the same as פֶּרֶשׁ; Peresh, an Israelite; Peresh.
Transliteration:Peresh
Pronunciation:peh'-resh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6570}}` (פֶּרֶשׁ, *Peresh*) functions exclusively as a proper noun, identifying an individual within the biblical genealogies. Its base definition, as provided by Strong's, states "the same as פֶּרֶשׁ; Peresh, an Israelite." The reference to "the same as פֶּרֶשׁ" points to `{{H6569}}` (פֶּרֶשׁ), a word that primarily means "dung," "excrement," or "offal."
While Strong's notes this etymological connection, it is highly improbable that the personal name *Peresh* literally carried the meaning "dung." Biblical names, while often significant, rarely denote something inherently pejorative or crude in a direct sense, especially for an Israelite. It is more likely that the connection to `{{H6569}}` refers to a shared linguistic root or phonetic similarity, where the proper noun *Peresh* itself may have derived from a different, perhaps more nuanced or archaic, semantic branch of that root. Alternatively, it could simply be a proper noun whose specific etymology for personal naming has been lost to modern scholarship, and the Strong's entry merely notes a homophonous or orthographically identical common noun. In the context of a personal name, it primarily serves as an identifier, placing an individual within a specific lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Peresh* (`{{H6570}}`) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[1 Chronicles 7:16]]: "And the sons of Asriel: Shechem and Hepher and Peresh and Sheresh and Gilead."
In this sole instance, *Peresh* is listed as one of the sons of Asriel, who was a descendant of Manasseh, son of Joseph. The context is purely genealogical, part of the extensive tribal records found in the book of 1 Chronicles. These lists serve to document the lineage and tribal organization of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people. No further narrative or biographical details are provided concerning Peresh; his mention is solely for the purpose of establishing the genealogical record of the tribe of Manasseh.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H6569}}` (פֶּרֶשׁ, *peresh*), meaning "dung" or "excrement." As discussed in the Core Meaning section, the precise semantic relationship between this common noun and the proper noun *Peresh* (`{{H6570}}`) is ambiguous. It is unlikely to be a direct transference of meaning for a personal name.
Broader related concepts include:
* **Genealogy (יַחַס - *yachas*):** The primary context for Peresh's mention is within a genealogical record. These lists were crucial for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and priestly succession in ancient Israel.
* **Tribe of Manasseh:** Peresh is identified as a descendant of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His inclusion contributes to the comprehensive documentation of this tribe's lineage.
* **Biblical Naming Conventions:** While many biblical names are highly significant and prophetic (e.g., Isaac, Jacob), others, especially in extensive lists, serve primarily as identifiers, with their specific etymological meaning for the individual sometimes being obscure or lost.
### Theological Significance
Given that Peresh is mentioned only once within a genealogical list, his individual theological significance is minimal. He does not participate in any narrative, nor are any specific actions or character traits attributed to him. However, his very inclusion in the biblical record, however brief, carries broader theological implications inherent in all biblical genealogies:
1. **Divine Preservation of Lineage:** The meticulous record-keeping of names, even those of seemingly minor figures like Peresh, underscores God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His chosen people. This preservation was essential for the fulfillment of covenant promises, particularly the promise of numerous descendants for Abraham and the eventual coming of the Messiah through a specific lineage.
2. **God's Order and Attention to Detail:** The exhaustive nature of the Chronicler's genealogies reflects a divine concern for order and a meticulous record of humanity's history. Every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, is known to God and has a place within His overarching plan.
3. **Continuity of the Covenant:** Peresh's presence in the lineage of Manasseh signifies the ongoing growth and continuity of the Israelite nation, demonstrating God's sustained work through generations to maintain His covenant people.
### Summary
*Peresh* (`{{H6570}}`) is a proper noun, serving as the name of an Israelite man mentioned only once in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 7:16]]. He is identified as a son of Asriel and a descendant of the tribe of Manasseh. While Strong's links the name to the Hebrew word for "dung" (`{{H6569}}`), it is unlikely that the personal name carried this literal meaning; rather, it likely shares a common root or is a distinct proper noun. Lacking any narrative context, Peresh's individual theological significance is limited. However, his inclusion in the detailed biblical genealogies highlights the divine preservation of lineage, God's meticulous record-keeping, and the continuous unfolding of His covenant plan through the generations of Israel.
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