Genesis 38:28 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →During labor, one twin extends his hand first, which the midwife marks with a scarlet thread.
The Context of Genesis 38:28
The birth begins with a sign of priority and order, as the firstborn son puts forth his hand before withdrawing it.
What Does Genesis 38:28 Mean?
As Tamar travails, one of the twins extends his hand from the womb, and the midwife binds a scarlet thread upon it to mark him as the firstborn. This mark will determine the order of birth and the inheritance rights that follow.
The scarlet thread serves as a visible witness to the firstborn status. The act of marking demonstrates the midwife's attentiveness to recording the proper order, ensuring that the rights and blessings of the firstborn will be correctly attributed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 38:28
What does Genesis 38:28 mean?
During labor, one twin extends his hand first, which the midwife marks with a scarlet thread.
What is the context of Genesis 38:28?
The birth begins with a sign of priority and order, as the firstborn son puts forth his hand before withdrawing it.