Introduction:
Pherez, 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 is further referenced in other parts of Scripture, highlighting his importance in the lineage of the tribes of Israel and the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Account:
Pherez is the son of Judah and Tamar. The account of his birth is recorded in Genesis 38. Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, was widowed by Judah's sons Er and Onan. After being denied marriage to Judah's third son, Shelah, Tamar disguised herself and conceived twins by Judah. During childbirth, one of the twins, Zerah, extended his hand, and the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it. However, Pherez emerged first, earning his name, which means "breach" or "bursting forth." Genesis 38:29 states, "But as he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, 'How you have broken out!' So he was named Perez."

Tribal Significance:
Pherez became the progenitor of the Perezites, a clan within the tribe of Judah. His descendants played a crucial role in the history of Israel. The tribe of Judah, from which Pherez descended, was one of the most prominent tribes, known for its leadership and military prowess. The Perezites are mentioned in the census of the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 26:20).

Genealogical Importance:
Pherez is listed in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 2:4-5 and Ruth 4:18-22, which trace the lineage of King David. This connection is significant as it establishes Pherez as an ancestor of David, Israel's greatest king, and ultimately of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the genealogy in Matthew 1:3. The inclusion of Pherez in these genealogies underscores the fulfillment of God's promises through the line of Judah.

Messianic Lineage:
The lineage of Pherez is crucial in the messianic prophecies concerning the tribe of Judah. Jacob's blessing over Judah in Genesis 49:10 states, "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and the allegiance of the nations is his." This prophecy is understood to point to the coming of the Messiah, who would arise from the line of Judah, to which Pherez belongs.

Cultural and Theological Implications:
The account of Pherez highlights themes of redemption and divine providence. Despite the unconventional circumstances of his birth, Pherez's inclusion in the lineage of Christ demonstrates God's sovereign plan and the unfolding of His redemptive purposes through flawed human history. The narrative of Pherez and Tamar also illustrates the importance of justice and righteousness, as Tamar's actions ultimately led to the continuation of Judah's line.

Conclusion:
Pherez's role in biblical history is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. His account, woven into the fabric of Israel's history and the genealogy of Jesus, serves as a reminder of the intricate and purposeful design of God's plan for salvation.

The Cleansing of the Earth.
... all things were created perfect, yet when the first man sinned, they were corrupted,
and will not again return to their congruous state till PHEREZ (ie, the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the cleansing of the earth.htm

Pherez (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pherez (11 Occurrences). Genesis 38 ... forth! on thee
be the breach! And they called his name Pherez. (DBY). Genesis ...
/p/pherez.htm - 9k

Begot (119 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Ruth 4:18 Now these are the generations of Pherez. Pherez begot Hezron,
(DBY JPS). Ruth 4:19 and Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab, (DBY JPS) ...
/b/begot.htm - 30k

Pherezite

/p/pherezite.htm - 6k

Pheresites

/p/pheresites.htm - 6k

Hosts (326 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). 1 Chronicles 27:3 He was of the children of Pherez,
the head of all the captains of the hosts for the first month. (DBY YLT). ...
/h/hosts.htm - 38k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus