Genesis 38:30

30 Afterward his brother came out with the crimson thread on his hand; and he was named Zerah.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 Onomastic. Sacr. p. 372.

Genesis 38:30 In-Context

28 While she was in labor, one put out a hand; and the midwife took and bound on his hand a crimson thread, saying, "This one came out first."

29 But just then he drew back his hand, and out came his brother; and she said, "What a breach you have made for yourself!" Therefore he was named Perez.

30 Afterward his brother came out with the crimson thread on his hand; and he was named Zerah.

Footnotes

• [a]. That is [Brightness]; perhaps alluding to the crimson thread