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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 38:30 Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread around his wrist, and he was named Zerah.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/38-30.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/01_Gen_38_30.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 38:30 - The Birth of Perez and Zerah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread around his wrist, and he was named Zerah." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/38-30.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/38-30.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/38.htm">Chapter 38</a> > Verse 30</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/38-29.htm" title="Genesis 38:29">◄</a> Genesis 38:30 <a href="/genesis/39-1.htm" title="Genesis 39:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/38.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, came out. And he was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the baby with the scarlet string on his wrist was born, and he was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread around his wrist, and he was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet <i>thread</i> on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet <i>thread</i> on his hand; and he was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand; and he was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet <i>thread</i> on his hand; and he was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet <i>thread</i> on his hand; and he was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Afterward his brother who had the scarlet [thread] on his hand was born and was named Zerah (brightness).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread tied to his hand, came out, and was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread tied to his hand, came out, and was named Zerah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the brother with the red thread was born, they named him Zerah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />After that his brother was born with the red yarn on his hand. He was named Zerah [Sunrise].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then his brother was born with the red thread on his arm, and he was named Zerah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Afterwards, his brother came out, and around his hand was the scarlet. So they named him Zerah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread around his wrist, and he was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Afterward his brother came out--the one who had the scarlet thread on his hand--and he was named Zerah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Afterward his brother came out, that had the scarlet thread on his hand, so he was named Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And afterwards came out his brother that had the scarlet thread upon his hand; and his name was called Zarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Afterward his brother came out, who had the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and afterward his brother has come out, on whose hand [is] the scarlet thread, and he calls his name Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and afterwards hath his brother come out, on whose hand is the scarlet thread, and he calleth his name Zarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And afterward his brother will come forth, whom upon his hand the scarlet, and his name shall be called Zarah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Afterwards his brother came out, on whose hand was the scarlet thread: and she called him Zara. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />After this, his brother came out, on whose hand was the scarlet thread. And she called him Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Afterward his brother, who had the crimson thread on his hand, came out; he was called Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Afterward his brother came out with the crimson thread on his hand; and he was named Zerah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And afterward came out his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his hand; and she called his name Zarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And after that, his brother came out, on whose hand was the thread of scarlet, and she called his name Zarakh. <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand; and his name was called Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And after this came forth his brother, on whose hand was the scarlet thread; and she called his name, Zara.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/38-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9902" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">The Birth of Perez and Zerah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">29</span>But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez. <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: wə·’a·ḥar (Conj-w:: Adv) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">Then</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">came out</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/8144.htm" title="8144: haš·šā·nî (Art:: N-ms) -- Scarlet. Of uncertain derivation; crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it.">the scarlet thread</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">around</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">his wrist,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">and he was named</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2226.htm" title="2226: zā·raḥ (N-proper-ms) -- The same as zerach; Zerach, the name of three Israelites, also of an Idumaean and an Ethiopian prince.">Zerah.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-3.htm">Matthew 1:3</a></span><br />Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-12.htm">Ruth 4:12</a></span><br />And may your house become like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the LORD will give you by this young woman.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-4.htm">1 Chronicles 2:4</a></span><br />Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, bore to him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/26-20.htm">Numbers 26:20</a></span><br />These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/4-1.htm">1 Chronicles 4:1</a></span><br />The descendants of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-33.htm">Luke 3:33</a></span><br />the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-9.htm">1 Chronicles 2:9-10</a></span><br />The sons who were born to Hezron: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Caleb. / Ram was the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of the descendants of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-18.htm">1 Chronicles 2:18</a></span><br />Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah and by Jerioth. These were the sons of Azubah: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-24.htm">1 Chronicles 2:24</a></span><br />After Hezron died in Caleb-ephrathah, his wife Abijah bore to him Ashhur the father of Tekoa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-50.htm">1 Chronicles 2:50</a></span><br />These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/4-21.htm">1 Chronicles 4:21</a></span><br />The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/9-4.htm">1 Chronicles 9:4</a></span><br />Uthai son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, a descendant of Perez son of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-3.htm">1 Chronicles 27:3</a></span><br />He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-10.htm">1 Chronicles 27:10</a></span><br />The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-22.htm">1 Chronicles 27:22</a></span><br />and over Dan was Azarel son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread on his hand: and his name was called Zarah.</p><p class="hdg">Zarah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/9-6.htm">1 Chronicles 9:6</a></b></br> And of the sons of Zerah; Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety.</p><p class="hdg">Zerah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/1-3.htm">Matthew 1:3</a></b></br> And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;</p><p class="hdg">Zara.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/33-7.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/genesis/33-7.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/genesis/38-29.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Red</a> <a href="/genesis/37-7.htm">Round</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Scarlet</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Thread</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Wrist</a> <a href="/genesis/46-12.htm">Zarah</a> <a href="/genesis/36-33.htm">Zerah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/41-27.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/genesis/41-31.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/49-12.htm">Red</a> <a href="/genesis/41-48.htm">Round</a> <a href="/exodus/25-4.htm">Scarlet</a> <a href="/exodus/28-14.htm">Thread</a> <a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Wrist</a> <a href="/genesis/46-12.htm">Zarah</a> <a href="/genesis/46-12.htm">Zerah</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 38</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-1.htm">Judah begets Er, Onan, and Shelah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">Er's marriage with Tamar, and death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">The trespass of Onan.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Tamar is reserved for Shelah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Judah's wife dies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-13.htm">Tamar deceives Judah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-27.htm">She bears twins, Pharez and Zarah.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/38.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/38.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then his brother came out</b><br>This phrase refers to the birth of Zerah, the twin brother of Perez. The narrative of <a href="/genesis/38.htm">Genesis 38</a> is set within the larger story of Joseph, providing a contrast between Judah's moral failings and Joseph's righteousness. The birth of twins is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing conflict or competition, as seen with Jacob and Esau.<p><b>with the scarlet thread around his wrist</b><br>The scarlet thread was tied around Zerah's wrist by the midwife to mark him as the firstborn, as he initially put out his hand before Perez was born. The use of a scarlet thread is symbolic and appears elsewhere in Scripture, such as in the story of Rahab (<a href="/joshua/2-18.htm">Joshua 2:18</a>), where it signifies protection and redemption. The color scarlet often represents sin and redemption (<a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a>).<p><b>and he was named Zerah</b><br>The name Zerah means "brightness" or "dawning," which can symbolize hope or a new beginning. In the genealogical records, Zerah's descendants are mentioned among the tribes of Judah (<a href="/1_chronicles/2-4.htm">1 Chronicles 2:4, 6</a>). The naming of Zerah, despite not being the firstborn, highlights the theme of God's sovereignty in choosing leaders and fulfilling His promises, as seen in the lineage of Christ through Perez (<a href="/matthew/1-3.htm">Matthew 1:3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/z/zerah.htm">Zerah</a></b><br>The second son of Judah and Tamar, who was born with a scarlet thread tied around his hand. His name means "brightness" or "rising," indicating a significant future or destiny.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/perez.htm">Perez</a></b><br>Zerah's twin brother, who was born first despite Zerah's initial emergence. His name means "breach" or "bursting forth," symbolizing unexpected breakthroughs or divine intervention.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/tamar.htm">Tamar</a></b><br>The mother of Perez and Zerah, who played a crucial role in the continuation of Judah's lineage. Her actions, though controversial, were pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The father of Perez and Zerah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. His lineage is significant in biblical history, leading to the line of King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/scarlet_thread.htm">Scarlet Thread</a></b><br>A symbol tied around Zerah's hand, representing identification and distinction. It signifies themes of redemption and covenant throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">Divine Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>The birth of Perez and Zerah illustrates God's control over human events, even when they seem chaotic or unexpected. Trust in God's plan, even when it defies human logic.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/significance_of_lineage.htm">Significance of Lineage</a></b><br>The account emphasizes the importance of lineage in God's redemptive plan. Reflect on how God uses family lines and heritage to fulfill His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_scarlet_thread.htm">Symbolism of the Scarlet Thread</a></b><br>The scarlet thread is a powerful symbol of redemption and covenant. Consider how God marks His people for His purposes and protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unexpected_outcomes.htm">Unexpected Outcomes</a></b><br>Perez's unexpected birth order reminds us that God's ways are not our ways. Be open to God's unexpected interventions in your life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_women_in_god's_plan.htm">Role of Women in God's Plan</a></b><br>Tamar's account highlights the significant role women play in God's redemptive history. Recognize and value the contributions of women in the faith community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_38.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 38</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_haters_of_brothers_walk_in_darkness.htm">Who was Zerah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_genesis_38_27-30_align_with_twin_biology.htm">In Genesis 38:27-30, how do we reconcile the unusual birth story of Perez and Zerah with other scriptural and modern biological understandings of twins?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_1_chr_2_3-4_align_with_gen_38.htm">How does 1 Chronicles 2:3-4 align with Genesis 38 regarding Judah and Tamar's lineage, and does it create inconsistencies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_bible's_twins.htm">Who are the twins mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/38.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(30) <span class= "bld">Zarah.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">the rising, </span>especially of the sun. There is in the name an allusion to the red streak placed (upon the child's hand.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 30.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and hi, name was called Zarah</span> - Splendor. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/38-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַחַר֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’a·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his brother</span><br /><span class="heb">אָחִ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came out</span><br /><span class="heb">יָצָ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the scarlet thread</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁנִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8144.htm">Strong's 8144: </a> </span><span class="str2">Crimson, the insect, its color, stuff dyed with it</span><br /><br /><span class="word">around</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his wrist,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָד֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he was named</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Zerah.</span><br /><span class="heb">זָֽרַח׃</span> <span class="translit">(zā·raḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2226.htm">Strong's 2226: </a> </span><span class="str2">Zerah -- three Israelites, also an Edomite, also an Ethiopian</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/38-30.htm">Genesis 38:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/38-30.htm">OT Law: Genesis 38:30 Afterward his brother came out that had (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/38-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 38:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/39-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 39:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 39:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>