Matthew 1:3-4
and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to overlook that Tamar, a woman known for a scandalous and deceptive encounter with her father-in-law Judah, is explicitly mentioned as the mother of Perez and Zerah. This inclusion highlights that Jesus' lineage wasn't a perfect, untouched path but deliberately included those with morally complex histories, showcasing God's grace in bringing salvation through unexpected means.
This verse continues Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage back through Judah, one of Jacob's sons. It specifically mentions Tamar, whose unusual story with Judah is detailed in Genesis 38, highlighting the presence of potentially scandalous or non-traditional figures within Jesus' ancestry. This sets a pattern for Matthew naming women in the genealogy, an uncommon practice among Jewish genealogies, which will continue with Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba.
Genealogies were usually all about the men. So why does Matthew include women like Tamar in Jesus' family tree?
It's rare to find women named in ancient Jewish genealogies. When they are mentioned, especially in the Old Testament, it's usually for a significant reason. Matthew, however, intentionally includes four women in Jesus' lineage: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba (implied by "her who had been the wife of Uriah").
Why these women?
These women weren't the 'typical' respectable figures you'd expect in a royal lineage. Their inclusion isn't an oversight; it's a deliberate choice by Matthew. It highlights that Jesus came to save – sinners, foreigners, those on the margins. His family line is one of grace, demonstrating God's power to bring life and redemption through unlikely circumstances and people.
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The very first mention of a woman in Jesus' lineage involves a story of shame and deception. What does this tell us about God's purposes?
Matthew 1:3 immediately presents a challenging situation: "Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar." This isn't just a simple statement of parentage; it refers to a deeply scandalous event.
The Story: Judah's sons were supposed to inherit his lineage, but they died. Tamar, his daughter-in-law, was left without an heir. When Judah failed to give her his youngest son, Shelah, as promised, Tamar took matters into her own hands. Disguised as a prostitute, she seduced her father-in-law, Judah himself, to conceive children. The result was twins, Perez and Zerah.
Theological Significance:
The inclusion of Tamar in Jesus' genealogy, despite the scandalous circumstances of her children's birth, highlights God's sovereign grace in bringing salvation through unexpected means, even from difficult situations and people.
c. 1800 BC
Joseph sold into Egypt
The story of Joseph, son of Jacob, begins, leading his family to settle in Egypt.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
Under Moses, the Israelites leave Egypt, marking the beginning of their formation as a nation.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
The Israelites, led by Joshua, conquer the land of Canaan, dividing it among the twelve tribes.
c. 1350 BC - 1050 BC
Period of the Judges
A period of decentralized leadership where tribal leaders, known as judges, governed Israel.
c. 1050 BC
The United Monarchy Begins
Saul is anointed king, followed by David and then Solomon, uniting the tribes under a single rule.
c. 1010 BC
David Reigns
David establishes Jerusalem as the capital and solidifies the kingdom, though his reign is marked by significant personal sin.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Reigns
Solomon's reign continues the Davidic dynasty, marked by wisdom and the construction of the Temple, but also idolatry.
This passage details the scandalous story of Judah and Tamar, explaining the unusual circumstances that led to the birth of Perez and Zerah, who are mentioned in Matthew's genealogy.
Ruth 4:18-22This passage shows the lineage from Perez down to David, highlighting that Tamar's descendants, including Perez, continued to be part of God's plan and ultimately led to King David.
1 Chronicles 2:3-15This Old Testament genealogy also traces the line from Judah through Perez to David, offering a parallel account that confirms the lineage despite the scandalous events.
Matthew 1:16This verse directly contrasts the legal fatherhood of Joseph with the true conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, underscoring that while Joseph was in the line of David, Jesus' divine origin transcends human genealogies.
bensonMatthew 1:3: "And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;"
Matthew 1:3 . And Judas begat Phares and Zara — Some have observed that these sons of Judah are mentioned together because they were twins born at the same time: but if this had been a reason for assigning Zara the honour of being named in this genealogy, Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, ought to have obtained it likewise. He seems rather to be mentioned to prevent any mistake. For if he had…
clarkeMatthew 1:3: "And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;"
Phares and Zara - The remarkable history of these twins may be seen, Genesis 38 :Some of the ancients were of opinion, that the evangelist refers to the mystery of the youngest being preferred to the eldest, as prefiguring the exaltation of the Christian Church over the synagogue. Concerning the women whose names are recorded in this genealogy, see the note at the end of the chapter, ( Matthe…
It's easy to overlook that Tamar, a woman known for a scandalous and deceptive encounter with her father-in-law Judah, is explicitly mentioned as the mother of Perez and Zerah. This inclusion highlights that Jesus' lineage wasn't a perfect, untouched path but deliberately included those with morally complex histories, showcasing God's grace in bringing salvation through unexpected means.
This verse continues Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage back through Judah, one of Jacob's sons. It specifically mentions Tamar, whose unusual story with Judah is detailed in Genesis 38, highlighting the presence of potentially scandalous or non-traditional figures within Jesus' ancestry. This sets a pattern for Matthew naming women in the genealogy, an uncommon practice among Jewish genealogies, which will continue with Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba.
This verse continues Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage back through Judah, one of Jacob's sons. It specifically mentions Tamar, whose unusual story with Judah is detailed in Genesis 38, highlighting the presence of potentially scandalous or non-traditional figures within Jesus' ancestry. This sets a pattern for Matthew naming women in the genealogy, an uncommon practice among Jewish genealogies, which will continue with Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba.
"and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon," — It's easy to overlook that Tamar, a woman known for a scandalous and deceptive encounter with her father-in-law Judah, is explicitly mentioned as the mother of Perez and Zerah. This inclusion highlig…
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