Genesis 38:30

30 Afterwards his brother came out, on whose hand was the scarlet thread: and she called his name Zara.

Genesis 38:30 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 38:30

And afterward came out his brother that had the scarlet
thread upon his hand
By which it was known that he so far came out first; which confirms the remarkable birth of his brother, who notwithstanding got the start of him: and his name was called Zarah;
not from "rising", or his coming forth like the rising sun, as is usually observed; but rather from his return, or drawing back his hand, and as it were returning to his mother's womb; and so, according to Hillerus F12, Zarah, by a transposition of letters, comes from (rzx) "Chazar", to return: but Jarchi thinks he had his name from the refulgent appearance of the scarlet thread on his wrist.


FOOTNOTES:

F12 Onomastic. Sacr. p. 372.

Genesis 38:30 In-Context

28 This shall come forth the first.
29 But he drawing back his hand, the other came forth: and the woman said: Why is the partition divided for thee? and therefore called his name Phares.
30 Afterwards his brother came out, on whose hand was the scarlet thread: and she called his name Zara.
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