וְאֵ֨לֶּה֙ תֹּולְדֹ֣ות פָּ֔רֶץ פֶּ֖רֶץ הֹולִ֥יד אֶת־חֶצְרֹֽון׃
1. Narrative Formula and Literary Structure: וְאֵלֶּה תֹּולְדֹות
The phrase וְאֵלֶּה תֹּולְדֹות (“and these are the generations of…”) is a recurring genealogical formula found throughout the Torah (cf. Genesis 2:4; 5:1; 10:1). It introduces a transition or literary boundary marker, often leading to a genealogy or important narrative shift.
תֹּולְדֹות is a feminine plural noun from the root יָלַד (“to bear, beget”), referring to genealogical records, descendants, or historical developments stemming from a person. The prefixed וְ (“and”) ties the verse back to the previous context, providing continuity from the story of Ruth and Boaz to the Davidic line.
2. Proper Name and Apposition: פָּרֶץ פֶּרֶץ
The name פָּרֶץ appears twice. The first occurrence is the grammatical object of תֹּולְדֹות—“the generations of Perets.” The second is the subject of the following verb הֹולִיד, establishing Perets as the father of Ḥetṣron.
This repetition is a typical Hebrew stylistic device known as apposition, used for clarity and emphasis. It also serves a rhetorical function here, anchoring the genealogy that will ultimately lead to David in a well-known figure from Genesis (cf. Genesis 38).
3. Verb Form and Lineage: הֹולִיד
הֹולִיד is a Hifil perfect 3rd person masculine singular verb from the root יָלַד (“to give birth, beget”). The Hifil stem adds a causative nuance: “he caused to be born,” i.e., “he begot.” In genealogies, this verb is formulaic and functions almost as a chain-link, connecting generations.
The perfect form denotes a completed action, establishing Perets’ paternity over Ḥetṣron with finality. This grammatical form is critical in genealogical texts, as it affirms historical continuity and covenantal legitimacy.
4. Direct Object Marker: אֶת־חֶצְרֹון
אֶת is the accusative particle, marking חֶצְרוֹן as the direct object of הֹולִיד. Ḥetṣron is a known ancestor in the tribe of Judah (cf. 1 Chronicles 2:5). His mention here is part of the carefully constructed genealogy that culminates in King David.
The syntax emphasizes a seamless transmission of life and promise from Perets to Ḥetṣron, reinforcing the importance of lineage in biblical theology, especially in Ruth—a book about redemption, covenant, and royal destiny.
5. Theological and Redemptive Implications
Though brief, this verse participates in the grand narrative of redemption. The naming of Perets, born of Tamar and Yehuda under scandalous circumstances (Genesis 38), is not accidental. It highlights divine providence working through flawed human situations.
The genealogical structure reminds us that God’s purposes unfold through generations. The use of הֹולִיד in Hifil underscores divine causality: though the begetting is human, the orchestration is divine. This lineage ultimately leads to David—and, by Christian interpretation, to the Messiah.
6. Spiritual Reflection
The grammar of this verse reflects how even simple genealogical formulas carry weight in Scripture. The double mention of פָּרֶץ anchors the narrative in covenant history, and the verb הֹולִיד bridges past to future. This verse teaches that every generation, every birth, every name matters in the unfolding plan of redemption.
In a book focused on hesed (covenant loyalty) and restoration, this short genealogical note serves as a reminder that God’s faithfulness extends not only across space, but across time. Grammar and lineage unite to proclaim continuity, promise, and purpose.
