Genesis 38:29

KJV

And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, as he drew back {H7725} his hand {H3027}, that, behold, his brother {H251} came out {H3318}: and she said {H559}, How hast thou broken forth {H6555}? this breach {H6556} be upon thee: therefore his name {H8034} was called {H7121} Pharez {H6557}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But then he withdrew his hand, and his brother came out; so she said, "How did you manage to break out first?"Therefore he was named Peretz [breaking out].

Berean Standard Bible

But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, Wherefore hast thou made a breach for thyself? therefore his name was called Perez.

Commentary

### 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](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar") 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](/genesis/38-27-28 "The Birth of Tamar's Twins"), 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](/genesis/38-29 "The Birth of Pharez") 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](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar"), 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](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - Jacob and Esau"), [David over his older brothers](/1_samuel/16-6-13 "1 Samuel 16:6-13 - David Anointed King")). 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](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shûwb (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This verb, translated "drew back," signifies a turning back or retreating. In the context of [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "The Birth of Pharez"), 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.
* **pârats (Hebrew, _pârats'_):** 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.
* **perets (Hebrew, _perets'_):** 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](/genesis/38-29 "The Birth of Pharez") 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.

* [Ruth 4:12](/ruth/4-12 "Ruth 4:12 - Pharez's Descendants"): This verse explicitly blesses Boaz and Ruth, wishing their house to be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, highlighting Pharez's foundational role in the lineage of David.
* [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Pharez in Jesus' Genealogy"): Pharez is directly named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, underscoring his crucial place in the Messianic line and affirming God's sovereign hand in preserving this lineage despite its unconventional origins.
* [Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "Romans 9:10-13 - Jacob and Esau, God's Choice"): While referring to Jacob and Esau, this passage echoes the theme of God's sovereign choice not being based on human birth order or merit, but on His divine purpose, paralleling the unexpected emergence of Pharez over Zerah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "The Birth of Pharez") 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
* **How does the "breach" of Pharez challenge your expectations of how God works in the world or in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life have you seen God "break forth" in unexpected ways, subverting your plans or assumptions?**
* **How does the inclusion of Pharez's unconventional birth in the Messianic lineage encourage you about God's grace and His ability to use imperfect people?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Pharez's name, 'breach'?**

Answer: 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](/genesis/38-29 "The Birth of Pharez").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The birth of Pharez, despite its unconventional and ethically complex origins in [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "The Birth of Pharez"), 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](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18 - Pharez in David's Genealogy") and, most significantly, in the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Pharez in Jesus' Genealogy") 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 (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners")). His birth, life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate divine breach, tearing the veil (cf. [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil")) 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 (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 1:3

And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

Genesis 46:12

And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

Numbers 26:20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

1 Chronicles 2:4

And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah [were] five.

Nehemiah 11:6

All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem [were] four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.

Ruth 4:12

And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.

1 Chronicles 9:4

Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Pharez the son of Judah.