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 afterwards came out his brother that had the scarlet thread upon his hand; and his name was called Zarah.