Genesis 38:25-30

25 As they brought her out, she sent a message to her father-in-law, "I'm pregnant by the man who owns these things. Identify them, please. Who's the owner of the seal-and-cord and the staff?"

26 Judah saw they were his. He said, "She's in the right; I'm in the wrong - I wouldn't let her marry my son Shelah." He never slept with her again.

27 When her time came to give birth, it turned out that there were twins in her womb.

28 As she was giving birth, one put his hand out; the midwife tied a red thread on his hand, saying, "This one came first."

29 But then he pulled it back and his brother came out. She said, "Oh! A breakout!" So she named him Perez (Breakout).

30 Then his brother came out with the red thread on his hand. They named him Zerah (Bright).

Genesis 38:25-30 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 38

This chapter is wholly taken up with matters relating to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, from whom the Jews have their name, and from whom Christ sprung: it treats of his marriage with a Canaanitess, his children by her, their character and end, Ge 38:1-11; of his incest with his daughter-in-law, though unknown by him, Ge 38:12-23; of his resentment against her, when he heard she was with child, and his confusion when he found it was by himself, Ge 38:24-26; and of the birth of twins by her, named Pharez and Zarah, Ge 38:27-30.