Genesis 38:27

KJV

And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins [were] in her womb.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the time {H6256} of her travail {H3205}, that, behold, twins {H8380} were in her womb {H990}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When she went into labor, it became evident that she was going to have twins.

Berean Standard Bible

When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 38:27 marks a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Judah and Tamar, revealing the surprising culmination of Tamar's pregnancy with the discovery of twins during her labor. This verse underscores God's sovereign hand in preserving the promised Messianic lineage through unexpected, morally complex, and unconventional circumstances, setting the stage for the significant births of Perez and Zerah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 38 serves as a deliberate and somewhat jarring interlude in the unfolding narrative of Joseph, shifting focus abruptly to Judah, one of Jacob's sons. This chapter provides a stark contrast to Joseph's narrative of integrity and suffering, highlighting the moral failings and complexities within the patriarchal family itself. Verse 27 brings the dramatic tension of Judah and Tamar's story to its climax, following Tamar's ingenious and desperate plan to secure her rightful lineage after Judah's failure to fulfill his levirate duty (as outlined in [Genesis 38:8](/genesis/38-8 "Genesis 38:8 - Levirate Marriage Custom")). Having conceived by Judah himself through deception ([Genesis 38:13-19](/genesis/38-13-19 "Genesis 38:13-19 - Tamar's Plan and Conception")), the revelation of twins in this verse is the direct outcome of their encounter and sets the stage for Judah's eventual confession of Tamar's righteousness (as seen in [Genesis 38:26](/genesis/38-26 "Genesis 38:26 - Judah's Confession")) and the subsequent, highly significant birth sequence in the verses that follow ([Genesis 38:28-30](/genesis/38-28-30 "Genesis 38:28-30 - The Birth of Perez and Zerah")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of Genesis 38 is deeply embedded in the ancient Near Eastern cultural practice of levirate marriage (yibbum), which obligated a man to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce an heir for the deceased, thereby preserving the family line and inheritance. For a widow like Tamar, having no children meant social and economic vulnerability, and the continuation of her deceased husband's name was paramount. Judah's failure to provide his youngest son, Shelah, violated this sacred custom and put Tamar in a precarious position. Her actions, though deceptive by modern standards, were driven by a desperate desire to secure her place and ensure the continuation of the family line, which was a matter of survival and honor in that patriarchal society. The emphasis on lineage was not merely social but also theological, as the covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were tied to their descendants.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 38:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing how God works through imperfect human actions and unexpected circumstances to fulfill His overarching plan, particularly in preserving the promised Messianic lineage. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of **Lineage and Inheritance** in ancient Israel, emphasizing the continuation of family lines as central to the patriarchal promises. The surprising birth of twins doubles the potential for an heir, underscoring the divine commitment to this theme. Thirdly, the narrative is rich with the theme of **Justice and Righteousness**, as Tamar's actions, though unconventional, are ultimately vindicated by Judah's confession, revealing a deeper moral order at play. Finally, the element of **The Unexpected** is prominent, with the "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _vehinnēh_) emphasizing the surprising discovery of twins, a recurring motif in biblical narratives where God often works in ways that defy human expectations, such as the unexpected births of Isaac ([Genesis 21:1-3](/genesis/21-1-3 "Genesis 21:1-3 - The Birth of Isaac")) or Jacob and Esau ([Genesis 25:24-26](/genesis/25-24-26 "Genesis 25:24-26 - The Birth of Jacob and Esau")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The King James Version of Genesis 38:27 states, "And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins [were] in her womb." This concise verse is packed with narrative and theological significance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **time (Hebrew, _ʻêth'_):** From H6256, _ʻêth_ refers to a specific period or season. In this context, it precisely pinpoints the moment of Tamar's delivery, emphasizing the culmination of the nine-month gestation and the unfolding of God's perfect timing in bringing forth the next generation of the promised lineage.
* **travail (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** Derived from the primitive root H3205, _yâlad_ encompasses the act of bearing young, giving birth, or acting as a midwife. Here, it specifically denotes the intense labor pains associated with childbirth, marking the painful yet ultimately fruitful culmination of Tamar's pregnancy and her desperate quest for an heir.
* **twins (Hebrew, _tâʼôwm'_):** From H8380, _tâʼôwm_ (or _tāʼōm_) literally means "a twin," used here in the plural. This word highlights the surprising and significant discovery of two infants within Tamar's womb, doubling the blessing and profoundly impacting the narrative's trajectory by providing two potential heirs for the continuation of Judah's line.
* **womb (Hebrew, _beṭen'_):** From H990, _beṭen_ refers to the belly, specifically the womb. Its mention here emphasizes the internal, hidden nature of the developing life and the miraculous revelation of its dual presence at the point of birth, making the discovery of twins even more striking.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the time of her travail":** This opening phrase, a common Hebrew narrative device (וַיְהִי, _vayhi_), signals a significant progression in the storyline, moving the narrative forward to the crucial moment of Tamar's delivery. The phrase "in the time of her travail" (בְּעֵת לִדְתָּהּ, _bəʿēṯ liḏəttāh_) specifically indicates the onset of labor pains, highlighting the natural, yet intense, process of childbirth. It sets the stage for the dramatic revelation that follows, emphasizing the culmination of her pregnancy and the imminent fulfillment of her desire for offspring.
* **"that, behold, twins [were] in her womb":** The interjection "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _vehinnēh_, from H2009) is crucial, serving to draw the reader's attention to an unexpected and highly significant discovery. It emphasizes the element of surprise and divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "twins" (תְּאוֹמִים, _təʾōmîm_, from H8380) reveals the astonishing fact that Tamar was carrying not one, but two children. This revelation is not merely a medical detail but a momentous plot development, doubling the blessing and ensuring the continuation of the lineage through more than one son, setting the stage for the dramatic birth order in the subsequent verses. The phrase "in her womb" (בְּבִטְנָהּ, _bəviṭnāh_) clarifies the location of the twins, making the discovery at the point of birth even more striking.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 38:27 effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the mere presence of twins hints at the subsequent dramatic struggle for birth order between Perez and Zerah, which itself foreshadows the later biblical theme of the younger son superseding the elder. There is also an element of **Irony** in the narrative's broader context: Judah, who had failed to provide an heir for Tamar, unwittingly becomes the father of her children, ensuring the continuation of his own line through the very woman he had wronged. The use of the interjection "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _vehinnēh_) functions as a powerful **Exclamation** or **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the surprising and divinely orchestrated revelation of the twins, highlighting the unexpected nature of God's work in human affairs. This also subtly points to **Divine Providence**, as the unexpected doubling of offspring underscores God's active hand in preserving the lineage despite human sin and moral ambiguity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 38:27 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering sovereignty and providential care over His redemptive plan, even amidst human sin and moral complexity. The discovery of twins, particularly after Tamar's unconventional actions, serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to work through flawed individuals and unexpected circumstances to achieve His perfect will. This verse emphasizes that God's purposes for His covenant people and the promised lineage are not thwarted by human failings but are ultimately secured by His faithfulness. It highlights that the continuation of the Messianic line is not dependent on human perfection but on divine commitment, ensuring that the seed promised to Abraham would indeed come forth.

* [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Perez in Christ's Genealogy")
* [Ruth 4:12](/ruth/4-12 "Ruth 4:12 - Perez as a Progenitor")
* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Tamar and Judah, culminating in the surprising birth of twins in this verse, offers profound insights into God's character and His redemptive plan that resonate deeply with believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes are not thwarted by human sin, moral complexity, or unconventional paths. He is utterly sovereign over all circumstances, weaving together even the most challenging and ethically ambiguous situations to advance His redemptive plan. For believers, this truth can be a profound source of comfort and assurance, knowing that God can work through and redeem even our most difficult, flawed, or seemingly hopeless situations. It encourages us to trust in His overarching plan, even when the immediate circumstances seem confusing, unjust, or ethically challenging, recognizing His infinite capacity to bring good out of unexpected and even sinful events. This narrative challenges us to look beyond human failings and conventional expectations to discern God's faithful hand at work, reminding us that His grace is greater than our sin and His wisdom surpasses our understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the revelation of twins in this verse challenge our assumptions about how God works to fulfill His purposes?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to doubt God's sovereignty because of the complex or messy circumstances? How can this story encourage your trust?**
* **What does Tamar's story, culminating in the birth of these twins, teach us about God's willingness to use unexpected or marginalized individuals in His divine plan?**

### FAQ
**Why is the discovery of twins significant in this narrative?**

Answer: The discovery of twins is significant for several profound reasons. Narratively, it adds an element of surprise and further emphasizes God's abundant provision, doubling the offspring for a lineage that seemed at risk. Theologically, it ensures the continuation of the crucial covenant lineage promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Specifically, one of these twins, Perez, becomes a direct and explicit ancestor of King David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ, making this discovery vital for the Messianic line, as noted in [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Perez in Christ's Genealogy"). It highlights God's sovereign hand in preserving His redemptive plan despite human failings.

**Does this story condone Tamar's deceptive actions?**

Answer: The biblical narrative presents Tamar's actions without explicitly condoning or condemning them. Instead, it focuses on the outcome: Judah's acknowledgment of her righteousness compared to his own failure to fulfill his duty ([Genesis 38:26](/genesis/38-26 "Genesis 38:26 - Judah's Confession")). The story primarily highlights God's sovereignty in preserving the promised lineage despite human sin and moral complexity, demonstrating His ability to work through imperfect means to achieve His perfect will. It's a testament to God's grace and His capacity to bring about His purposes even when human agents act in morally ambiguous ways.

**What does the word "behold" (KJV) signify in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _vehinnēh_) is a common interjection used to draw attention to something new, surprising, or particularly noteworthy. In [Genesis 38:27](/genesis/38-27 "Genesis 38:27 - The Birth of Twins"), it emphatically signals the unexpected nature of finding twins during Tamar's labor. It serves to heighten the drama and underscore the significance of this discovery, indicating to the reader that this is not just a routine birth but a divinely orchestrated event with profound implications for the unfolding narrative and the divine plan of redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 38:27, with its surprising revelation of twins, is profoundly Christ-centered in its fulfillment, specifically through the birth of Perez. Despite the morally ambiguous and unconventional circumstances surrounding his conception, Perez is explicitly named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the New Testament ([Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Perez in Christ's Genealogy")). This verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, demonstrating His sovereignty over human actions, even sin and deception. God orchestrates events, using unexpected individuals like Tamar and surprising discoveries like the twins, to ensure the continuation of the promised lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. It highlights that Christ's ancestry is not one of perfect human righteousness, but one woven through the complexities and imperfections of human history, showcasing God's extraordinary grace and His ability to redeem all circumstances for His ultimate purpose of salvation. The twin birth, particularly the unexpected prominence of Perez (the "breacher"), foreshadows Christ's own breaking through the barriers of sin and death to establish a new covenant.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 25:24

And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, [there were] twins in her womb.