Amminadabs

Amminadab is a Hebrew given name that appears in the Hebrew Bible. In many biblical passages it is used in the singular, but the plural form “Amminadabs” can occur in modern discussions when referring to people who bear the name or to the Amminadab family line. The exact meaning of the name is uncertain, but it is treated as a proper Hebrew name.

Biblical appearances and lineage

In the Hebrew Bible, Amminadab is the father of Nahshon and Elisheba, making him the progenitor of key lines in the tribe of Judah. He is described as the son of Ram (or Ram’s descendant in some genealogies). Elisheba is noted as the daughter of Amminadab and the sister of Nahshon, and she becomes the wife of Aaron. Through Nahshon, Amminadab is connected to the royal line that leads to Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and ultimately David. This genealogical positioning is important for tracing the lineage from Judah to the kings and, in Christian tradition, to Jesus in the New Testament genealogies.

New Testament references

Amminadab is listed in the genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, most prominently in Matthew 1, where the line continues from Ram to Amminadab to Nahshon and then to Salmon, Boaz, and David. The inclusion of Amminadab and his descendants reinforces the Davidic connection emphasized in these passages. Variations in spelling occur across Hebrew and Greek manuscript traditions, but the basic lineage remains consistent in scholarly summaries.

Usage and significance

Amminadab is primarily of interest as a genealogical figure rather than a central biblical character. The name is uncommon in modern usage but appears in biblical studies, wisdom literature on lineages, and discussions of the Davidic/Messianic genealogies. See also: Ram, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, David.