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Genesis 38:29 - Twin's breach defines destiny?

Genesis 38:29 - בראשית 38:29

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כְּמֵשִׁיב יָדוֹ וְהִנֵּה יָצָא אָחִיו וַתֹּאמֶר מַה־פָּרַצְתָּ עָלֶיךָ פָּרֶץ וַיִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ פָּרֶץ׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, Why hast thou made such a breach for thyself? Therefore his name was called Pereż.

Transliteration

Vay'hi k'meshiv yado v'hine yatza achiv vato'mer mah-paratztah alecha parets vayikra shmo Parets.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֣י <b>׀</b> כְּמֵשִׁ֣יב יָד֗וֹ וְהִנֵּה֙ יָצָ֣א אָחִ֔יו וַתֹּ֕אמֶר מַה־פָּרַ֖צְתָּ עָלֶ֣יךָ פָּ֑רֶץ וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ פָּֽרֶץ׃
וַיְהִ֣י ׀ כְּמֵשִׁ֣יב יָד֗וֹ וְהִנֵּה֙ יָצָ֣א אָחִ֔יו וַתֹּ֕אמֶר מַה־פָּרַ֖צְתָּ עָלֶ֣יךָ פָּ֑רֶץ וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ פָּֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 38:29) describes the birth of Peretz, one of the twin sons of Yehuda and Tamar. The verse occurs during the dramatic moment of the twins' birth, where one child (Zerach) initially extends his hand, but Peretz emerges first, leading to his name being associated with "breaking through" (פרץ).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the midwife tied a scarlet thread around Zerach's hand when it emerged first, marking him as the firstborn. However, Peretz "broke through" (פרץ) and was born before his brother, demonstrating his forceful nature. The name "Peretz" reflects this act of breaking through boundaries, symbolizing strength and initiative.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:13) elaborates that Peretz's birth foreshadowed the future greatness of his descendants, particularly King David and Mashiach, who would come from his lineage. The "breach" (פרץ) represents the breaking of conventional expectations, as David—a descendant of Peretz—would rise from an unexpected background to kingship.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam does not directly comment on this verse, his principles of hashgachah pratit (divine providence) can be applied here. The unusual circumstances of Peretz's birth highlight divine orchestration in ensuring the continuity of the Davidic line, which was essential for Jewish leadership and redemption.

Symbolism of the Name "Peretz"

  • Strength and Leadership: Peretz's forceful emergence signifies his role as an ancestor of kings, embodying the traits of determination and leadership.
  • Divine Plan: The breach represents divine intervention in history, ensuring the fulfillment of promises made to the Avot (forefathers).
  • Unexpected Triumph: Just as Peretz overcame the natural order to be born first, his descendants would overcome obstacles to achieve greatness.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sotah 10b) discusses whether Peretz or Zerach was halachically the firstborn, given the unusual birth. The conclusion is that Peretz was considered the firstborn despite Zerach's hand emerging first, as the birth itself determines status. This ruling underscores the Torah's emphasis on actual events over appearances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the birth of Peretz and Zerach, illustrating the miraculous nature of their birth and the significance of their names.
📖 Berakhot 60a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about divine providence and the naming of children, highlighting the moment of Peretz's birth and the meaning behind his name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Perez' mean in Genesis 38:29?
A: The name 'Perez' (פֶּרֶץ) means 'breach' or 'breakthrough.' In this verse, Tamar names him Perez because he 'broke through' unexpectedly during birth, coming out before his twin brother Zerah (Rashi on Genesis 38:29). This name later becomes significant, as Perez is an ancestor of King David (Ruth 4:18-22).
Q: Why was Perez born before Zerah if Zerah's hand came out first?
A: Initially, Zerah's hand emerged first, and the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it to mark the firstborn (Genesis 38:28). However, Perez 'broke through' and was born first instead. The Talmud (Sotah 12a) sees this as symbolic—sometimes what appears first is not always the primary one in G-d's plan, as Perez's lineage became more prominent.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the birth of Perez?
A: The story teaches that human efforts (like marking Zerah as firstborn) do not override divine providence. Despite the initial signs, Perez became the ancestor of the Davidic dynasty (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 85:14). This reminds us that G-d's plan may unfold in unexpected ways, and what seems secondary can become primary in Jewish history.