King James Version

What Does Genesis 38:28 Mean?

Genesis 38:28 in the King James Version says “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 s...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · KJV

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. How hast: or, Wherefore hast thou made this breach against thee? Pharez: that is A breach

30

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

Read Genesis 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bou... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Judah and Tamar emerge from this passage?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיְהִ֥י1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמְיַלֶּ֗דֶת2 of 14

“And it came to pass when she travailed”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וַיִּתֶּן3 of 14

“that the one put out”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יָד֤וֹ4 of 14

“his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַתִּקַּ֣ח5 of 14

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַמְיַלֶּ֗דֶת6 of 14

“And it came to pass when she travailed”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וַתִּקְשֹׁ֨ר7 of 14

“and bound”

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

עַל8 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָד֤וֹ9 of 14

“his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שָׁנִי֙10 of 14

“a scarlet thread”

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

לֵאמֹ֔ר11 of 14

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

זֶ֖ה12 of 14
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יָצָ֥א13 of 14

“This came out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

רִֽאשֹׁנָֽה׃14 of 14

“first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 38:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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