פֶּרֶשׁ

Peresh, an Israelite

Definition

Peresh is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man, the son of Machir and Maacah, and the brother of Sheresh (1 Chronicles 7:16). The name appears only in a genealogical list within the tribe of Manasseh, specifically among the descendants of Gilead. As a personal name, it carries no other semantic meaning or alternative senses in the biblical text. Its sole occurrence serves to establish a familial lineage within the historical records of Israel.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 7:16. It functions strictly as a personal name within a genealogical context, listing the descendants of Manasseh. There are no patterns of usage, as it is a unique identifier for a single individual in a historical record.

Etymology

The name Peresh (פֶּרֶשׁ) is linguistically identical to the common noun peresh (H6569), which means 'dung' or 'horse dung.' It was common in Hebrew to derive personal names from existing vocabulary, though the specific reason for this naming choice is not explained in scripture. It may reflect circumstances of birth, a hoped-for characteristic, or simply utilize an available word as a phonetic label.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and could be derived from common words, sometimes reflecting physical circumstances, parental hopes, or events. While the base word means 'dung,' it is crucial not to impose a modern, negative interpretation on the name without context. The inclusion of Peresh in a sacred genealogy (1 Chronicles 7:14-19) underscores the biblical value placed on preserving family lineage and tribal identity as part of God's covenantal people, regardless of the semantic origin of an individual's name.

Sheresh (H8329) — Peresh's brother, another proper name in the same verse and lineage.

Word Details

Scripture References