Book of Genesis - Chapter 38 - Verse 29

The verse "And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez." is from the book of Genesis in the Bible. This verse is about the birth of Pharez, one of the twin sons of Judah. In this particular scene, Pharez's twin brother, Zerah, is being born first but then Pharez unexpectedly pushes his way past Zerah in his mother's womb and is born first. This act of breaking forth ahead of his brother leads to Pharez being named as such, which means "breach" or "breakthrough." The story of Pharez's birth is significant because he later becomes an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ, illustrating God's sovereignty in selecting and using individuals for His divine purposes. This verse highlights the theme of unexpected twists in God's plans and the triumph of the underdog, as Pharez overcomes the odds to emerge as a key figure in the lineage of Christ.

When examining the theological interpretation of Genesis 38:29, it is important to note the significance of names in the Bible, particularly in this verse where the name Pharez is given to a child born to Tamar. The name Pharez means "breach" or "breaking forth," which reflects the circumstances of his birth as he broke forth from the womb after his twin brother Zarah had initially been the one expected to be born first. The naming of Pharez underscores the unexpected and unconventional ways in which God fulfills His purposes, even through situations that may seem like a breach or a breaking of norms.

Furthermore, a word study of the term "breach" or "breaking forth" in this verse can reveal deeper theological insights. In Hebrew, the word used for "breaking forth" is "parats," which can also connote a sense of bursting forth or breaking through barriers. This imagery of breaking through barriers can symbolize the way in which God works in our lives to bring about His plans and blessings, even in the midst of obstacles or unexpected circumstances. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ways in which He can bring about new beginnings and blessings in seemingly impossible situations.