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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TRV