Genesis 38:27

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 {H6256} of her travail {H3205}, that, behold, twins {H8380} were in her womb {H990}.

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

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.

Commentary

Context

Genesis chapter 38 presents a significant detour from the main narrative of Joseph, focusing instead on Judah, one of Jacob's sons. This chapter details Judah's actions, including his marriage, the death of his sons Er and Onan, and his subsequent interaction with his daughter-in-law, Tamar. Tamar, having been denied a third husband by Judah, resorted to an unconventional but purposeful plan to secure her rightful lineage. She disguised herself as a harlot and conceived by Judah himself (Genesis 38:13-19). Verse 27 marks the culmination of this dramatic sequence, revealing the outcome of their encounter: Tamar's pregnancy and the surprising discovery of twins during her labor, which ultimately led to Judah's confession of her righteousness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: Despite the morally complex and unconventional means, God's hand is clearly seen at work. This verse highlights how God can use imperfect human actions and unexpected circumstances to fulfill His divine plan, particularly in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.
  • Lineage and Inheritance: The emphasis on Tamar's pregnancy and the birth of twins underscores the critical importance of family lines and the continuation of the patriarchal promises in ancient Israel. This lineage, through Perez, is vital to the Messianic line.
  • The Unexpected: The narrative is full of surprises, from Tamar's bold actions to Judah's unwitting participation, and now the revelation of twins. The word "behold" (KJV) in the verse emphasizes this unexpected and noteworthy discovery during her travail.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "twins" is t'omim (ืชึผึฐืื•ึนืžึดื™ื). The KJV's "behold, twins" captures the suddenness and significance of this discovery. It's not just a medical fact but a narrative turning point, emphasizing the surprising abundance of the blessing (two sons instead of one) and the clear fulfillment of Tamar's desire for offspring to continue her deceased husband's line, albeit through Judah.

Practical Application

The story of Tamar and Judah, culminating in this verse, offers profound insights into God's character. It reminds us that God's purposes are not thwarted by human sin, complexity, or unconventional paths. He is sovereign over all circumstances, weaving together even the most challenging situations to advance His redemptive plan. For believers today, this can be a source of comfort and assurance, knowing that God can work through and redeem difficult situations, demonstrating His faithfulness even when human actions are flawed. It encourages us to trust in His overarching plan, even when the immediate circumstances seem confusing or morally ambiguous. The subsequent verses, Genesis 38:28-30, detail their unique birth and the naming of Perez and Zerah.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 25:24 (3 votes)

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