Φάρες

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek name Pháres, represented by G5329, is of Hebrew origin and identifies a specific Israelite ancestor. It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses in the New Testament. Its sole function is to mark a critical point within the biblical genealogies, establishing a person's identity and their place in the lineage of Israel.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The use of Pháres G5329 is exclusively genealogical. In Matthew's account, he is presented as the son of Judas and Thamar, and the father of Esrom: "Judas begat Phares...and Phares begat Esrom" Matthew 1:3. Luke's genealogy confirms this placement by tracing the lineage backward, identifying Jesus as a descendant "of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda" Luke 3:33. In both accounts, he serves as a direct link between the patriarch Judah and subsequent generations.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words are essential to understanding the family and lineage of Pháres G5329:

• G2455 Ioúdas (Judas): This name identifies the father of Phares, the patriarch of the tribe from which this lineage descends Luke 3:33.
• G2283 Thámar (Thamar): Listed as an Israelitess, she is identified as the mother of Phares Matthew 1:3.
• G2196 Zará (Zara): Mentioned as an Israelite, he is the brother of Phares, born to Judas and Thamar at the same time Matthew 1:3.
• G2074 Esrṓm (Esrom): Identified as an Israelite, he is the son and direct descendant of Phares (Matthew 1:3, Luke 3:33).
• G1080 gennáō (to procreate): This verb is used repeatedly to establish the direct father-son relationships in the genealogy, such as when "Phares begat Esrom" Matthew 1:3.

Theological Significance

The theological importance of G5329 is tied entirely to its genealogical placement.

• A Link in the Messianic Lineage: The inclusion of Phares in the genealogies of both Matthew and Luke solidifies his role as an ancestor in the direct line leading to Jesus.
• Continuation of the Line of Judah: His birth ensures the continuation of the line from his father, Ioúdas G2455, whose tribe is of central importance in redemptive history Revelation 5:5.
• Specific Ancestral Record: The specific mention that Ioúdas G2455 begat Phares and Zara G2196 "of Thamar" G2283 highlights the detailed and intentional nature of this biblical record.

Summary

In summary, Pháres G5329 is a proper name whose significance is derived from its context. While it does not have a broader conceptual meaning, its presence in two key New Testament genealogies makes it indispensable. It functions as a crucial marker in the ancestral line of Jesus, demonstrating the historical continuity of God's covenant promises through the lineage of Ioúdas G2455.