New Testament
Matthew 1:3
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Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez was the father of Hezron. Hezron was the father of Ram.
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And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
What Matthew 1:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse is part of the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Judah had twin sons, Perez and Zerah, through Tamar, who was his daughter-in-law. This highlights the importance of family lineage in Jewish culture and shows how God can work through complex family situations. Perez is noted as the ancestor of Hezron, who continues the line leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus. The mention of Tamar is significant as it emphasizes the inclusion of women in the genealogy, showcasing God's grace and the diverse backgrounds of those in Jesus' family tree. This lineage not only establishes Jesus' rightful place in Jewish history but also illustrates God's plan of redemption through unexpected means.
How to apply Matthew 1:3 to your life
Understanding this genealogy reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to fulfill His purposes. It encourages us to embrace our own stories and recognize that our past does not define our future in God's plan.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 1:3 mean?
Matthew 1:3 is part of the genealogy of Jesus, showing that He is a descendant of Judah, who had twin sons, Perez and Zerah, through Tamar. This verse highlights the significance of family lineage in Jewish culture and God's ability to work through complex family situations.
Who are the key figures mentioned in Matthew 1:3?
The key figures in Matthew 1:3 are Judah, his daughter-in-law Tamar, and their sons Perez and Zerah. Perez is particularly important as he is an ancestor of Jesus, linking the genealogy to King David.
What is the significance of Tamar in Matthew 1:3?
Tamar's inclusion in Matthew 1:3 is significant as it emphasizes the role of women in the genealogy of Jesus and illustrates God's grace in using diverse backgrounds to fulfill His purposes.
Why is genealogy important in Matthew 1:3?
Genealogy in Matthew 1:3 establishes Jesus' rightful place in Jewish history, tracing His lineage back to significant figures like Judah and ultimately to King David, which is crucial for understanding His identity as the Messiah.
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