Thamar
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Thamar in the Bible?
Thamar is the mother of Perez and Zerah, mentioned in Matthew 1:3.
SIGNIFICANCE
Thamar's inclusion in the genealogy demonstrates the presence of non-Israelite women and complex family dynamics in the ancestral line of Jesus, emphasizing the historical reality of his heritage.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Thamar reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Thamar in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Thamar clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Matthew 1:3
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
"Thamar." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/thamar/