the same as פֶּרֶץ; Perets, the name of two Israelites; Perez, Pharez.
Transliteration:Perets
Pronunciation:peh'-rets
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6557 (Perets) is a proper noun, serving as the name of individuals in the biblical text. Its meaning is directly derived from the common noun H6556 (פֶּרֶץ, *perets*), which signifies a "breach," "rupture," "breaking forth," or "burst." This noun, in turn, stems from the verbal root H6555 (פָּרַץ, *parats*), meaning "to break out," "to burst forth," "to break through," or "to spread." Thus, the name Perets inherently carries the semantic weight of a forceful, sudden, or unexpected emergence, a breaking through of barriers, or a significant rupture. While the primary definition indicates it is a name, its etymological root imbues it with profound contextual meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent figure bearing the name Perets (often transliterated as Perez or Pharez) is the son of Judah and Tamar, whose birth is recorded in [[Genesis 38]]. His naming is explicitly linked to the concept of a "breach": "But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out; and she said, 'What a breach (פֶּרֶץ) you have made for yourself!' So his name was called Perets (פֶּרֶץ)" ([[Genesis 38:29]]). This narrative highlights an unusual, almost violent, breakthrough at birth, as Perets emerged unexpectedly before his twin brother, Zerah, whose hand had initially appeared.
Perets is a pivotal figure in the genealogies of Israel. He is listed among those who went down to Egypt with Jacob ([[Genesis 46:12]]). His descendants, the Peretsites, are enumerated in the wilderness census ([[Numbers 26:20]]). Crucially, Perets is identified as an ancestor of Boaz and, through him, of King David ([[Ruth 4:12]], [[Ruth 4:18-22]], [[1 Chronicles 2:4-5]]). This lineage is meticulously traced through the books of Chronicles ([[1 Chronicles 4:1]], [[1 Chronicles 9:4]]) and Nehemiah ([[Nehemiah 11:4]], [[Nehemiah 11:6]]), underscoring his foundational role in the royal line of Judah. While the Strong's definition mentions "two Israelites" named Perets, the overwhelming biblical emphasis and theological significance rest upon Perets, the son of Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The direct etymological connection between H6557 (Perets, the proper noun) and H6556 (perets, the common noun for "breach") and its verbal root H6555 (parats, "to break out") is fundamental. This family of words consistently conveys the idea of breaking through, bursting forth, or making an unexpected advance.
Concepts closely associated with Perets include:
* **Birth and Lineage:** The circumstances of his birth, a "breach," mark the continuation of Judah's line.
* **Divine Providence:** The unexpected nature of his birth, stemming from a complex and morally ambiguous situation, points to God's sovereign hand in directing human events.
* **Messianic Line:** Perets's place in the ancestry of David and, ultimately, the Messiah ([[Matthew 1:3]]) elevates his significance far beyond a mere name.
* **Overcoming Obstacles:** The "breach" can be seen metaphorically as a breakthrough against odds, a divine intervention that ensures the continuity of the covenant line.
### Theological Significance
The name Perets, embodying the concept of a "breach" or "breaking forth," carries profound theological weight, particularly in the context of redemptive history. His birth narrative, though unconventional and born of deception, is presented as a divinely ordained "breach" that ensured the continuation of the lineage through which the Abrahamic covenant promises would be fulfilled.
Theologically, Perets's story illustrates several key principles:
1. **God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs:** Even amidst human sin, deception, and unconventional circumstances (Judah's interaction with Tamar), God's purposes are not thwarted. The "breach" at Perets's birth signifies God's ability to work through unexpected means to advance His plan.
2. **The Continuity of the Covenant Line:** Perets represents a critical link in the genealogical chain that leads to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ. His "breaking forth" was essential for the preservation and progression of the promised seed.
3. **Grace and Redemption:** The narrative surrounding Perets's birth is a testament to God's grace, demonstrating His capacity to use flawed individuals and challenging situations to bring about His redemptive purposes. The "breach" is not merely a physical event but a symbol of divine intervention that overcomes human limitations and failures.
4. **Anticipation of the Messiah:** As an ancestor of the Messiah, Perets's name, signifying a "breakthrough," subtly foreshadows the ultimate "breaking forth" of God's salvation in Christ, who would burst forth from the lineage of David to bring redemption to humanity.
### Summary
H6557 (Perets) is a Hebrew proper noun, primarily known as the name of Judah's son, whose birth is recorded in [[Genesis 38]]. Its meaning is deeply rooted in the common noun H6556 (perets), signifying a "breach" or "breaking forth," and the verbal root H6555 (parats), "to break out." The name itself therefore encapsulates the idea of a forceful, unexpected emergence. Perets is a pivotal figure in biblical genealogies, being a direct ancestor of King David and, consequently, a crucial link in the messianic lineage that culminates in Jesus Christ. The theological significance of Perets lies in his representation of God's sovereign plan, where even through unconventional and challenging circumstances, a "breach" occurs that ensures the continuity of the covenant line and foreshadows the ultimate divine breakthrough of salvation.
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