The name translated in the Septuagint and the Greek New Testament as Φαρές (“Phares”) corresponds to the Hebrew “Perez,” meaning “breach” or “bursting forth” (Genesis 38:29). It recalls the dramatic circumstances of his birth, when he unexpectedly supplanted his twin brother Zerah.

Old Testament Background

Perez is born to Judah and Tamar after Judah’s failure to give her his son Shelah in levirate marriage (Genesis 38). Though conceived amid scandal, Perez becomes the chief line of Judah, illustrating how divine purpose overrules human failure. The blessing of the elders upon Boaz echoes this: “May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah” (Ruth 4:12). The tribe of Judah later numbers Perez’s descendants separately, reflecting their growth and prominence (Numbers 26:20).

Role in Tribal History

1 Chronicles 2 details the sons of Perez—Hezron and Hamul—whose families expand into several Judean clans. Hezron fathers Caleb and others who settle Hebron and Bethlehem (1 Chronicles 2:18-24, 50-55). Thus Perez stands at the root of many Judean towns, leaders, and later returnees from exile (Nehemiah 11:4, 6).

Place in Royal Genealogy

From Perez come Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and David (Ruth 4:18-22). By placing David in the line of Perez, Scripture shows that the messianic promise travels through a line begun in unexpected grace.

Appearances in the New Testament

Matthew identifies Perez twice in the opening verse of the Gospel genealogy: “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez was the father of Hezron” (Matthew 1:3). Luke repeats the name in the reverse-ordered list tracing Jesus back to Adam (Luke 3:33). The dual inclusion unites both genealogical traditions around Perez, confirming the Davidic and Judahite credentials of Jesus the Messiah.

Theological Themes

1. Sovereign Grace: The origin of Perez demonstrates that God can redeem convoluted family histories for His redemptive purposes.
2. Reversal of Expectation: Though Zerah’s scarlet-threaded hand appeared first, Perez “burst forth.” Scripture later highlights similar reversals (e.g., Jacob over Esau, Ephraim over Manasseh).
3. Covenant Continuity: Perez anchors the unfolding covenant from Abraham to David to Christ, underscoring the unbroken line of promise.
4. Legitimacy of the Messiah: By naming Tamar (one of five women in Matthew’s genealogy) and by including Perez, the Gospel emphasizes that Jesus stands in a lineage shaped by grace rather than flawless pedigree.

Ministry and Practical Application

• Hope for Flawed Families: Believers with complicated backgrounds can rest in God’s power to “cause all things to work together for good” (Romans 8:28).
• Encouragement for the Marginalized: Tamar’s vindication and Perez’s rise affirm that God sees and honors the overlooked.
• Assurance of Prophetic Fulfillment: Every detail—from Perez to David to Jesus—confirms that Scripture’s promises never fail, strengthening confidence in all divine promises.

Historical Reception

Early Christian writers such as Justin Martyr and Irenaeus cited the genealogy of Perez to defend Jesus’ true humanity and Davidic descent. Reformation commentators used the Perez narrative to illustrate justification by grace alone. In Jewish tradition, Perez symbolizes fruitful expansion, and his name appears in blessings for growing families.

Related Scriptures

Genesis 38:27-30; Numbers 26:20-21; Ruth 4:12, 18-22; 1 Chronicles 2:4-15; Nehemiah 11:4-6; Matthew 1:3; Luke 3:33.