Lexical Summary Zara: Zara Original Word: Ζαρά Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ZerahOf Hebrew origin (Zerach); Zara, (i.e. Zerach), an Israelite -- Zara. see HEBREW Zerach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Zerach Definition Zerah, an Isr. NASB Translation Zerah (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2196: ΖάραΖάρα, ὁ (זֶרַח a rising (of light)), indeclinable, Zarah (better Zerah), one of the ancestors of Christ: Matthew 1:3; cf. Genesis 38:30. Topical Lexicon Identity and Setting within Scripture Zara (Greek Ζαρὰ), rendered “Zerah” in most English Old Testaments, is one of the twin sons born to Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:27-30). His birth is marked by the peculiar incident of the scarlet thread, a detail that makes Zerah a memorable figure in the patriarchal narratives and later genealogies. While the Old Testament chronicles several individuals named Zerah, the New Testament reference (Matthew 1:3) concerns only the Judah-Tamar son. The Birth Narrative and the Scarlet Thread Genesis describes labor complications in which the midwife ties a scarlet cord around the hand that first emerges, declaring, “This one came out first.” Yet the hand is withdrawn and the other twin, Perez, is actually born first (Genesis 38:28-29). Zerah follows, still bearing the crimson thread (Genesis 38:30). In Jewish culture the firstborn held special privileges, so this reversal underscores divine sovereignty over human expectations. The scarlet thread itself becomes a rich symbol used later in Scripture to signify protection and redemption (Joshua 2:18-21), inviting typological reflection on the blood of atonement. Old Testament Lineage and Tribal History Although Perez becomes the royal ancestor of David and ultimately of Christ, Zerah’s descendants are also notable. Five of his sons—Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—are named in 1 Chronicles 2:6, with Ethan and Heman recognized for wisdom and musical service (1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chronicles 15:19). At the first wilderness census, “The sons of Zerah numbered 76,500” fighting men (Numbers 26:20), a testimony to the clan’s strength within Judah. Zerahite families later resettle in post-exilic Judah (Nehemiah 11:24; 1 Chronicles 9:6), evidencing their ongoing role in covenant history. Appearance in the Messianic Genealogy Matthew lists both twins: “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar” (Matthew 1:3). Mentioning Zerah, though the messianic line flows through Perez, serves at least three purposes: 1. It authenticates Matthew’s genealogy to Jewish readers by retaining the precise tribal record found in Genesis. Theological and Ministry Themes • Divine Choice Over Customary Privilege Zerah’s apparent first-born status, overturned in favor of Perez, illustrates a recurring biblical motif that God “sets aside the first to establish the second” (Hebrews 10:9). Preachers may link this to Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, and ultimately Christ as the second Adam. • The Scarlet Thread of Redemption Teachers often trace a “scarlet thread” theme through Scripture, moving from Zerah’s thread, to Passover blood (Exodus 12:7), to Rahab’s cord (Joshua 2:18), culminating in the cross (John 19:34). Zerah’s birth narrative thus provides an early visual aid for catechesis on redemption. • Grace in Broken Families Judah’s sin and Tamar’s desperate stratagem yield twins who become honored heads of Judah. Zerah’s inclusion in Matthew 1 validates ministry to families marked by failure, showing God’s readiness to redeem flawed histories. • Record-Keeping and Genealogical Integrity The precise mention of Zerah encourages believers to value the historical reliability of Scripture. Genealogies are not ornamental; they ground the incarnation in verifiable human history, reinforcing confidence in biblical testimony. Distinctions from Other Figures Named Zerah The Chronicler mentions a Zerah the Cushite who wars against King Asa (2 Chronicles 14:9), and an Edomite leader named Zerah (Genesis 36:13). These are separate individuals; only Judah’s son corresponds to the Greek form Zara (Strong’s 2196). Summary for Teaching and Application Zara (Zerah) is a minor yet significant character whose singular New Testament mention ties together themes of divine election, redemption, and meticulous providence. His account offers pastors and students a vivid episode for illustrating how God weaves grace through tangled human circumstances while faithfully moving history toward the advent of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations Ζαρα Ζαρὰ Ζάρα Zara ZaràLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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