I’ve been think a lot about all the twins in the Bible lately. Why?
Finding out we were going to have twins was, perhaps, the biggest shock of our lives. They have been a double blessing to our lives.
There are many famous sets of twins in history, and this includes Biblical history.
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All the Twins in the Bible:
1. Jacob and Esau – Jacob and Esau, sons of Isaac and Rebecca, are the first twins mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 25:19-28). The story of Jacob is told in Genesis 25:19-37:36 and 42:1-50:3. The story of Esau is found in Genesis 25:19-28:9, 32:1 -33:20, and 35:27-36:43. From Jacob the twelve tribes of Israel descended. Esau became the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:19,43; Obadiah 1:6; Malachi 1:2-3).
2. Perez and Zerah – Judah’s daughter-in-law, Tamar, was widowed and did not want to be childless. Wrapping her face in a veil and disguising herself as a prostitute, she intercepts Judah on the road and he sleeps with her. The result of their union was Perez and Zerah (Genesis 38:12-30). From Perez would come the family of David (Ruth 4:18-22).
3. Ephraim and Manasseh –The Bible does not directly state that the two sons of Joseph and Asenath were twins, but there is good reason to believe they were. First, Genesis mentions they were both born “before the year of famine came” (Genesis 41:50). Second, two conceptions are not mentioned in the text. Third, if they are twins they fit nicely into the pattern seen in the lives of Isaac and Judah: both their younger twins inherited the birthright, just as the younger Ephraim was blessed first by Jacob (Genesis 48:19). Jacob promised that both Ephraim and Manasseh would become patriarchs of a multitude, which began a traditional blessing said in Israel: “God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh” (Genesis 48:20).
4. Thomas and his unnamed sibling – Thomas was one of the twelves apostles (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). His name means “twin.” His surname was Didymus (John 11:16; 20:24; 21:2), meaning “double,” or “twofold.” Thomas is perhaps best known as “Doubting Thomas” because of the resurrection story in John 20:24-29, but other stories in the Gospel of John reveal Thomas to be a man of great devotion of to Christ (John 11:16; 14:5).
5. Castor and Pollux – This probably shouldn’t make the list, but I’ll include it to be thorough. In Acts 28:11 we read that Paul sailed aboard an Alexandrian ship with the figureheads of Castor and Pollux on it. In Greek mythology these were the twin sons of Zeus and Leda, and were the patron deities of sailors.
6. Were Cain and Abel Twins? – Some Bible scholars believe Cain and Abel were twins. Genesis 4:1-2a states, “Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” And again, she bore his brother Abel.” The word “again” is the Hebrew term yacaph can also mean “add” or “increase,” giving the impression that Abel was born directly after Cain. This is a possibility, but because the text moves very quickly through time (in the very next statement Cain and Abel have grown up and engaging in their respective occupations), one can’t be dogmatic about it. There is no early Jewish or Christian tradition supporting this claim.
All the Twins in the Bible: Conclusion
These are all the twins in the Bible that I know of. If you think I missed any, feel free to let me know in the comments!
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Cain & Abel are the first twins of the Bible. It states in Gen. 4 that Eve gave birth to Cain then later gave birth to Abel. The Hebrew phrase for a continued act is used when read in Hebrew and let’s not forget that before hand the sexual relation is noted. It is only,noted once before Eve gave birth to Cain then Abel . The next time sexual relations are mentioned again between Adam & Eve was to give an account for the birth of Seth.
Thanks for the pointers on Hebrew. I’ve never read that interpretation before. I’ll have to do a little more research on that.
NP God,bless. I was blown away with it too when it was taught to,me. I had always believed that 1st twin rivalry was between Jacob & Esau but when you go back and read it, knowing that they were twins you realize just how and sutil that crafty old serpant was/is.
The word for again as a continuous act is yachaph pronounces yaw-saf.
Ok word may be wrong. Will look it up later: at the movies now getting dirty looks.,Sorry
Yacaph – Yaw-saf is in the Strong’s Concordance H3254
again- to continue to do a thing
Twins of different Fathers!
Cain’s father is the Serpent (Satan)
Abel’s father is Adam
Cain is not in Adam’s genealogy (Genesis 5:1)
Kenites – Claiming to be Jews (Rev 2:9, 3:9)
Oppressing the children of light (Luke 16:8)
thanks for the read… but it was Cain that was born to Adam after he had relations with his wife and she became pregnant. Then Eve gave birth to another son Abel (not mentioning that Adam and Eve may or may not have had relations to conceive this child. Genesis 4:1 clears that up. Cain and Abel were both not mentioned (as well as other children of Adam and/or Eve) in Genesis 5:1. Some people call this the account of Adam to Noah, therefore they would not be mentioned. Which makes Noah the descendant of Adam through Seth. The other descendants of Adam, if still alive, would have died in the flood. Have a great weekend!
I believe Cain and Abel were not twins, It’s only that the writer of Genesis decided to shorten the chapter instead of writing stories that Adam took time to know his wife again. Abel may have been born years after Cain but the point is Abel was not born at the same time with Cain
Jacob’s wives, Leah and Rachel, were also twins – identical twins. That’s why Jacob didn’t notice that Laban had deceived him when Laban gave Leah to Jacob to wife. Jacob should have noticed that he was given the wrong daughter on his wedding night, don’t you think? It took him a while to recognize he was tricked. Leah was the first born of the two, so she had to be given in marriage first, according to Laban.
Interesting theory. Quite possible.
I wondered how someone couldn’t notice it was the wrong person. This is very interesting. However it says Rachel was attractive but doesn’t mention that about Leah, maybe they weren’t twins but looked very similar, maybe the bride had to cover herself for intimacy and that’s why he did not notice. I do know this crap wouldn’t fly in todays society lol
There are also fraternal twins to think about. This article isn’t about identical twins only.
According to the Book of Jasher, which some consider to be valid, Leah and Rachael ARE twins. You’ll find it directly stated in chapter 28 verse 28. Whether it is valid as scripture or not, it is indeed an ancient text and is therefore one valid historical perspective
Genesis 29:16 – Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah’s eyes were weak but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance.
I don’t see the mention of twins…and I definitely do not see where they were “identical.” Laban tricked Jacob by giving Leah to him on the night he was expecting Rachel. Even though Rachel was more beautiful in “form” and “appearance,” their bodies may have been similar. I believe Leah may have had a veil over her face or sent into his tent with no candlelight (Thomas Edison didn’t come into the picture until much later). Jacob may also have had too much vino.
The theory that Leah and Rachel are twins is only really supported by the idea that Jacob confused them, but this, as you point out, could be explained by other factors.
The whole concept of the Bible is twins, Adam and Eve are twins, God and his word are twins, the word became flesh and it was the expressed image of God,Good and Evil came from the same tree, twins, the wheat and the tares are twins, the wolf in sheep’s clothing, the flesh and the spirit are twins, even though that which was natural came first, remember a lie is the truth turned upside down, they are twins. Leah came out first then Rachel (Le – flesh) (El – spirit)
Case and point. Bethlehem and Bible, see the [ le ] house of bread.
Bethel and Gospel see the [ el ] house of God, twins Gen 25:22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD. and the struggle between all of the twins are ongoing, except for one and that twin is God and His Word, no war here.
Most of what you are describing sound like opposites rather than twins. Although I am intrigued by the theory. In the womb twins compete for territory and provision. The same could be said for some of the things you describe.
Twins need not be identical. Many times they are fraternal.
W O W!!!
I appreciate your studying and hunger for understanding the process of knowing. I am a proud mother of Twin sons Elijah 💙 and Isaiah, God can can create two out of one person as well as two becoming one
I go with Jeff. In some cultures as mine, back in the day, wives arrived at their husbands’ after dark. Modesty meant the woman was veiled and didn’t not talk. Leah, recognising she was not the favoured one would probably keep quite, have intercourse and commit Jacob to marriage. Sake’s commentary explained that Rachel was given to Jacob “immediately” (ie, the next day) when daylight revealed he’d been tricked. There is no direct mention that Leah and Rachel were twins. It does not matter to Scriptural narratives anyway.
Corrections
1. Delete ‘not’ (Didn’t not)
2. Dake’s commentary (not Sake’s)
only God knowns
Reading through the bible, Esau and Jacob were specifically declared as twins. Gen 25. Zarah and Pharez were explicitely explained as twins Gen 38 These are the only twins in the bible. Let’s be care not to add or subtract from the bible and attract the curse of God. God bless you all
It is certainly not my intention to “add” to the Bible, but interpret it.
In the Bible, Leah was the plain sister while Rachel was the beautiful one. Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Leah and I really don’t know why! In “Tess of the D’Urbevilles” by Thomas Hardy, Tess is called the Rachel amongst the Leahs to describe her beauty and the way the other ladies are plain.
He could have tricked him knowing he was an ideal husband and fear his oldest daughter wouldn’t find a husband like him. He also knew Jacob loved Rachel and would work another 7 years for her to be his wife. It says it was customary to marry the oldest first so he didn’t want to break custom either.
I believe in stay in with the Word of God, if it doesn’t say they was Twins anything else is speculation, the Bible tells plainly do not add to his word or take away
Not intending to add or take away from his word. Do you think I’ve done this somewhere?
In the king James when it comes to the birth of Cain and Able she bare down and had Cain then she bare down again and had Able so this is why they said that Cain and Able are twins
Also interesting is the first man Adam and the second or last Adam, Christ. Both are listed in Luke’s genealogy a Son of God and again it is the second that is pre-eminent.
I am believing in God for twins. I feel as old as Sarah but I have faith. Please can everyone pray for me. I found this page looking for biblical names for my twins.
Just saw your comment now and would love to pray for you. Have God answered your prayers yet?
I have been “believing God for twins,” as she put it, as well. For over 21 years when my first daughter was believed to have started as a twin. I have conceived twins twice (proof in ultrasound) but one ended up vanishing by 11 weeks and same for the other but a little earlier. God has blessed us with 11 children! I am 47 and still hoping for my twins. I would love prayer. I also came across this website looking for hope as I pray this morning. Thanks for the info, Luke!
I like your faith and bless GOD for you.
I also found this page looking for biblical names for my identical twins born yesterday
The gnostic gospel of Thomas says Judas Didymus Thomas and Yeshua, The Christ, were twins. Although it sounds like blasphemy to the Christian mindset, it would make complete sense in keeping with the rest of the Bible. All these twins warring against each other, seed of man, seed of the serpent, until Christ comes to make one man out of the two, He the Son of The Most High, Thomas an ordinary man but a true disciple of his brother, the Savior of mankind. True completion. By the way, if you go back to the Targum Jonathan, you will read that Eve desired the Angel of Death, Samael, and bore his son, Kain, then bore his twin, the son of Adam, Habel (Abel). Things that make you go hmmm…
The Rabbis teach that Rachel and Leah were also twins. Leah came out first, making her the older of the two.
This is awesome
Also after some thirty years after the birth of Esau and Jacob, Laban’s wife gave birth to a set of twins ( Leah and Rachael) this can be found in the book of Jasher chapter 28:28.
This has been a very interesting read and bible study for me. All Glory to the Most High Yahweh! I find it very curious that both Abraham and Isaac told the same lie (Calling their wives, Sarah & Rebecca – sisters, because of their barrenness they had remained beautiful), to the same king, Abimelech who paid them handsomely for it! Laban’s wife Adinah was also temporarily infertile until Rachel & Leah. Also Tera was 70 when he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran could mean triplets? And I’m still seeing more. Someone write a book already! Haha anyway, thank you & have a blessed life.
Hi Jodee,
The Bible doesn’t state who the mother of Tera’s children is, so we don’t know for sure if they were triplets as it was quite common to have handmaidens bearing children as well as the wife. I agree – someone needs to write a book! 🙂