פַּרְצִי
a Partsite (collectively) or descendants of Perets
Definition
פַּרְצִי (Partsîy) is a patronymic noun meaning 'a Partsite' or 'belonging to Perets.' It refers collectively to the descendants of Perets (also spelled Perez), who was one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:29). The term identifies a clan within the larger tribe of Judah. In its single biblical occurrence, it is used in a genealogical list to enumerate the families of Judah as part of a military census (Numbers 26:20). There are no other distinct meanings or uses in different passages, as it consistently denotes this specific familial lineage.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 26:20, within the context of the second census of Israel taken in the plains of Moab. It appears in a genealogical list detailing the clans descended from Judah's sons. The usage is purely genealogical and administrative, serving to identify the Partsite clan as a subdivision of the tribe of Judah for the purpose of allotting land and organizing military forces. No patterns of usage exist beyond this singular, list-oriented context.
Etymology
The word is derived patronymically from the proper name פֶּרֶץ (Perets, H6557), meaning 'breach' or 'bursting forth.' Perets was the son of Judah (Genesis 38:29). The suffix -ִי (-îy) indicates 'belonging to' or 'descended from,' thus forming a gentilic noun meaning 'those of Perets.' The root פרץ (prṣ) conveys the idea of breaking through, which is reflected in the narrative of Perets's birth where he 'broke forth' ahead of his twin brother (Genesis 38:29).
Semantic Range
While the word itself is primarily a genealogical identifier, its significance lies in its connection to the lineage of Judah and, ultimately, to King David and the Messiah. Perets is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in both Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Numbers 26 by highlighting how God faithfully preserved and counted the tribal families, including the line through which the promised ruler would come (Genesis 49:10). It underscores the importance of family lineages in God's covenant promises to Israel.
In ancient Israelite culture, clan and tribal identity were paramount for social organization, inheritance rights, and military duty. The term 'Partsite' functioned as a clan name within the tribe of Judah. This reflects the societal structure where extended families (clans) were sub-units of tribes, and individuals were identified by their lineage. The single usage in a census document aligns with the practice of recording genealogies to establish land claims and military responsibilities, a concept quite different from modern individualistic identity.
יְהוּדִי (Yehûdîy, H3064) — A broader term for a member of the tribe of Judah or the people of Judah, whereas פַּרְצִי specifies one clan within that tribe.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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