Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the concept of twins is mentioned in several instances, primarily in the Old Testament. The term "twin" refers to one of two offspring born at the same birth. Twins are significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing duality, conflict, or divine purpose.Jacob and Esau The most notable twins in the Bible are Jacob and Esau, the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Their account is found in Genesis 25:19-34. Rebekah, who was barren, conceived after Isaac prayed to the LORD. During her pregnancy, she experienced a struggle within her womb, prompting her to inquire of the LORD. The LORD revealed to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). Esau, the firstborn, emerged red and hairy, while Jacob followed, grasping Esau's heel. This act of grasping the heel was symbolic of Jacob's future role in supplanting Esau, as he later acquired Esau's birthright and blessing through cunning means. The relationship between Jacob and Esau is marked by conflict and reconciliation, reflecting the prophecy given to Rebekah. Perez and Zerah Another significant mention of twins is found in the account of Perez and Zerah, the sons of Judah and Tamar. This account is recorded in Genesis 38:27-30. During Tamar's labor, Zerah extended his hand, and the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it, indicating he was the firstborn. However, Zerah withdrew his hand, and Perez was born first. The midwife exclaimed, "How you have broken out!" (Genesis 38:29), and thus he was named Perez, meaning "breach" or "breakthrough." This narrative highlights themes of unexpected outcomes and divine intervention. Symbolism and Themes In biblical literature, twins often symbolize duality and contrast. The accounts of Jacob and Esau, as well as Perez and Zerah, illustrate themes of struggle, destiny, and the reversal of expectations. The younger twin often assumes a role of prominence or blessing, challenging cultural norms of primogeniture, where the firstborn traditionally held greater inheritance rights and authority. The accounts of twins in the Bible also underscore the sovereignty of God in determining the course of human history. Despite human actions and intentions, divine purposes prevail, as seen in the lives of Jacob and Esau, where God's plan for Israel unfolds through Jacob, the younger twin. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, twins were sometimes viewed with suspicion or as omens, due to their rarity and the complications associated with multiple births. However, the biblical narratives focus on the individuals and their roles in God's redemptive plan, rather than any superstitions associated with twin births. The accounts of twins in the Bible serve as a reminder of God's providence and the unfolding of His promises through unexpected means. These narratives continue to be studied for their theological insights and their reflection of God's overarching narrative in Scripture. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Being one of two born at a birth; as, a twin brother or sister.2. (a.) Being one of a pair much resembling one another; standing the relation of a twin to something else; -- often followed by to or with. 3. (a.) Double; consisting of two similar and corresponding parts. 4. (a.) Composed of parts united according to some definite law of twinning. See Twin, n., 4. 5. (n.) One of two produced at a birth, especially by an animal that ordinarily brings forth but one at a birth; -- used chiefly in the plural, and applied to the young of beasts as well as to human young. 6. (n.) A sign and constellation of the zodiac; Gemini. See Gemini. 7. (n.) A person or thing that closely resembles another. 8. (n.) A compound crystal composed of two or more crystals, or parts of crystals, in reversed position with reference to each other. 9. (v. i.) To bring forth twins. 10. (v. i.) To be born at the same birth. 11. (v. t.) To cause to be twins, or like twins in any way. 12. (v. t.) To separate into two parts; to part; to divide; hence, to remove; also, to strip; to rob. 13. (v. i.) To depart from a place or thing. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TWIN BROTHERS(Acts 28:11). Greek 2381. Thomas -- "the twin," Thomas, one of the twelve apostles ... "the twin," Thomas, one of the ... Word Origin of Hebrew origin toam Definition "the twin," Thomas, one of the twelve apostles NASB Word Usage Thomas (11). Thomas. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2381.htm - 6k 1359. Dioskouroi -- the Dioscuri, twin sons of Zeus (Castor and ... 1324. Didumos -- Didymus. Strong's Hebrew 8420b. toam -- a twin... toam. 8421 . a twin. Transliteration: toam Short Definition: twins. Word Origin from an unused word Definition a twin NASB Word Usage twins (4). 8420a, 8420b ... /hebrew/8420b.htm - 5k 123. edom -- the name of a condiment 8380. taom -- twins Library The Pelagians are Refuted by the Case of the Twin Infants Dying ... The Paradoxes of Christianity Clement's Family History. New Revelations. 'The Bridal of the Earth and Sky' Matthew. Psalm LXVII. Genesis. Recapitulation. Recapitulation Continued. Thesaurus Twin (9 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Being one of two born at a birth; as, a twin brother or sister. 2. (a ... twinning. See Twin, n., 4. 5 ... /t/twin.htm - 10k Thomas (12 Occurrences) Esau (89 Occurrences) Twine (1 Occurrence) Dioscuri (1 Occurrence) Didymus (3 Occurrences) Bethesda (1 Occurrence) Jacob (361 Occurrences) Twilight (25 Occurrences) Brothers (574 Occurrences) Resources Who are the twins in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org Who was Esau in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Twin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Twin (9 Occurrences)John 11:16 John 20:24 John 21:2 Acts 28:11 Genesis 25:24 Genesis 38:27 Song of Songs 4:2 Song of Songs 4:5 Song of Songs 6:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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