TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 38:24–30. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. Judah's rigour against Tamar, when he heard she was an adulteress. She was, in the eye of the law, Shelah's wife, and therefore her being with child by another was looked upon as an injury and reproach to Judah's family: Bring her forth therefore, says Judah, the master of the family, and let her be burnt; not burnt to death, but burnt in the cheek or forehead, stigmatized for a harlot. This seems probable, Gen 38:24. Note, it is a common thing for men to be severe against those very sins in others in which yet they allow themselves; and so, in judging others, they condemn themselves, Rom 2:1; Rom 14:22. If he designed that she should be burnt to death, perhaps, under pretence of zeal against the sin, he was contriving how to get rid of his daughter-in-law, being loath to marry Shelah to her. Note, It is a common thing, but a very bad thing, to cover malice against men's persons with a show of zeal against their vices.
II.Judah's shame, when it was made to appear that he was the adulterer.
She produced the ring and the bracelets in court, which justified the fathering of the child upon Judah, Gen 38:25, Gen 38:26. Note, The wickedness that has been most secretly committed, and most industriously concealed, yet sometimes is strangely brought to light, to the shame and confusion of those who have said, No eye sees. A bird of the air may carry the voice; however, there is a destroying day coming, when all will be laid open. Some of the Jewish writers observe that as Judah had said to his father, See, is this thy son's coat? (Gen 37:32) so it was now said to him, "See, are these thy signet and bracelets?" Judah, being convicted by his own conscience,
1.Confesses his sin: She has been more righteous than I. He owns that a perpetual mark of infamy should be fastened rather upon him, who had been so much accessory to it. Note, Those offenders ought to be treated with the greatest tenderness to whom we have any way given occasion of offending. If servants purloin, and their masters, by withholding from them what is due, tempt them to it, they ought to forgive them.
2.He never returned to it again: He knew her again no more. Note, Those do not truly repent of their sins that do not forsake them.
III.The building up of Judah's family hereby, notwithstanding, in the birth of Pharez and Zarah, from whom descended the most considerable families of the illustrious tribe of Judah. It should seem, the birth was hard to the mother, by which she was corrected for her sin. The children also, like Jacob and Esau, struggled for the birthright, and Pharez obtained it, who is ever named first, and from him Christ descended. He had his name from his breaking forth before his brother: This breach be upon thee, which is applicable to those that sow discord, and create distance, between brethren. The Jews, as Zarah, bade fair for the birthright, and were marked with a scarlet thread, as those that came out first; but the Gentiles, like Pharez, as a son of violence, got the start of them, by that violence which the kingdom of heaven suffers, and attained to the righteousness of which the Jews came short. Yet, when the fulness of time is come, all Israel shall be saved. Both these sons are named in the genealogy of our Saviour (Mat 1:3), to perpetuate the story, as an instance of the humiliation of our Lord Jesus. Some observe that the four eldest sons of Jacob fell under very foul guilt, Reuben and Judah under the guilt of incest, Simeon and Levi under that of murder; yet they were patriarchs, and from Levi descended the priests, from Judah the kings and Messiah. Thus they became examples of repentance, and monuments of pardoning mercy.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Ver. 29.) And behold, his brother came out, and said, why is the wall divided because of you? And he called his name Phares. Concerning the wall, Aquila and Symmachus translated it as division, which in Hebrew is called Phares (). Therefore, he received the name of division because he divided the curtain of the second (also called placenta). Hence the Pharisees, who had separated themselves as if they were righteous from the people, were called the divided ones.
Continue studying Genesis 38:29 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
recounts the dramatic and divinely orchestrated birth of Pharez, one of the twin sons born to Judah and Tamar. This pivotal verse details an unexpected turn during childbirth where, despite his brother Zerah initially presenting a hand and being marked as the presumed firstborn, Pharez forcefully "broke forth" first. This surprising emergence led to his naming, which signifies this "breach" and marks a significant, albeit unconventional, moment in the unfolding messianic lineage, underscoring God's sovereign hand in human history.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis chapter 38 serves as a crucial narrative interlude, strategically placed between the accounts of Joseph's sale into slavery and his subsequent rise in Egypt. This chapter abruptly shifts focus to Judah, one of Jacob's sons, detailing his moral failures and his unusual, yet ultimately redemptive, interaction with his daughter-in-law, Tamar. The preceding verses, particularly Genesis 38:27-28, set the immediate scene for the birth of Tamar's twins, highlighting the midwife's attempt to mark the firstborn with a scarlet thread, making the unexpected emergence of Pharez in verse 29 all the more dramatic and significant. This interlude emphasizes that God's covenant promises continue through the line of Judah, even amidst human sin and complex circumstances, ensuring the continuity of the patriarchal narrative.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite society, lineage and birth order were of paramount importance, often determining inheritance rights, social status, and the continuation of family lines. The firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and carried the family name forward. The practice of levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), though not strictly applied in its formal sense here, underscores the cultural imperative for a widow to have offspring to perpetuate her deceased husband's line. Tamar's actions, while morally ambiguous by modern standards, were driven by this deep-seated cultural expectation and a desire to secure her rightful place within the family and ensure the continuation of Er's line. The midwife's action of tying a scarlet thread on the hand of the first presenting twin reflects a practical attempt to confirm the birth order, making the "breach" of Pharez a clear subversion of both expectation and custom.
Key Themes
The narrative of Genesis 38, culminating in the birth of Pharez, contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical canon. Foremost among these is the theme of Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Imperfection, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan is not thwarted by human sin, deception, or unconventional circumstances. The story also highlights God's Unexpected Ways, often subverting human expectations and established orders, as seen in the "breach" of Pharez. This mirrors other biblical instances where the younger or less expected individual is chosen (e.g., Jacob over Esau, David over his older brothers). Finally, the chapter underscores the Importance of Lineage and Covenant Fulfillment, as Pharez's birth ensures the continuation of the line of Judah, from whom kings and ultimately the Messiah would descend, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham in passages like Genesis 12:3.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, translated "drew back," signifies a turning back or retreating. In the context of Genesis 38:29, it describes Zerah's unexpected withdrawal of his hand from the birth canal. This action is crucial as it creates the opportunity for Pharez to emerge first, setting in motion the dramatic reversal of birth order. The word implies a sudden and decisive movement that directly facilitates the "breach" that follows, highlighting the unexpected nature of the event.
Translated as "broken forth," this primitive root means "to break out," "burst forth," "make a breach," or "spread abroad." Tamar's exclamation, "How hast thou broken forth?" uses this verb to describe the forceful and sudden manner of Pharez's birth. It conveys a sense of unexpected, even violent, emergence that disrupts the anticipated order. This verb is the direct linguistic root for the name Pharez, establishing a profound connection between the event and the child's identity.
This noun, meaning "breach" or "breaking forth," is derived directly from the verb pârats. In the verse, Tamar declares, "[this] breach [be] upon thee," solidifying the connection between the manner of birth and the child's destiny. The name Pharez (H6557, Perets) is the proper noun form of this word, meaning "breach." This naming is not merely descriptive but carries prophetic weight, symbolizing a disruption of the natural order and foreshadowing God's unconventional methods throughout salvation history.
Verse Breakdown
"And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand"
This clause describes the unexpected action of Zerah, the twin who had initially presented his hand and was marked with the scarlet thread. The verb "drew back" (H7725, shûwb) signifies a reversal or retreat, creating a moment of suspense and subverting the midwife's and Tamar's expectations regarding the birth order. It sets the stage for the dramatic turn of events.
"that, behold, his brother came out"
The interjection "behold" (Hebrew, hinneh) emphasizes the suddenness and surprise of Pharez's emergence. Despite Zerah's earlier presentation, it is his brother who "came out" (H3318, yâtsâʼ) first. This unexpected appearance immediately establishes Pharez as the one who breaks the anticipated order, highlighting the miraculous and unconventional nature of his birth.
"and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee"
This is Tamar's exclamation upon Pharez's birth. Her question, "How hast thou broken forth?" uses the verb pârats (H6555), directly linking the manner of his birth to the concept of a "breach." Her subsequent declaration, "[this] breach [be] upon thee," solidifies the prophetic significance of the event, indicating that this "breach" (H6556, perets) is not just a physical act but defines his identity and future. It implies a destiny of breaking through or initiating something new.
"therefore his name was called Pharez"
This final clause confirms the direct connection between the dramatic birth event and the child's given name. "Pharez" (H6557, Perets) is the proper noun derived from the Hebrew word for "breach." The naming ritual, often reflecting a child's circumstances or destiny, here permanently enshrines the "breaking forth" as the defining characteristic of this lineage, which would become central to Israel's history and the Messianic line.
Literary Devices
The narrative of Pharez's birth in Genesis 38:29 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. Wordplay is central, as the Hebrew verb pârats ("broken forth") and the noun perets ("breach") are directly linked to the proper name Perets (Pharez). This linguistic connection emphasizes that the child's identity and destiny are intrinsically tied to the dramatic circumstances of his birth, making the name a constant reminder of the "breach" he made. Furthermore, the passage employs Irony and Reversal. The twin initially marked as the firstborn, Zerah, withdraws, allowing the unexpected brother to emerge first. This subversion of the expected order—the last becoming first—is a recurring motif in biblical narratives, foreshadowing God's tendency to choose the unconventional or the overlooked. This Foreshadowing extends beyond the immediate narrative, hinting at God's broader pattern of working through unexpected means and imperfect individuals to accomplish His divine purposes throughout salvation history, culminating in the Messiah.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The birth of Pharez, marked by a "breach" in the expected order, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering sovereignty and His ability to work through unconventional and even scandalous circumstances to fulfill His redemptive plan. It underscores that God's purposes are not contingent upon human perfection or adherence to societal norms, but rather on His own faithfulness. This narrative reinforces the theme that God often chooses to operate outside of human expectations, demonstrating His power to bring forth blessings and uphold His covenant promises even from the most unlikely beginnings, ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 38:29 serves as a profound reminder that God's redemptive plan is not contingent upon perfect human behavior, conventional pathways, or our limited understanding of how things "should" unfold. His sovereignty extends over all circumstances, even those marked by human error, moral ambiguity, or societal stigma. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's ability to work through any situation, affirming that His purposes will ultimately prevail, often in surprising and impactful ways that defy human logic. It underscores the profound truth that God can bring forth blessings and fulfill His promises even from the most unconventional beginnings, weaving seemingly disparate threads into His grand design for salvation. It challenges us to look beyond surface appearances and human judgments, recognizing God's hand at work in the most unexpected places and embracing the truth that His grace is sufficient even in our imperfections.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Pharez's name, 'breach'?
The name Pharez (Hebrew: Peretz) directly means "breach" or "bursting forth," given by his mother Tamar in response to his dramatic and unexpected emergence from the womb before his twin brother Zerah, who was initially expected to be born first and was marked with a scarlet thread. This name signifies not only the physical manner of his birth but also carries profound theological weight. It symbolizes God's ability to "break through" human expectations, established orders, and even scandalous or unconventional circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes and establish His chosen lineage. The "breach" represents a divine disruption of the natural or expected course, highlighting God's sovereign and often surprising methods in salvation history, as seen in Genesis 38:29.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The birth of Pharez, despite its unconventional and ethically complex origins in Genesis 38:29, is a powerful testament to God's sovereign plan leading directly to the Messiah. Pharez is explicitly named in the royal lineage of King David and, most significantly, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. This inclusion highlights a fundamental truth of the Gospel: God's redemptive work is not limited by human sin, societal norms, or perceived imperfections. The "breach" that marked Pharez's birth can be seen as a profound foreshadowing of Christ's own "breaking forth" into human history, often in unexpected ways, to establish a new covenant and bring salvation through grace, not human merit or perfect lineage. Just as Pharez "broke forth" unexpectedly, Jesus Christ, the ultimate "breach," broke through the power of sin and death, offering a new way of life (Romans 5:8). His birth, life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate divine breach, tearing the veil (Matthew 27:51) and opening access to God. Pharez's story affirms that God's plan of salvation unfolds through real, imperfect people and circumstances, culminating in the perfect Son, Jesus Christ, who truly breaks the power of sin and death (Hebrews 2:14-15).