Genesis 38:30 kjv

And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.

Genesis 38:30 nkjv

Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.

Genesis 38:30 niv

Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, came out. And he was named Zerah.

Genesis 38:30 esv

Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.

Genesis 38:30 nlt

Then the baby with the scarlet string on his wrist was born, and he was named Zerah.

Genesis 38 verses

Genesis 38 30 Meaning

Genesis 38:30 concludes the account of the twin birth to Tamar, stating that Zarah, the brother who had initially put out his hand and had a scarlet thread tied upon it, was born second. His name, Zarah, meaning "brightness" or "to shine forth," ironically reflected his failed attempt to emerge first, as his brother Perez ultimately broke through before him. The verse underscores the unusual and divinely orchestrated reversal of birth order, a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's sovereign choice over human expectations or perceived natural precedence.

Genesis 38 30 Context

Genesis chapter 38 stands as a dramatic and morally complex interlude within the larger narrative of Joseph. While Joseph is in Egypt, this chapter unexpectedly shifts focus to Judah, one of his brothers, detailing his marital life and the scandalous affair with his daughter-in-law, Tamar. The seemingly misplaced account is, however, crucial for the broader biblical story, particularly regarding the lineage of the Messiah. Through this unconventional and challenging series of events, the line of Judah, from whom the Messiah would descend, is secured via Tamar. The birth of Perez and Zarah, particularly the reversal of their birth order, serves as a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty working through human fallibility and unusual circumstances to achieve His ultimate redemptive purposes. Historically and culturally, the narrative touches upon primogeniture (rights of the firstborn), levirate marriage customs, the significant role of midwives, and naming practices that reflect circumstances of birth.

Genesis 38 30 Word analysis

• And afterward: Signifies the immediate chronological sequence of the birth following the first twin.
• his brother: Refers to Zarah, the twin who made the initial attempt to be born first.
• came out: Denotes the act of birth; a direct, clear description.
• that had the scarlet thread: This is a direct identifier for Zarah.
  • scarlet (שָׁנִי, shani): A vibrant, striking red color. In ancient cultures, it was often associated with royalty, wealth, or specific ceremonial functions (e.g., in the tabernacle, purification rites). Here, its purpose is purely functional: a marker.
  • thread: A thin piece of cord or yarn. The simple, visible nature of the thread ensured identification.
  • upon his hand: This signifies the specific limb Zarah presented first, on which the midwife tied the mark. It marked his initial attempt at emerging first.
• and his name was called Zarah: This gives the second twin his name, which is derived from his birth circumstances.
  • Zarah (זָרַח, Zarach): The Hebrew root means "to rise," "to shine forth," or "to appear," as the sun rises. The name literally relates to the act of "breaking forth" or "bursting," though it is highly ironic as Perez, whose name (פֶּרֶץ, Peretz) means "to burst through" or "a breakthrough," was the one who actually broke through first. The name highlights the intended action of the one marked, even if he did not fulfill it in terms of birth order.

Words-group analysis:

• "And afterward his brother came out": Establishes the specific sequence of birth. The immediate contrast to Perez's "breakthrough" highlights the drama of the birthing scene and the unusual turn of events where the first one to present was not the first one born.
• "that had the scarlet thread upon his hand": This phrase functions as a clear physical identifier, essential for distinguishing the twins and confirming Zarah's identity as the one initially marked for primogeniture. The scarlet thread represents a human attempt at asserting order or predicting outcome, an attempt that God subtly overruled.
• "and his name was called Zarah": The naming reinforces the significance of the event. Despite his failure to be first, his name, evocative of "shining forth," stands in ironic tension with the meaning of Perez's name ("breakthrough"), affirming that the true "breakthrough" was achieved by the brother who came out second by human reckoning. This underscores the theological truth that God often chooses those least expected or overturns human preeminence.

Genesis 38 30 Bonus section

The narrative of Perez and Zarah, particularly this concluding verse, strongly reinforces the theological principle of God's elective sovereignty. In human terms, the midwife's tying of the scarlet thread was a decisive act to mark the one who should be considered firstborn. Yet, in a display of divine overruling, Perez "breaks forth" first. This isn't merely a surprising event but a symbolic one, anticipating that God's chosen lineage (the Messiah's line through Perez) would often not follow conventional or humanly anticipated paths. The vivid detail of the scarlet thread also offers a stark visual and memorable element to this significant reversal, solidifying the twins' individual identities in the face of their near-simultaneous and dramatic entry into the world. It reminds the reader that God's will is ultimately paramount, and His wisdom often manifests in ways that defy human logic or established tradition.

Genesis 38 30 Commentary

Genesis 38:30 concludes a pivotal narrative by affirming the birth of Zarah as the second twin, distinctively marked by the scarlet thread on his hand. This seemingly minor detail carries significant theological weight. It emphasizes the motif of reversed birth order seen elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Jacob and Esau, Ephraim and Manasseh, David being the youngest), where divine favor or destiny bypasses the natural precedence of the firstborn. The irony of Zarah's name, meaning "brightness" or "rising," in contrast to Perez's name, meaning "breakthrough," subtly highlights that the actual "breakthrough" for the lineage of the Messiah came not from the one initially designated or marked by human hand, but from the one whom God enabled to truly break forth. This chapter, with its moral ambiguities and unexpected outcome, underscores God's unfailing commitment to His covenant promises, sovereignly orchestrating events and utilizing imperfect individuals and unconventional circumstances to ensure the preservation of the messianic line. It reminds us that God's plans are not contingent on human perfection or predictability but are fulfilled through His own wise and powerful hand.