Genesis 38
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New International Version

Genesis 38:24-30

24About three months later Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result she is now pregnant.” Judah said, “Bring her out and have her burned to death!”

25As she was being brought out, she sent a message to her father-in-law. “I am pregnant by the man who owns these,” she said. And she added, “See if you recognize whose seal and cord and staff these are.”

26Judah recognized them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not sleep with her again.

27When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.

28As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said, “This one came out first.”

29But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, “So this is how you have broken out!” And he was named Perez.

30Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, came out. And he was named Zerah.

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Commentaries on Genesis 38

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