Genesis 38:28

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֥י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמְיַלֶּ֗דֶת

H3205

And it came to pass when she travailed

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וַיִּתֶּן

H5414

that the one put out

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יָד֤וֹ

H3027

his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַתִּקַּ֣ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַמְיַלֶּ֗דֶת

H3205

And it came to pass when she travailed

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וַתִּקְשֹׁ֨ר

H7194

and bound

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָד֤וֹ

H3027

his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#10

שָׁנִי֙

H8144

a scarlet thread

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

#11

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

זֶ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#13

יָצָ֥א

H3318

This came out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#14

רִֽאשֹׁנָֽה׃

H7223

first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 38 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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