Who was Pharez?

Pharez (also spelled Perez) was the son of Judah and Tamar, and a key figure in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah. His name in Hebrew, פֶּרֶץ (Perets), means “breach” or “bursting forth.” This name reflects the unusual and dramatic circumstances of his birth, as he unexpectedly emerged first in a set of twins, disrupting the natural order of birthright.

Pharez is first introduced in Genesis 38, with his lineage noted in Genesis 46:12, as part of the genealogical record of Jacob’s family who went down to Egypt. His line is especially significant because Pharez becomes the ancestor of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ, as seen in Ruth 4:18-22 and Matthew 1:3.

Biblical Narrative

The Circumstances of His Birth

The story of Pharez begins in Genesis 38, a chapter that recounts the events surrounding Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar. Tamar had been widowed twice by Judah’s sons and was left childless. In an act that exposed Judah’s neglect of his family duties, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and conceived by Judah himself. From this union came twins—Pharez and Zerah.

During the birth, Zerah’s hand emerged first, and the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it. However, Pharez unexpectedly pushed past his brother and was born first. The midwife exclaimed, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” (Genesis 38:29), and so he was named Pharez.

His Inclusion in Israel’s Tribal History

In Genesis 46:12, as Jacob’s descendants journey to Egypt during the famine, the list of Judah’s sons includes Pharez and his own two sons, Hezron and Hamul, showing that Pharez’s line had already begun to grow.

Pharez’s name is later prominent in the genealogies of Ruth 4:18-22, 1 Chronicles 2:4-5, and Matthew 1:3, underscoring his lasting significance in Israel’s history and in the messianic line.

Cross References

• Genesis 38:27-30 – Birth of Pharez and Zerah

• Genesis 46:12 – Pharez and his sons listed among those going to Egypt

• Numbers 26:20-21 – Genealogy of the tribe of Judah, sons of Pharez

• Ruth 4:18-22 – Genealogy from Pharez to David

• 1 Chronicles 2:4-5 – Further genealogical reference to Pharez

• Matthew 1:3 – Pharez in the genealogy of Jesus

• Luke 3:33 – Pharez mentioned in Luke’s genealogy of Christ

Theological Significance

Pharez’s story is theologically rich. His birth represents how God can bring about His sovereign purposes even through human failure and sin. Tamar’s determination and Judah’s eventual repentance are used by God to preserve the messianic line. Pharez, though born of a morally complex situation, is honored by being placed in the direct line of the Messiah.

This underscores a recurring biblical theme: God‘s redemptive work through flawed people. The breach that Pharez made at his birth symbolizes the breaking in of God’s will in unexpected ways. His inclusion in the lineage of Christ testifies to grace triumphing over disgrace, and divine purpose overriding human scandal.

Application for Today’s Christians

Pharez’s life is a reminder that God’s plans are not thwarted by human sin or failure. The Lord brings hope and restoration even out of broken situations. Christians can take comfort in the truth that God redeems even the messiest of stories for His glory and for the advancement of His kingdom purposes.

Moreover, Pharez’s place in the genealogy of Christ teaches us that God values the overlooked and the unexpected. Our past does not disqualify us from being used by God, as long as we repent and trust in His purposes.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Pharez is a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3; Luke 3:33). The gospel message is deeply rooted in this lineage, for it reveals that Jesus came through a line that included sinners, outsiders, and flawed individuals—highlighting the grace and mercy of God. Jesus is the true “Breach-Maker,” the one who burst forth into a broken world to bring redemption, reconciliation, and new life.

Whereas Pharez’s name signifies a sudden breach in the natural order, Jesus brings a holy breach in the spiritual order—breaking the power of sin and death through His death and resurrection.

Broader Biblical Themes

• God’s Sovereignty – Even human sin cannot derail God’s plan.

• Redemption Through Brokenness – God uses broken people to fulfill His promises.

• Grace Over Heritage – Lineage does not ensure righteousness, but God can raise up the righteous from any background.

• Messianic Lineage – God preserved the line of promise through Pharez to bring forth the Messiah.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the story of Pharez encourage you in times of personal failure or family dysfunction?

2. In what ways can you see God working through the “breaches” in your own life?

3. What does Pharez’s inclusion in the line of Christ say about God’s view of redemption and grace?

4. How can you trust more fully in God’s sovereign plan, even when it seems hidden or unconventional?

5. What lessons can you learn from Tamar and Judah about accountability, boldness, and repentance?

Pharez stands as a testimony to God’s redemptive grace—one who, despite the scandal of his conception, becomes a foundational figure in the lineage of the Savior. His story is a reminder that God‘s plan marches forward, not because of human merit, but because of divine mercy.