The Greek word Thámar, represented by G2283, is of Hebrew origin and identifies a specific Israelitess named Tamar. The word is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its sole function is to name this individual within a genealogical record.
The single biblical appearance of Thámar G2283 is in Matthew 1:3, within a formal lineage. The verse states, "And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar" Matthew 1:3. Here, she is identified as the mother of Phares G5329 and Zara G2196, whose father was Judas G2455. The use of the preposition "of" G1537 explicitly connects her as the maternal source for this part of the family line, which continues through Phares to Esrom G2074 and Aram G689.
Several related words are found alongside G2283 in its single context, defining her genealogical role:
- G2455 Ioúdas (Judas): The name of the patriarch who, with Thamar, is the father of Phares and Zara. The name also refers to his posterity and its region Matthew 1:3.
- G5329 Pháres (Phares): The son of Judas and Thamar. The genealogy in Matthew 1:3 continues through his line.
- G1080 gennáō (begat): This verb, meaning to procreate or beget, is the action that establishes the generational link between Judas and his sons through Thamar Matthew 1:3. It is also used figuratively elsewhere for spiritual regeneration, such as being "born of God" 1 John 5:4.
- G1537 ek (of): A primary preposition that denotes origin. In this context, it specifies that Phares and Zara came "of" or "from" Thamar, establishing her maternal connection Matthew 1:3.
The theological weight of G2283 is derived entirely from its placement within a significant biblical genealogy.
- Maternal Role in the Lineage: Thámar is explicitly named as a mother in the genealogy recorded in Matthew. Her inclusion is notable as she is one of the women mentioned in this patriarchal record Matthew 1:3.
- Point of Origin: Her role is clarified by the Greek word ek G1537, signifying that she is the origin point for her sons, Phares G5329 and Zara G2196. This same preposition is used in other contexts to denote a spiritual source, as in being "of God" 1 John 4:4.
- Genealogical Continuity: The verse containing her name uses the verb gennáō G1080, "begat," to connect the patriarch Judas G2455 to his descendants. This highlights her part in the continuation of a specific ancestral line Matthew 1:3.
In summary, Thámar G2283 is the name of an Israelitess whose biblical importance is defined by her single appearance in scripture. This occurrence places her as a key maternal figure in the genealogy of Matthew, linking the patriarch Judas to his sons Phares and Zara Matthew 1:3. While the term itself is simply a name, its context within this foundational lineage gives it its significance, marking her contribution to a recorded ancestral history.
TRV