Zara
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Zara in the Bible?
Zara (or Zerah) was the twin brother of Perez, born to Judah and Tamar, and is listed in the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Zara's role clarifies the inclusion of Tamar and the Judahite line in the ancestral records of Jesus, demonstrating the continuity of the Davidic lineage.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zara reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zara in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zara clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Matthew 1:3Luke 3:33
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
"Zara." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zara/