פַּרְצִי (par.tsi)
par.tsi
Perezite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term par.tsi identifies a member of the Perezite clan, a specific family line within the tribe of Judah. This designation appears in the census records of Numbers 26:20, where it serves to distinguish this branch from other Judahite groups during the wilderness period. The name traces back to Perez, the son of Judah and Tamar, whose birth story involved a dramatic "breach" or breakthrough.
As a gentilic noun, par.tsi functions as a collective identifier for the descendants of this particular patriarch. Its usage is quite limited in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once in the provided data. This rarity highlights how the text preserves the memory of specific family units within the larger tribal structure, linking the community’s identity directly to the lineage established in Genesis 38.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Perezite comes from a Hebrew root meaning "breach" or "breakthrough." It marks the descendants of Perez, Judah’s firstborn son by Tamar. His birth story in Genesis involved a surprising twist where he broke through ahead of his twin brother, Zerah. This unexpected event became the foundation for a clan name that signifies God’s ability to create life and legacy in ways we do not expect.
In Numbers 26:20, this name appears in a census list. It reminds us that God keeps careful track of His people, even when they are just names on a scroll in the wilderness. The Perezite line is significant because it leads directly to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. This connection shows how individual family histories fit into God’s larger plan for redemption.
When you read this word, remember that your own life may have moments of unexpected breakthroughs. Just as Perez emerged in a surprising way, God can use ordinary circumstances to build something lasting. His faithfulness extends through generations, turning personal stories into part of a grander narrative of hope and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Perezite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/פַּרְצִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:20
The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites.
This verse lists the Perezites as a distinct family unit within Judah, preserving the memory of Perez’s lineage during the wilderness census.