Perez was a significant figure in the Old Testament, a son of Judah and Tamar, and notably an ancestor of King David and, consequently, of Jesus Christ according to the genealogy presented in the Gospel of Matthew. His twin brother was Zerah. The circumstances of his birth, involving deception and complex family dynamics, are recounted in Genesis chapter 38.
The importance of this biblical character lies primarily in his lineage. His inclusion in the genealogies underscores the complex and sometimes unconventional paths through which God’s promises were fulfilled. Understanding his story provides insight into the ancestral line of Jesus and the broader narrative of the Israelite people. His birth story also offers a glimpse into the social customs and moral complexities of the patriarchal era.