Genesis 38:28

28 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.

Genesis 38:28 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 38:28

And it came to pass when she travailed
Her birth throes came strong and quick upon her: that [the one] put out [his] hand;
which showed that she was like to have a difficult and dangerous time of it; that the birth was not like to be according to the usual and natural order, which may be considered as a correction for her sin: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying,
this came out first;
she tied this to his wrist, that she might know whose hand it was, and so which was the firstborn; which, to know was a matter of consequence, since to the firstborn there were some special and peculiar privileges.

Genesis 38:28 In-Context

26 And Judah acknowledged them, and said , She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

27 And it came to pass in the time of her travail , that, behold, twins were in her womb.

28 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.

29 And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out : and she said , How hast thou broken forth ? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

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