Who was Phares?

Phares (also spelled Perez in many translations) was the son of Judah and Tamar, and a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ. His name in Hebrew, פֶּרֶץ (Perets), means “breach” or “bursting forth”, signifying the unusual circumstances of his birth. In Greek (as found in Matthew 1:3), the name is Φαρές (Phares).

Phares appears prominently in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33, tracing the Messianic line through the tribe of Judah. His story originates in Genesis 38, where his birth is presented as the outcome of a complicated and morally fraught situation involving his father Judah and his mother Tamar.

Biblical References

• Genesis 38:27-30 – The birth of Phares and his twin brother Zerah.

• Ruth 4:18-Matthew 1:3 – Phares included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

• Luke 3:33 – Phares listed in the genealogy of Jesus according to Luke.

• 1 Chronicles 2:4-5 – Phares’ descendants listed in the line of Judah.

• Numbers 26:20 – Mentioned among the clans of Judah.

The Story of Phares in the Bible

The story of Phares begins with his father Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar. After the death of Tamar‘s husbands—Judah’s sons Er and Onan—Judah failed to provide Tamar with his youngest son, Shelah, as was custom by the law of levirate marriage. Tamar, seeing that she had been denied justice, disguised herself as a prostitute and tricked Judah into sleeping with her (Genesis 38:13-18). From this union, twin sons were born: Phares and Zerah.

The birth was marked by an unusual event. Zerah initially extended his hand during delivery, and the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it, indicating he would be born first. But he withdrew his hand, and Phares broke through and was born first, thus receiving the rights of the firstborn (Genesis 38:27-30). Because of this, he was named Phares, meaning “breach.”

Theological Significance and Gospel Connection

The inclusion of Phares in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:3) is rich in theological meaning. His origin from a scandalous and seemingly unrighteous union underscores a powerful truth: God’s grace is not limited by human sinfulness. Rather than disqualifying someone from God’s purposes, such brokenness becomes the very backdrop upon which redemption is displayed.

Phares represents God‘s sovereign choice, just as Jacob was chosen over Esau, and Isaac over Ishmael. Though born from a morally complex situation, Phares became a vital link in the line that would lead to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ, the Savior.

This connection to Jesus highlights the inclusive and redemptive nature of the gospel. Jesus came not from a flawless human lineage, but from one filled with sinners, outcasts, and unlikely figures. This reminds believers that God brings salvation through grace, not merit.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Lineage

Phares’ unexpected birth shows that God is sovereign even over human decisions and family histories. Despite the unusual and morally ambiguous circumstances, God used Phares to fulfill His Messianic plan.

2. Grace and Redemption

Tamar’s story and the birth of Phares testify to God’s ability to redeem broken situations. The genealogy of Christ in Matthew includes other women like Rahab and Bathsheba, reinforcing this theme of redemptive grace.

3. The Messianic Line

Phares is an essential link in the prophetic fulfillment that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10). His inclusion points forward to Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

4. Reversal and the Firstborn Theme

The story of Phares breaking ahead of Zerah mirrors other reversals in Scripture (e.g., Jacob and Esau, Ephraim and Manasseh), illustrating how God often chooses the unexpected to fulfill His purposes.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the story of Phares challenge our assumptions about who God can use in His redemptive plan?

2. What does Phares’ inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus teach us about God’s grace and the nature of Christ’s kingdom?

3. How can believers today find hope in the fact that Jesus came from a line of broken and sinful people?

4. What does the birth of Phares teach us about God’s ability to work through even morally complicated circumstances?

5. How do the themes of reversal and grace in Phares’ story connect with the gospel message?

Phares stands as a powerful reminder that God’s grace breaks through human sin and failure. His life points forward to Jesus Christ—the ultimate Redeemer—who came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.