Genesis 38:27 (KJV)

What does Genesis 38:27 mean?

Genesis 38:27 describes the moment when Tamar goes into labor and it is discovered that she is carrying twins. This verse marks a turning point in the story, highlighting an unexpected outcome during Tamar’s childbirth.

In this part of Genesis, the narrative focuses on Tamar, who had become pregnant by Judah. The verse sets the scene for the unusual birth that follows, which will have significance for Judah’s family line. The mention of twins in her womb prepares the reader for the details of the birth and the roles these children will play in the ongoing story.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 38:27

• "time" (עֵת, ‘et): This word means a specific moment or season. Here, it emphasizes that Tamar’s labor happens at a particular, important point in the story.
• "travail" (יָלַד, yalad): This verb means to give birth or to be in labor. It highlights the physical process Tamar is experiencing, not just the fact that she will have children.
• "twins" (תְּאוֹמִים, te’omim): This word specifically means twins, pointing out that Tamar is not just having one child but two, which is a rare and noteworthy event in the biblical narrative.
• "womb" (בֶּטֶן, beten): This word means womb or belly, drawing attention to the place where the twins have been developing and underscoring the significance of birth in the story.

Why Genesis 38:27 matters

• Genesis 38:27 sets up the unusual birth of Perez and Zerah, which will have lasting importance for the genealogy of Judah and, later, for the lineage of King David.
• The mention of twins draws a connection to earlier biblical stories involving twins, such as Jacob and Esau, inviting readers to notice patterns and themes in family dynamics.
• This verse highlights Tamar’s role in continuing Judah’s family line, which is a key theme in the chapter and has implications for the broader story of Israel.