Genesis 38:27-30
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The arrival of twins is noted not just as a physical event, but as a surprising revelation ("behold") happening precisely as labor begins, subtly highlighting God's intricate hand in the unfolding of events, even within this morally complex narrative. This unexpected multiplicity at birth foreshadows the complex legacy and diverging paths of the sons born from this union.
When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb. And when she was in labor, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Tamar, a widow in Judah's family, felt abandoned and deceived when Judah didn't allow her to marry his youngest son, Shelah. Disguising herself as a prostitute, she conceived twins with Judah himself. When her pregnancy was discovered, Judah demanded she be burned, but Tamar produced his signet, bracelets, and staff as proof of his paternity, saving herself and revealing Judah's deceit.
This chapter reveals a family history marked by deep sin and shame. Yet, it's from this very lineage that Jesus would come.
The story of Judah and Tamar is a stark reminder that God's redemptive plan doesn't depend on human perfection. Despite the moral failings of Judah and Tamar's actions, God's purposes unfold.
The miraculous birth of twins, one marked by a scarlet thread, points to a divine intervention beyond mere biological chance.
The birth of twins, Perez and Zerah, is not just a biological event; it's laden with theological significance. The struggle between the twins and the midwife's observation of the scarlet thread signify a divine orchestration.
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Understand the original words
ledah · Hebrew Noun
A word describing the moment of childbirth or the physical, painful process of bringing forth life. Theologically, it is often used metaphorically to describe the intense struggle or agony associated with bringing forth something new or the judgment of God upon humanity.
meyalledeth · Hebrew Noun
A person who assists in the delivery of children. Biblically, the midwife appears as a significant figure in sustaining the covenant line, often demonstrating courage and faith, such as during the oppression in Egypt.
shaniy · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A vibrant red color often associated with royal dignity, luxury, or, as in the context of the tabernacle, with the atoning blood of sacrifice. It symbolizes both importance and, in some contexts, the stain of sin or the marking of redemption.
perets · Hebrew Noun
Literally meaning a break, gap, or rupture. In a theological sense, it often refers to a violation of order, a breach of covenant, or an unexpected turn of events that disrupts established expectations.
This verse highlights a miraculous and divinely orchestrated birth, underscoring God's ability to bring good from difficult and even shameful circumstances, and to establish His purposes through unexpected means.
~1700 BC
Judah's family moves to Canaan
Judah, son of Jacob, settles in the land of Canaan and eventually marries a Canaanite woman, Shua.
~1700 BC
Birth and death of Er and Onan
Judah's first two sons, Er and Onan, die prematurely due to their wickedness, leaving Tamar a widow.
~1700 BC— this verse
Judah's deception of Tamar
Judah promises Tamar his third son, Shelah, as a husband but withholds him, leading Tamar to disguise herself and conceive twins by Judah himself.
~1700 BC
Birth of Perez and Zerah
Tamar gives birth to twins, Perez and Zerah, marking a significant lineage within the future nation of Israel.
~1700 BC
Judah's lineage established
Despite the scandalous circumstances, the lineage of Judah, from which King David and Jesus would later descend, continues through Perez.
This passage also describes a miraculous twin pregnancy, with two distinct individuals struggling within Rebekah's womb, echoing the unusual nature of Tamar's labor and the birth of twins.
Song of Solomon 3:6The imagery of a 'pillar of smoke, perfumed with the frankincense, with all powders of the merchant' evokes the sense of something precious and anticipated emerging, much like the birth of Judah's lineage, despite its scandalous origins.
Matthew 1:3This verse directly links Tamar to the lineage of David and Jesus, highlighting the significance of her offspring in the grand redemptive plan, despite the morally complex circumstances of their conception.
1 Corinthians 1:27Paul's discussion of God choosing the weak and foolish to shame the wise and strong finds a powerful illustration here, where the lineage of the Messiah emerges from a situation marked by sin and deceit.
calvinGenesis 38:1-30: "And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah."
Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
Et dixit Jehudah ad Thamar nurum suam, Mane vidua in domo patris tui, donec crescat Selah filius meus: dicebat…
gillGenesis 38:27: "And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb."
And it came to pass in the time of her travail,.... When her time to bring forth was come, and her pains were on her, and her midwife with her: that, behold, twins were in her womb; which the midwife could discover before the birth of either.
The arrival of twins is noted not just as a physical event, but as a surprising revelation ("behold") happening precisely as labor begins, subtly highlighting God's intricate hand in the unfolding of events, even within this morally complex narrative. This unexpected multiplicity at birth foreshadows the complex legacy and diverging paths of the sons born from this union.
Tamar, a widow in Judah's family, felt abandoned and deceived when Judah didn't allow her to marry his youngest son, Shelah. Disguising herself as a prostitute, she conceived twins with Judah himself. When her pregnancy was discovered, Judah demanded she be burned, but Tamar produced his signet, bracelets, and staff as proof of his paternity, saving herself and revealing Judah's deceit.
Tamar, a widow in Judah's family, felt abandoned and deceived when Judah didn't allow her to marry his youngest son, Shelah. Disguising herself as a prostitute, she conceived twins with Judah himself. When her pregnancy was discovered, Judah demanded she be burned, but Tamar produced his signet, bracelets, and staff as proof of his paternity, saving herself and revealing Judah's deceit.
"When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb. And when she was in labor, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” But as he drew back his hand, beho…" — The arrival of twins is noted not just as a physical event, but as a surprising revelation ("behold") happening precisely as labor begins, subtly highlighting God's intricate hand in the unfolding of…
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Last reviewed October 2026
