patronymically from פֶּרֶץ; a Partsite (collectively) or descendants of Perets; Pharzites.
Transliteration:Partsîy
Pronunciation:par-tsee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The term פַּרְצִי (Partsîy, `{{H6558}}`) is a patronymic, derived from the proper noun פֶּרֶץ (Perets, `{{H6556}}`). It literally means "of Perets" or "descendant of Perets." Its semantic range is strictly limited to identifying the lineage or clan originating from Perets, one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar. The name Perets itself signifies "breach" or "breaking forth," alluding to the circumstances of his birth where he "broke forth" from the womb before his twin brother Zerah (cf. [[Genesis 38:29]]). Thus, the "Partsîy" are the "people of the breach" or "those who broke forth."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פַּרְצִי (Partsîy, `{{H6558}}`) appears in two distinct genealogical contexts within the Hebrew Bible:
* **[[Numbers 26:20]]**: "The sons of Judah according to their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perets, the family of the Partsites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites." Here, the Partsites are listed as one of the three primary families (clans) descending from Judah, enumerated during the second census of Israel in the wilderness of Moab. This census was crucial for tribal organization, land distribution upon entry into Canaan, and military readiness. Their inclusion signifies their established identity and numerical strength within the tribe of Judah.
* **[[1 Chronicles 9:4]]**: "Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the sons of Perets the son of Judah." This verse is part of a post-exilic register detailing the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It demonstrates the continued recognition and importance of the Perets lineage centuries after the wilderness wanderings, affirming their ancestral claim and presence among those who returned to rebuild the city and temple.
In both instances, "Partsîy" functions as a collective noun, referring to the entire clan or descendants of Perets, highlighting the meticulous preservation of genealogical records in ancient Israel, which were vital for identity, inheritance, and tribal structure.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Perets (פֶּרֶץ, `{{H6556}}`):** The direct progenitor of the Partsites. Understanding the dramatic circumstances of his birth in [[Genesis 38:27-30]] is essential to grasping the name's significance. Perets' name, meaning "breach," reflects his breaking forth from the womb.
* **Judah (יְהוּדָה, `{{H3063}}`):** The tribe from which the Partsites descended. Judah holds immense significance in biblical history as the royal tribe, from which King David and ultimately the Messiah would come.
* **Zerah (זֶרַח, `{{H2226}}`):** Perets' twin brother. The Zerahites are often mentioned alongside the Partsites, emphasizing their shared immediate ancestry from Judah.
* **Genealogy (e.g., יַחַס, `{{H3187}}`):** The concept of "Partsîy" is fundamentally tied to the practice of biblical genealogy, which served to establish identity, confirm inheritance rights, trace priestly lines, and, most importantly, preserve the messianic lineage.
* **Clan/Family (מִשְׁפָּחָה, `{{H4940}}`):** The Partsites represent a *mishpachah*, a significant family unit within the larger tribal structure of Israel.
### Theological Significance
The meticulous recording of the "Partsîy" lineage, despite the scandalous circumstances of Perets' birth (Judah and Tamar), profoundly underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness in preserving His covenant promises. Perets, through whom the "Partsîy" derive their name, became a pivotal ancestor in the royal line of Judah, ultimately leading to King David and, as recorded in the New Testament genealogies ([[Matthew 1:3]], [[Luke 3:33]]), to Jesus Christ. This demonstrates that God works through imperfect human situations and individuals to accomplish His divine plan.
The name "Perets" itself, meaning "breach," can be seen as a subtle theological motif, hinting at unexpected breakthroughs or divine interventions that transcend human expectations or limitations. The inclusion of the Partsites in the wilderness census highlights the divine ordering of Israel and the importance of each family unit in the larger covenant community, reflecting God's meticulous care for His people. Their continued mention in post-exilic records further testifies to the enduring nature of God's covenant promises and the continuity of His redemptive purposes across generations, even through periods of national upheaval and exile.
### Summary
The Hebrew term פַּרְצִי (Partsîy, `{{H6558}}`) denotes the descendants of Perets, a primary clan within the tribe of Judah. Its occurrences in the biblical text are exclusively within genealogical lists ([[Numbers 26:20]], [[1 Chronicles 9:4]]), serving to establish and preserve the identity of this significant family line. Rooted in the dramatic birth of Perets (meaning "breach" or "breaking forth," `{{H6556}}`), the "Partsîy" hold theological significance as a vital link in the messianic lineage, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant promises and working through human history to bring about His redemptive plan, culminating in the line of King David and Jesus Christ.
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