Pharez
LocationsGeographical Setting
Pharez is a biblical place name appearing in the Book of Joshua, identified with the city of Ai.
What is the meaning of Pharez in the Bible?
Pharez (or Perez) is the name of the son of Judah and Tamar, mentioned in Genesis 38. He is an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Pharez as an alternate spelling for Ai helps readers navigate textual variations between different Bible translations and locate the site within the narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Pharez held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Pharez in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Pharez clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Pharez." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/pharez/