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Φάρες (Phares)

Phares

Perez

G5329 · Greek · New Testament · 2 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
2 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Phares (also spelled Perez) appears in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33. It is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Peretz, which means "breach" or "breakthrough." This etymology recalls the dramatic birth narrative in Genesis 38, where Perez emerged first but then broke back out to be born before his twin brother Zerah.

In these Gospel accounts, the word serves as a crucial link in the ancestral line connecting Judah to David and ultimately to Christ. Its inclusion highlights that Jesus’ lineage includes unexpected figures and moments of disruption, such as the story of Judah and Tamar. The name itself points to a sudden change in order or status, marking Perez as an ancestor who broke through to prominence.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Phares, meaning "breach" or "breakthrough," reminds us that God often works through unexpected moments. In Genesis, Perez was born after a dramatic struggle, yet he became a key ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ. This story shows that our own disruptions or setbacks can be part of a larger, divine plan.

When we read Phares in the genealogies of Matthew and Luke, it highlights that Jesus’ lineage includes ordinary people with complex histories. It encourages us to trust that God can bring life and purpose from situations that seem chaotic or broken. His grace turns breaches into pathways for hope.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Perez2×
  • of Perez1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Φάρες3×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 1:3
    Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram.

    This verse places Phares in the royal line, showing how a birth marked by disruption became part of the Messianic lineage.

  • Luke 3:33
    the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,

    Here the name confirms the ancestral link from Judah to David, emphasizing the historical continuity of God's promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Phares mean?

The name Phares is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Peretz, which means "breach" or "breakthrough." It refers to the dramatic birth story in Genesis where Perez emerged from his twin's leg before being born.

Why is Phares included in Jesus' genealogy?

Phares appears in Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33 as a crucial link between Judah and David. His inclusion shows that Jesus’ ancestry includes figures from complex backgrounds, highlighting God’s ability to work through all of history.

How is Phares different from other names in the genealogy?

Unlike many ancestors listed simply by name, Phares is associated with a specific narrative of struggle and unexpected birth. This adds depth to the genealogy, showing that God’s plan often involves human complexity and divine intervention.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 2 books)

Matthew 1 verse
Matthew 1:3

Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram.

Luke 1 verse