The Bible is filled with stories that carry deep spiritual meaning, guiding believers to understand God’s purpose and plan for their lives. One of the most powerful yet often overlooked stories is that of Perez, a man whose birth broke boundaries and symbolized breakthrough. The phrase “Perez anointing” has since become a powerful concept in Christian teaching — representing divine breakthrough, acceleration, and the ability to overcome barriers through God’s grace.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of the Perez anointing, what happened to Perez in the Bible, and how his story still inspires believers today.
Who Was Perez in the Bible?
Perez (also spelled Pharez) was a son of Judah and Tamar, as described in Genesis 38. His story begins with a complicated and unusual family situation.
Judah, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, had three sons — Er, Onan, and Shelah. Tamar was married to Judah’s firstborn, Er, but he died without leaving any children. According to the customs of that time, Judah’s next son, Onan, was supposed to marry Tamar to continue his brother’s lineage. However, Onan disobeyed this duty and also died. Judah promised his youngest son, Shelah, to Tamar when he grew older, but he never kept that promise.
Feeling betrayed and forgotten, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and deceived Judah himself. From that union, she conceived twins — Perez and Zerah.
The Birth of Perez: A Story of Breakthrough
When Tamar gave birth, something unusual happened. As the twins were being born, Zerah’s hand came out first. The midwife tied a scarlet thread around his wrist, marking him as the firstborn. But suddenly, Zerah’s hand went back in, and Perez came out first instead (Genesis 38:29).
The midwife exclaimed, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” and named him Perez, meaning “breach” or “breakthrough.”
This moment symbolized a divine shift — Perez, though not expected to be first, broke through and took the position of the firstborn. His birth was not ordinary; it was prophetic. It represented the idea that God can reverse expectations and bring breakthrough where human limits exist.
The Meaning of the Perez Anointing
The Perez Anointing refers to the spiritual empowerment for breakthrough — the divine ability to overcome obstacles, break limitations, and move forward despite opposition or unfavorable circumstances.
The word Perez itself means “breaking forth” or “bursting out.” Spiritually, this anointing represents moments when God accelerates your progress, reverses delays, and causes divine increase beyond natural expectations.
Here’s what the Perez Anointing symbolizes in a believer’s life:
- Breaking Limitations – Just as Perez broke out ahead of his brother, the anointing helps believers break barriers holding them back.
- Divine Reversal – It shows that God can reverse human plans and elevate those who were overlooked or underestimated.
- Supernatural Acceleration – Perez’s birth demonstrates how God can make someone advance quickly, despite slow beginnings.
- Unusual Favor – The Perez anointing brings favor where others see impossibility.
- Restoration of Promise – Even when things seem delayed or denied, God’s promise still stands.
In essence, the Perez Anointing is about God’s supernatural power to cause breakthroughs in every area — spiritual, financial, relational, or emotional.
What Happened to Perez in the Bible?
Perez’s story doesn’t end with his unusual birth. His name appears again in several important parts of the Bible, showing his lasting impact on biblical history.
1. Perez Became an Ancestor of King David
In Ruth 4:18–22, Perez is listed in the genealogy that leads to King David, one of Israel’s greatest rulers. This shows that despite his unconventional beginning, God chose him as part of the royal lineage.
This is significant because it means breakthrough births destiny. Perez’s line produced kings, reminding us that what begins in difficulty can end in greatness when God’s hand is upon it.
2. Perez Is in the Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Even more astonishing, Perez’s name appears in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:3). This means the Savior of the world came through a lineage that started with a story of brokenness and redemption.
This teaches a powerful truth: God can use anyone, regardless of their background or past, to fulfill His divine purpose.
3. Perez’s Family Became Leaders
In Numbers 26:20, the descendants of Perez became a significant family among the tribe of Judah. They were known for their strength and leadership. Centuries later, the prophet Micah (2:13) even refers to the “Breaker” (Perez) — a prophetic image of the Messiah who leads His people into freedom.
Lessons from the Perez Anointing
Perez’s life carries lessons that are still relevant for believers today:
- God Works Through Imperfection – The story of Perez began with scandal, but God turned it into a story of grace. No situation is too messy for God to use.
- Your Beginning Doesn’t Define Your End – Perez started as the “second” but ended up first. With God, your past does not dictate your future.
- Breakthrough Often Comes Unexpectedly – Just like Perez’s birth surprised everyone, God’s timing for your breakthrough may come suddenly.
- God Honors Persistence and Purpose – Tamar’s persistence brought forth a divine lineage. Sometimes, your faith and persistence prepare the way for God’s breakthrough.
How to Walk in the Perez Anointing
To experience the Perez Anointing in your own life, consider these spiritual steps:
- Stay Faithful in Delays – Trust God even when things don’t move as fast as you hoped.
- Pray for Divine Acceleration – Ask God to open doors and create opportunities beyond your control.
- Believe in God’s Reversal Power – Remember, the last can become first through divine intervention.
- Live in Obedience and Faith – Breakthrough flows best in lives aligned with God’s will.
- Declare Breakthrough Over Your Life – Speak life and victory; words carry spiritual power.
Top FAQs About Perez in the Bible
1. What does Perez mean in the Bible?
Perez means “breaking forth” or “breach.” It represents divine breakthrough — the moment God intervenes to push you beyond human limitations.
2. Who were Perez’s parents?
Perez was the son of Judah (one of Jacob’s twelve sons) and Tamar, his daughter-in-law (Genesis 38).
3. What is the Perez Anointing?
The Perez Anointing is the spiritual empowerment for breakthrough, symbolizing God’s ability to turn adversity into advancement and delay into destiny.
4. Why is Perez’s story important?
Perez’s story is important because it shows God’s grace and redemptive power. From an unexpected situation came a royal and divine lineage leading to Jesus Christ.
5. How can I experience a Perez-type breakthrough?
You can experience it through faith, prayer, obedience, and perseverance. Trust that God can shift your situation suddenly — just as He did for Perez.
Final Thoughts
The story of Perez in the Bible is more than a historical event — it’s a spiritual message of breakthrough, reversal, and divine destiny. The Perez Anointing reminds us that God can cause you to break forth even when others have written you off.
When you face limitations, delays, or impossible situations, remember this truth: You carry the spirit of Perez — the anointing to break through.