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Genesis 38:27 - Unexpected twins reveal destiny

Genesis 38:27 - בראשית 38:27

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בְּעֵת לִדְתָּהּ וְהִנֵּה תְאוֹמִים בְּבִטְנָהּ׃

English Translation

And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb.

Transliteration

Vayehi be'et lidtah vehineh te'omim bevitnah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֖י בְּעֵ֣ת לִדְתָּ֑הּ וְהִנֵּ֥ה תְאוֹמִ֖ים בְּבִטְנָֽהּ׃
וַיְהִ֖י בְּעֵ֣ת לִדְתָּ֑הּ וְהִנֵּ֥ה תְאוֹמִ֖ים בְּבִטְנָֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 38:27) describes the birth of Peretz and Zerach, the twin sons of Yehuda and Tamar. The narrative occurs within the broader story of Yehuda's interactions with Tamar, which carries significant themes of righteousness, repentance, and Divine providence.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיְהִי בְּעֵת לִדְתָּהּ" ("And it came to pass in the time of her travail") emphasizes the suddenness and intensity of Tamar's labor. He notes that the term "וַיְהִי" often introduces a distressing event (based on Talmud Megillah 10b). Additionally, Rashi highlights the miraculous nature of the birth, as Tamar was initially unaware she was carrying twins until the moment of delivery.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereshit Rabbah (85:4): The Midrash teaches that Tamar's twins were the result of Divine intervention, as she had been deemed barren. Their birth symbolizes the fulfillment of Yehuda's teshuvah (repentance) and the continuation of the Davidic lineage (as Peretz is an ancestor of David).
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeshev 12): The twins' struggle in the womb (later described in Genesis 38:28-30) reflects the eternal conflict between their descendants—Peretz's line leading to kingship (David) and Zerach's line producing scholars (such as Achiyah HaShiloni).

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his principles in Hilchot Teshuvah (Laws of Repentance) align with the narrative. Yehuda's public admission of Tamar's righteousness (Genesis 38:26) demonstrates complete repentance, which the Sages connect to the eventual birth of these twins as a reward for his honesty.

Halachic Significance

The Gemara (Yevamot 34a) discusses the legal implications of twin births in relation to yibum (levirate marriage), as the verse establishes precedent for multiple heirs from such unions. The unusual nature of this birth—where Zerach initially emerges but withdraws, allowing Peretz to be born first—also informs discussions about inheritance rights and birth order in Jewish law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 38:27 mean when it says 'twins were in her womb'?
A: The verse describes Tamar giving birth to twins, Peretz and Zerach (Genesis 38:29-30). According to Rashi, this was miraculous because Tamar was originally thought to be barren, showing how Hashem can bring unexpected blessings.
Q: Why is the birth of these twins important in the Torah?
A: These twins are significant because Peretz became an ancestor of King David (Ruth 4:18-22) and ultimately the Messianic line. The Talmud (Sotah 10b) discusses how Tamar's righteousness led to this important lineage.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Tamar having twins?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:1) teaches that this story shows how Hashem rewards righteousness even in difficult circumstances. Despite Tamar's challenging situation, her commitment to truth and justice brought about great blessings.
Q: How does the Torah describe the birth process in this verse?
A: The verse uses the term 'be'et lidtah' (in her time of travail), which Rambam explains (Hilchot Isurei Bi'ah 15:4) refers to the natural process of childbirth, showing the Torah's respect for this miraculous yet difficult human experience.
Q: Why does the Torah mention there were twins before they were born?
A: Rashi explains that mentioning the twins beforehand emphasizes the miracle - that what seemed like a single pregnancy (as was assumed) was actually twins, showing Hashem's hidden wonders in creation (based on Bereshit Rabbah 85:1).