah

Where the text shows it: Ruth 4:18-22 — Perez to David1 Chr 2:5-15 — Chronicles parallelMatt 1:3-6 — Matthew's versionLuke 3:31-33 — Luke's version

Sources: Ruth 4:18-22 · 1 Chr 2:5-15 · Matt 1:3-6 · Luke 3:31-33

Salmon and Rahab: the Jericho woman in David's ancestry

FamilyChurch tradition

Matthew names Rahab as the wife of Salmon and mother of Boaz. The identification with the Rahab of Jericho is the standard reading, but the Old Testament never says Salmon married her, and chronology is debated.

SalmonSon of Nahshon RahabA Canaanite woman who helped the Israelite spies in Jericho BoazSon of Salmon NahshonSon of Amminadab

Where the text shows it: Matt 1:5 — Salmon fathered Boaz by RahabJosh 2:1 — Rahab hides the spies at JerichoJosh 6:25 — Rahab survives Jericho's fallRuth 4:20-21 — Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz

Ways people read this (2)

Standard reading: Matthew's Rahab is the Rahab of Jericho.
Some scholars note chronological tension (about 200 years between Jericho and David) and suggest either compressed genealogies or a different Rahab.

Sources: Matt 1:5 · Josh 2:1 · Josh 6:25 · Ruth 4:20-21

Nahshon: Judah's leader and ancestor of David

FamilyStated in the text

Nahshon son of Amminadab led Judah's tribe in the wilderness. Aaron's wife Elisheba was Amminadab's daughter, making Nahshon Aaron's brother-in-law: the line of David and the line of the priests are thus linked by marriage.

NahshonSon of Amminadab AmminadabSon of Ram AaronHigh Priest

Where the text shows it: Num 1:7 — Nahshon son of Amminadab, leader of JudahExod 6:23 — Aaron marries Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab and sister of NahshonRuth 4:20 — Amminadab fathers Nahshon

Sources: Num 1:7 · Exod 6:23 · Ruth 4:20

Bible dictionary

Easton (1897), Smith (1863), Hitchcock (1869), Hastings (1898) and Schaff are in the public domain. Parsed text: neuu-org/bible-dictionary-dataset (CC BY 4.0). Headwords and whitespace normalised for this site.

Where Nahshon appears

11 verses in 6 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H5177

Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.