Genesis 38:27
Genesis 38:27 in Multiple Translations
When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb.
¶ And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb.
And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb.
And when the time came for her to give birth, it was clear that there were two children in her body.
When the time came for Tamar to give birth, she was found to be carrying twins.
Now, when the time was come that she should be deliuered, beholde, there were twinnes in her wombe.
And it cometh to pass in the time of her bearing, that lo, twins [are] in her womb;
In the time of her travail, behold, twins were in her womb.
And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that behold, twins were in her womb.
And when she was ready to be brought to bed, there appeared twins in her womb: and in the very delivery of the infants, one put forth a hand, whereon the midwife tied a scarlet thread, saying:
When it was time for her to give birth, she was surprised that there were twin boys in her womb.
Later on, the time came for Tamar to have her baby. At that time, Tamar found out that she had 2 babies inside her.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:27
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 38:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֖י
בְּ/עֵ֣ת
לִדְתָּ֑/הּ
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
תְאוֹמִ֖ים
בְּ/בִטְנָֽ/הּ
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/עֵ֣ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs
לִדְתָּ֑/הּ
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
תְאוֹמִ֖ים
tâʼôwm
H8380
twin
N-mp
בְּ/בִטְנָֽ/הּ
beṭen
H990
belly
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:27
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/עֵ֣ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
לִדְתָּ֑/הּ
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
תְאוֹמִ֖ים
tâʼôwm
H8380
"twin"
N-mp
The word for twin in Hebrew is used to describe two people born at the same time. In the Bible, it is used to describe the twins Esau and Jacob in the book of Genesis. This word is translated as twins in the KJV.
Definition: twin
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: twins. See also: Genesis 25:24; Song of Solomon 4:5; Song of Solomon 7:4.
בְּ/בִטְנָֽ/הּ
beṭen
H990
"belly"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Birth of Perez and Zerah
25As she was being brought out, Tamar sent a message to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these items belong.” And she added, “Please examine them. Whose seal and cord and staff are these?”
26Judah recognized the items and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again.
27When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb.
28And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. “This one came out first,” she announced. 29But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 25:24 | When her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb. |
Genesis 38:27 Summary
This verse tells us that when Tamar gave birth, she had twins, which was a surprising and significant event. The birth of twins is a reminder of God's power and sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 25:24. Just like Tamar, we can trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when our circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, as expressed in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God is always with us, caring for us and guiding us, even in the most challenging situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tamar have twins in her womb?
The Bible does not provide a specific reason why Tamar had twins, but it is a notable event in the story, and twins are a significant theme in the book of Genesis, as seen in the story of Esau and Jacob in Genesis 25:24. This event may also be a reminder of God's sovereignty and blessing in Tamar's life, despite the challenging circumstances she faced.
Is this verse connected to any other biblical events or themes?
Yes, the theme of twins is a recurring one in the Bible, and the story of Tamar's twins, Perez and Zerah, is an important part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Ruth 4:18-22 and Matthew 1:3-6. This verse also highlights the faithfulness of God in the midst of difficult situations, as seen in Genesis 28:15 and Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from Tamar's experience in this verse?
Tamar's experience teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when our circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11. We can also learn from her courage and determination in the face of adversity, as seen in Genesis 38:25-26.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of Genesis?
This verse is part of the story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38, which highlights the importance of faithfulness, integrity, and God's sovereignty in the lives of His people, as seen in Genesis 39:1-23 and Genesis 45:1-15. It also sets the stage for the subsequent events in the book of Genesis, including the story of Joseph in Genesis 37:1-36 and Genesis 39:1-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God has shown His sovereignty and blessing in my life, even in challenging circumstances?
- How can I, like Tamar, trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, even when my circumstances seem uncertain or difficult?
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate courage and determination in the face of adversity, as seen in Tamar's experience?
- How does this verse remind me of God's presence and care in my life, and what are some ways in which I can respond to His love and faithfulness?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:27
And it came to pass in the time of her travail,.... When her time to bring forth was come, and her pains were on her, and her midwife with her: that, behold, twins [were] in her womb; which the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:27
And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:27
Genesis 38:27 And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins [were] in her womb.Ver. 27. Behold, twins were in her womb.] Betokening two peoples pertaining to Christ. The Jews first put forth their hand, as it were, willing to be justified by their works, and to regenerate themselves. For this, they were bound with a scarlet thread - condemned by the law: wherefore, pulling back their hand, they fell from God. Then came forth Pharez, the breach-maker, that is, the violent and valiant Gentiles; who took the first birthright and kingdom by force: who when they are fully born, then shall the Jews come forth again. And that this is not far off, hear what a worthy divine, yet living, saith: In Daniel 12:11 we have a prophecy of the final restoration of the Jews, and the time is expressed, which Isaiah 1290 years after the ceasing of the daily sacrifice, and the setting up of the abomination of desolation, which is conceived to be in Julian’ s time; who did essay to rebuild the Temple of the Jews, which was an abomination to God; who therefore destroyed it by fire out of the earth, tearing up the very foundation thereof, to the nethermost stone. This was Anno Dom. 360, to which if you add 1290 years, it will pitch this calculation upon the year 1650. Before this, Babylon must down, &c. Mr Case’ s God’ s Wait. to be Grac., p. 58.
Sermons on Genesis 38:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:34-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the grief of Jacob over the loss of his son Joseph. Jacob is seen mourning for his son and refusing to be comforted. The speaker suggests tha |
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(The Works of Faith) God Loves Us as He Loved Jesus by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. He encourages the audience to consider how they are spending their time and to make |
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Descendents of David & Abraham - Jim Cymbala by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus as both fully man and fully divine. He highlights how Jesus, despite being the promised Messiah, did not fit the pre |
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Jacob and Esau by Paul Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of separating the precious from the vile in order to experience true life. He discusses the power of atmosphere and how it ca |
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Man's Ways Opposite to God's by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches about the divine order established by God, where greater things come first and inferior things second, contrasting with the reversed order found in humanit |