Definition: And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 1:3. It's a really important starting point in the story of Jesus’ life! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes the first people who met Jesus. It’s saying that these individuals were involved in the beginning of Jesus’ journey and formation as a person. Let's unpack each part: “Matthew 1:3” : This refers to Matthew, a Jewish man who was a tax collector – a figure often viewed with suspicion by the early Jewish leaders. He’s the one who wrote down what happened to these people. “And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar;” This means: “Judas, who was a tax collector, gave birth to Phares and Zara from his wife.” Judas: This is a key figure. He’s known for betraying Jesus, which is a big part of the story. Phares & Zara: These are Joseph's twins – they were born to a man named Joseph who was a slave to Judas. “And Phares begat Esrom;” This means: “Phares gave birth to Esom.” Esrom: This is the name of Jesus! He’s the son of Abraham, and is considered the first true human. So, putting it all together: This verse tells us that the family of Joseph (which includes Judas) produced the first people who were involved in the beginning of Jesus' life. They were the ones who introduced him to God and set the stage for his ministry. Why is this significant? It’s a foundational moment in the Bible. It shows that Jesus wasn’t just some random miracle – he was part of a lineage that began with human family relationships. It's a crucial step in understanding how God called him to be our Savior. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these people further? Give you more context about the story of Joseph? Offer some deeper meaning or significance of this verse?