Son of Judah and Tamar, born when he broke through before his twin brother Zerah—his name means ‘breach’ or ‘breaking through.’ Perez became the ancestor through whom the messianic line continued from Judah to David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. His birth from an unusual and scandalous situation demonstrates God’s ability to work through imperfect circumstances to fulfill His purposes.
But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez.Genesis 38:29 · Berean Standard Bible
But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez.
A strange detour from Joseph's story. Judah's failures and Tamar's boldness both play a role in the ancestry of the Messiah.
Now these are the generations of Perez:
Sandals exchanged at the gate, a name preserved, and a baby in Naomi's arms. Ruth the Moabite enters the lineage of King David — and of Jesus.
Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.
The New Testament opens with a genealogy — and every name carries a story. Two great promises converge in one person. This is where it all comes together.
Perez is generation 24 of the 64 Scripture traces from Adam to Jesus, following Isaac → Jacob → Judah, and followed by Hezron → Ram → Amminadab. See the whole line.
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