פֶּ֫רֶץ (pe.rets)
pe.rets
Perez
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Perez means "breach" or "breakout." It appears thirteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in Genesis, Ruth, and Chronicles, marking a pivotal moment in the lineage of Judah. The name originates from the birth narrative in Genesis 38, where Perez and his twin brother Zerah emerge from their mother Tamar. During the delivery, Zerah’s hand appeared first, but Perez broke through ahead of him, earning him the name that signifies this sudden breach.
This event carries significant weight for Israel’s history. Perez became the ancestor of two families within Judah: the Hezronites and the Hamulites. More importantly, his line continued through Boaz and Jesse to King David, and ultimately to Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The name thus serves as a historical marker connecting the chaotic circumstances of Judah’s household with the established royal dynasty.
Translators consistently render Perez as a proper noun rather than translating the meaning literally into the narrative flow. However, the etymology remains visible in the text itself, highlighting how God often works through unexpected or broken situations to fulfill His purposes. The name stands as a permanent reminder of this ancestral breakthrough within the tribe of Judah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Perez means 'breach' or 'breakout,' originating from a moment of unexpected disruption during birth. In Genesis, Perez emerged before his twin brother Zerah, creating a physical breach that defined his identity. This event was not merely a biological accident but a pivotal shift in the lineage of Judah, leading to the families of Hezron and Hamul.
God often uses these sudden breaks to redirect history toward His purposes. The story reminds us that when plans seem tangled or blocked, new paths can open. Perez’s line eventually led to King David and Jesus Christ, showing how a moment of chaos can become part of a lasting legacy. We find comfort knowing that God works through unexpected circumstances to bring about hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Perez13×
- of/ Perez1×
- and/ Perez1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פֶ֖רֶץ3×
- פָּֽרֶץ\׃1×
- פָּ֔רֶץ1×
- פֶּ֧רֶץ1×
- פֶּ֣רֶץ1×
- פֶּ֖רֶץ1×
- פֶּ֔רֶץ1×
- פָֽרֶץ\׃1×
- פֶ֗רֶץ1×
- פֶ֕רֶץ1×
- פֶ֔רֶץ1×
- לְ/פֶ֕רֶץ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 38:29
As he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out, and she said, “Why have you made a breach for yourself?” Therefore his name was called Perez.
This verse explains the origin of the name Perez, linking it directly to the 'breach' created when he emerged before his twin brother.
-
Ruth 4:12
Let your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, of the offspring which Yahweh will give you by this young woman.”
The blessing for Boaz invokes Perez’s house as a model of strength and continuity, highlighting his importance in Israel's lineage.
-
I Chronicles 2:4
Tamar his daughter-in-law bore him Perez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.
This record confirms Tamar as the mother of Perez and Zerah, preserving the family line despite the unusual circumstances of their birth.