And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.

RUTH 4:12KJV
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Ruth 4:12 (KJV)

What does Ruth 4:12 mean?

Ruth 4:12 is a blessing spoken over Boaz, asking that his household would become as fruitful and significant as the family of Pharez, the son born to Tamar and Judah, through the children that God would give him with Ruth. The verse expresses hope for a lasting and honored family line from this new marriage.

In this scene, the elders and people at Bethlehem’s city gate are speaking to Boaz as he prepares to marry Ruth. They mention Pharez (also spelled Perez), whose family became prominent in Judah’s tribe, to wish Boaz a similarly important legacy. The blessing highlights the hope that God (the LORD) will provide descendants through Ruth, making Boaz’s house (family) strong and well-known in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind Ruth 4:12

  • בַּיִת (bayit, "house"): This word means both a physical house and a family or lineage. Here, it points to the hope for a thriving family line, not just a home.
  • פֶּרֶץ (Peretz, "Pharez"): Pharez was the son of Tamar and Judah, whose descendants became a leading family in Israel. Mentioning him sets a high standard for Boaz’s future family.
  • זֶרַע (zeraʿ, "seed"): This word means offspring or descendants. The blessing is for children who will continue Boaz’s name and legacy.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, "LORD"): The use of God’s personal name shows that this blessing is a prayer for divine involvement, not just a wish for good luck.

Why Ruth 4:12 matters

  • Ruth 4:12 connects Boaz and Ruth’s story to the larger story of Israel by linking them to the family of Pharez, showing that their union has national significance.
  • The verse emphasizes that children and family legacy are seen as blessings from God, not just the result of human effort.
  • This blessing foreshadows the important role Ruth and Boaz’s descendants will play, leading to King David and, in Christian tradition, to Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“Pharez” Hebrew H6557 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 38:29 And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.
  • Ruth 4:18 Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,
  • 1 Chronicles 9:4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Pharez the son of Judah.

“Tamar” Hebrew H8559 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 38:6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.
  • 2 Samuel 13:5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
  • 2 Samuel 13:22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

“woman” Hebrew H5291 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 24:14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
  • Deuteronomy 22:27 For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her.
  • 1 Kings 1:3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.