Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Pharez, also spelled Perez, is a significant figure in the genealogical and historical narratives of the Bible. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis and he is recognized as an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, as outlined in the genealogies of the New Testament.Etymology and Meaning The name Pharez means "breach" or "bursting forth," which is reflective of the circumstances surrounding his birth. This name is derived from the Hebrew root "parats," which conveys the idea of breaking through or making a breach. Biblical Account Pharez is the son of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law. The account of his birth is recorded in Genesis 38. Tamar, after being widowed by Judah's sons Er and Onan, disguises herself as a prostitute to seduce Judah, ensuring her place in the family lineage. When Tamar gives birth, she has twins, and during the delivery, one child puts out a hand, and the midwife ties a scarlet thread around it, declaring, "This one came out first." However, the child withdraws his hand, and his brother emerges first. Thus, he is named Pharez, as he had "broken through" (Genesis 38:29). Genealogical Significance Pharez holds a crucial place in the lineage of the tribe of Judah. He is listed in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 2:4 and Ruth 4:18-22, which trace the ancestry of King David. The New Testament also highlights Pharez's importance in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as seen in Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33. This lineage underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and David, establishing Pharez as a pivotal link in the messianic line. Tribal and Historical Role The descendants of Pharez, known as the Pharzites, became a prominent family within the tribe of Judah. During the wilderness census, the family of Pharez is noted for its significant numbers (Numbers 26:20-21). The tribe of Judah, with Pharez's lineage, played a central role in the history of Israel, providing leadership and continuity through the monarchy and beyond. Symbolic and Theological Implications Pharez's birth narrative is often seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and grace, working through unexpected and even morally complex situations to fulfill His divine purposes. The account of Pharez and Tamar illustrates themes of redemption and the reversal of human expectations, as God brings forth His chosen lineage through unconventional means. Pharez's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ highlights the grace of God in incorporating flawed and unexpected individuals into His redemptive plan. This serves as a reminder of the overarching biblical theme that God's purposes prevail despite human frailty and failure. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary PharezSmith's Bible Dictionary Pharez(Perez, (1 Chronicles 27:3) Phares, (Matthew 1:3; Luke 3:33) 1 Esd. 5:6), twin son, with Zarah or Zerah, of Judah and Tamer his daughter-in-law. (B.C. 1730.) The circumstances of his birth are detailed in Gen. 38. Pharez occupied the rank of Judah's second son, and from two of his sons sprang two new chief houses, those of the Hezronites and Hamulites. From Hezron's second son Ram, or Aram, sprang David and the kings of Judah, and eventually Jesus Christ. In the reign of David the house of Pharez seems to have been eminently distinguished. Easton's Bible Dictionary Breach, the elder of the twin sons of Judah (Genesis 38:29). From him the royal line of David sprang (Ruth 4:18-22). "The chief of all the captains of the host" was of the children of Perez (1 Chronicles 27:3; Matthew 1:3). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PEREZ; PHAREZpe'-rez, fa'-rez (perets, "breach"): One of the twins born to Judah by Tamar, Zerah's brother (Genesis 38:29, 30). In the King James Version Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33, he is called "Phares," the name in 1 Esdras 5:5. He is "Pharez" in the King James Version Genesis 46:12 Numbers 26:20, 21 Ruth 4:12, 18 1 Chronicles 2:4, 5; 1 Chronicles 4:1; 1 Chronicles 9:4. In the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) 1 Chronicles 27:3 Nehemiah 11:4, 6, he is "Perez." He is important through the fact that by way of Ruth and Boaz and so through Jesse and David his genealogy comes upward to the Saviour. The patronymic "Pharzite" occurs in Numbers 26:20 the King James Version. PHAREZ fa'-rez (King James Version 1 Esdras 5:9; 8:30): The same as Revised Version PHOROS (which see). Strong's Hebrew 6557. Perets -- son of Judah and Tamar... Perez, Pharez. The same as perets; Perets, the name of two Israelites -- Perez, Pharez. see HEBREW perets. 6556, 6557. Perets. 6558 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/6557.htm - 6k Library Letter Lii. To Nepotian. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ... Whether it is Credible that the Men of the Primitive Age Abstained ... Matt. I. 1 The Book of Jubilees Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia. Index of Subjects. Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Thesaurus Pharez (11 Occurrences)... PEREZ; PHAREZ. pe'-rez, fa'-rez (perets, "breach"): One of the twins born to Judah by Tamar, Zerah's brother (Genesis 38:29, 30). ... Henry Wallace. PHAREZ. ... /p/pharez.htm - 11k Zarah (3 Occurrences) Perez (19 Occurrences) Genealogies (17 Occurrences) Begat (112 Occurrences) Tamar (28 Occurrences) Draweth (52 Occurrences) Phares (2 Occurrences) Pharida Phoros Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Pharez (11 Occurrences)Matthew 1:3 Luke 3:33 Genesis 38:29 Genesis 46:12 Numbers 26:21 Ruth 4:12 Ruth 4:18 1 Chronicles 2:4 1 Chronicles 2:5 1 Chronicles 4:1 1 Chronicles 9:4 Subtopics Pharez in the Lineage of Jesus Pharez: A Twin Son of Judah by Tamar Pharez: Return from the Captivity Related Terms |
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