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Genesis 38:30
ESV Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.
NIV Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, came out. And he was named Zerah.
NASB Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand; and he was named Zerah.
CSB Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread tied to his hand, came out, and was named Zerah.
NLT Then the baby with the scarlet string on his wrist was born, and he was named Zerah.
KJV And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.
NKJV Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.

What does Genesis 38:30 mean?

Tamar's twins are being born. In what must have been an abnormal and awkward delivery, one boy extended out a hand. The quick-witted midwife tied a red thread around his wrist to show he was technically the firstborn. Unexpectedly, however, that baby drew his hand back in and his brother was fully delivered before his delivery could be completed.

The boy without the thread was named Perez, meaning "break through." Technically, he is the "younger" of the two. Now the baby with the thread is born. He is named Zerah, meaning "shining" or "brightness."

Thus, Judah's family expands by two. Tamar (Genesis 38:14–20) finally has the children Judah's two oldest sons did not provide. God will continue the pattern of emphasizing His choice over birth order (Genesis 25:23) in these children, as well. In the future, it will be the younger Perez, not the older Zerah, who carries on the main legacy of Judah.
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