Genesis Chapter 38

Judah and Tamar

(1 Chronicles 2:3-12)

1And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her. 3And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. 4And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan. 5And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.

6And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar. 7And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. 8And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. 9And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. 10And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also. 11Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.

12And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. 13And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep. 14And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. 15When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. 16And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me? 17And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? 18And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. 19And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.

20And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. 21Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place. 22And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place. 23And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.

24And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. 25When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. 26And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

The Birth of Pharez and Zarah

27And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. 28And 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. 29And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. 30And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.

Judah and Tamar
(1 Chronicles 2:3–4)

1 It happened at that time, that Judah went down from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2 Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her, and went in to her. 3 She conceived, and bore a son; and he named him Er. 4 She conceived again, and bore a son; and she named him Onan. 5 She yet again bore a son, and named him Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bore him.

6 Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of Yahweh. Yahweh killed him. 8 Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her, and raise up seed to your brother.” 9 Onan knew that the seed wouldn’t be his; and it happened, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give seed to his brother. 10 The thing which he did was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and he killed him also. 11 Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house, until Shelah, my son, is grown up;” for he said, “Lest he also die, like his brothers.” Tamar went and lived in her father’s house.

12 After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite. 13 It was told Tamar, saying, “Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” 14 She took off of her the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate of Enaim, which is by the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she wasn’t given to him as a wife. 15 When Judah saw her, he thought that she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. 16 He turned to her by the way, and said, “Please come, let me come in to you,” for he didn’t know that she was his daughter-in-law. She said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?” 17 He said, “I will send you a young goat from the flock.” She said, “Will you give me a pledge, until you send it?” 18 He said, “What pledge will I give you?” She said, “Your signet and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” He gave them to her, and came in to her, and she conceived by him. 19 She arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.

20 Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he didn’t find her. 21 Then he asked the men of her place, saying, “Where is the prostitute, that was at Enaim by the road?” They said, “There has been no prostitute here.” 22 He returned to Judah, and said, “I haven’t found her; and also the men of the place said, ‘There has been no prostitute here.’” 23 Judah said, “Let her keep it, lest we be shamed. Behold, I sent this young goat, and you haven’t found her.”

24 It happened about three months later, that it was told Judah, saying, “Tamar, your daughter-in-law, has played the prostitute; and moreover, behold, she is with child by prostitution.” Judah said, “Bring her out, and let her be burnt.” 25 When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man, whose these are, I am with child.” She also said, “Please discern whose are these—the signet, and the cords, and the staff.” 26 Judah acknowledged them, and said, “She is more righteous than I, because I didn’t give her to Shelah, my son.” He knew her again no more.

The Birth of Perez and Zerah

27 It happened in the time of her travail, that behold, twins were in her womb. 28 When she travailed, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This came out first.” 29 It happened, as he drew back his hand, that behold, his brother came out, and she said, “Why have you made a breach for yourself?” Therefore his name was called Perez. 30 Afterward his brother came out, that had the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.

Judah and Tamar
(1 Chronicles 2:3–4)

1 About that time, Judah left his brothers and settled near a man named Hirah, an Adullamite. 2 There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with her. 3 So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er. 4 Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Onan. 5 Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Chezib that she gave birth to him.

6 Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.”

9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. 10 What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well.

11 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house.

12 After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah. 13 When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,” 14 she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife.

15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. 16 Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.”

“What will you give me for sleeping with you?” she inquired.

17 “I will send you a young goat from my flock,” Judah answered.

But she replied, “Only if you leave me something as a pledge until you send it.”

18 “What pledge should I give you?” he asked.

She answered, “Your seal and your cord, and the staff in your hand.” So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him. 19 Then Tamar got up and departed. And she removed her veil and put on her widow’s garments again.

20 Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. 21 He asked the men of that place, “Where is the shrine prostitute who was beside the road at Enaim?”

“No shrine prostitute has been here,” they answered.

22 So Hirah returned to Judah and said, “I could not find her, and furthermore, the men of that place said, ‘No shrine prostitute has been here.’ ”

23 “Let her keep the items,” Judah replied. “Otherwise we will become a laughingstock. a After all, I did send her this young goat, but you could not find her.”

24 About three months later, Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has prostituted herself, and now she is pregnant.”

“Bring her out!” Judah replied. “Let her be burned to death!”

25 As she was being brought out, Tamar sent a message to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these items belong.” And she added, “Please examine them. Whose seal and cord and staff are these?”

26 Judah recognized the items and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again.

The Birth of Perez and Zerah

27 When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb. 28 And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. “This one came out first,” she announced. 29 But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez. b 30 Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread around his wrist, and he was named Zerah. c

Footnotes:

23 a Or we will become despised
29 b Perez  means breaking out .
30 c Zerah  can mean scarlet  or brightness .

Judah and Tamar

(1 Chronicles 2:3-12)

1And it cometh to pass, at that time, that Judah goeth down from his brethren, and turneth aside unto a man, an Adullamite, whose name is Hirah; 2and Judah seeth there the daughter of a man, a Canaanite, whose name is Shuah, and taketh her, and goeth in unto her. 3And she conceiveth, and beareth a son, and he calleth his name Er; 4and she conceiveth again, and beareth a son, and calleth his name Onan; 5and she addeth again, and beareth a son, and calleth his name Shelah; and he was in Chezib in her bearing him.

6And Judah taketh a wife for Er, his first-born, and her name is Tamar; 7and Er, Judah's first-born, is evil in the eyes of Jehovah, and Jehovah doth put him to death. 8And Judah saith to Onan, 'Go in unto the wife of thy brother, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother;' 9and Onan knoweth that the seed is not reckoned his; and it hath come to pass, if he hath gone in unto his brother's wife, that he hath destroyed it to the earth, so as not to give seed to his brother; 10and that which he hath done is evil in the eyes of Jehovah, and He putteth him also to death. 11And Judah saith to Tamar his daughter-in-law, 'Abide a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son groweth up;' for he said, 'Lest he die -- even he -- like his brethren;' and Tamar goeth and dwelleth at her father's house.

12And the days are multiplied, and the daughter of Shuah, Judah's wife, dieth; and Judah is comforted, and goeth up unto his sheep-shearers, he and Hirah his friend the Adullamite, to Timnath. 13And it is declared to Tamar, saying, 'Lo, thy husband's father is going up to Timnath to shear his flock;' 14and she turneth aside the garments of her widowhood from off her, and covereth herself with a vail, and wrappeth herself up, and sitteth in the opening of Enayim, which is by the way to Timnath, for she hath seen that Shelah hath grown up, and she hath not been given to him for a wife. 15And Judah seeth her, and reckoneth her for a harlot, for she hath covered her face, 16and he turneth aside unto her by the way, and saith, 'Come, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee,' (for he hath not known that she is his daughter-in-law); and she saith, 'What dost thou give to me, that thou mayest come in unto me?' 17and he saith, 'I -- I send a kid of the goats from the flock.' And she saith, 'Dost thou give a pledge till thou send it?' 18and he saith, 'What is the pledge that I give to thee?' and she saith, 'Thy seal, and thy ribbon, and thy staff which is in thy hand;' and he giveth to her, and goeth in unto her, and she conceiveth to him; 19and she riseth, and goeth, and turneth aside her vail from off her, and putteth on the garments of her widowhood.

20And Judah sendeth the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the hand of the woman, and he hath not found her. 21And he asketh the men of her place, saying, 'Where is the separated one -- she in Enayim, by the way?' and they say, 'There hath not been in this place a separated one.' 22And he turneth back unto Judah, and saith, 'I have not found her; and the men of the place also have said, There hath not been in this place a separated one,' 23and Judah saith, 'Let her take to herself, lest we become despised; lo, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.'

24And it cometh to pass about three months after, that it is declared to Judah, saying, 'Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath committed fornication; and also, lo, she hath conceived by fornication:' and Judah saith, 'Bring her out -- and she is burnt.' 25She is brought out, and she hath sent unto her husband's father, saying, 'To a man whose these are, I am pregnant;' and she saith, 'Discern, I pray thee, whose are these -- the seal, and the ribbons, and the staff.' 26And Judah discerneth and saith, 'She hath been more righteous than I, because that I did not give her to Shelah my son;' and he hath not added to know her again.

The Birth of Pharez and Zarah

27And it cometh to pass in the time of her bearing, that lo, twins are in her womb; 28and it cometh to pass in her bearing, that one giveth out a hand, and the midwife taketh and bindeth on his hand a scarlet thread, saying, 'This hath come out first.' 29And it cometh to pass as he draweth back his hand, that lo, his brother hath come out, and she saith, 'What! thou hast broken forth -- on thee is the breach;' and he calleth his name Pharez; 30and afterwards hath his brother come out, on whose hand is the scarlet thread, and he calleth his name Zarah.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Genesis 38?

2Introduction to Genesis 38

3Context of Genesis 38

4Ancient Key Word Study

5Compare & Contrast

6Genesis 38 Unique Insights

7Genesis 38 Connections to Yeshua

8Genesis 38 Scriptural Echoes

9Genesis 38 Devotional

10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Genesis 38?

Introduction to Genesis 38

At first glance, Genesis 38 appears to be an interruption in the Joseph narrative, but this chapter serves as a pivotal moment in the story of redemption. The account of Judah and Tamar presents one of the most intriguing and morally complex narratives in Genesis, dealing with themes of deception, justice, and divine providence. This chapter demonstrates how God works through human failings to accomplish His purposes, particularly in preserving the Messianic line through unlikely circumstances.

Context of Genesis 38

The placement of this chapter is strategic, inserted between Joseph being sold into Egypt (Genesis 37:36) and his rise to prominence in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39:1). This literary placement serves multiple purposes. First, it provides the necessary chronological space for Joseph’s story in Egypt to unfold while showing parallel events occurring with his family in Canaan. More importantly, it reveals the moral and spiritual deterioration of Jacob’s family in Canaan, contrasting sharply with Joseph’s faithfulness in Egypt.

Within the broader narrative of Genesis, this chapter is crucial for understanding the development of the tribe of Judah, from which the Messiah would eventually come. The story demonstrates how יהוה (Yahweh) preserves His covenant promises even through human failure and sin. This chapter also provides essential genealogical information that will later become significant in the book of Ruth and ultimately in the genealogy of Yeshua the Messiah (Matthew 1:3).

Ancient Key Word Study

“Went down” (וַיֵּרֶד, vayered): This opening verb signifies not just physical descent but moral decline. The same root is used to describe Israel’s later descent into Egypt, suggesting parallel themes of exile and redemption.
“Justice” (צְדָקָה, tzedakah): When Tamar is declared “more righteous,” the term implies not just legal righteousness but covenant faithfulness. This word is central to understanding God’s character and His expectations for His people.
“Signet” (חוֹתָם, hotam): The seal was a symbol of authority and identity in ancient Near Eastern culture. By requesting Judah’s seal, Tamar cleverly ensures undeniable proof of paternity.
“Widow’s garments” (בִּגְדֵי אַלְמְנוּתָהּ, bigdei almenutah): These clothes represented not just marital status but social position and legal rights in ancient society.
“Pledge” (עֵרָבוֹן, eravon): This term for collateral appears only here in the Torah, emphasizing the legal and binding nature of the transaction.
“Recognize” (הַכֶר־נָא, haker-na): This phrase deliberately echoes the brothers’ words to Jacob in chapter 37, creating a powerful literary connection between Judah’s deception of his father and his own later deception.
“At the crossroads” (בְּפֶתַח עֵינַיִם, bepetah einayim): Literally “opening of eyes,” this location name carries symbolic significance about spiritual blindness and revelation.
“Twin” (תְּאוֹמִים, te’omim): The birth of twins echoes other significant twin births in Genesis (Jacob and Esau), suggesting divine providence in succession and inheritance.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s “went down” (וַיֵּרֶד) could have been replaced with “departed” (וַיֵּלֶךְ), but the chosen word emphasizes spiritual descent, creating a theological parallel with Israel’s later exile.
The phrase “she is more righteous than I” (צָדְקָה מִמֶּנִּי) uses comparative righteousness rather than absolute terms, suggesting nuanced moral judgment rather than simple binary categories.
The description of Tamar’s disguise uses “covered” (וַתְּכַס) rather than “changed” (וַתְּשַׁנֶּה), emphasizing concealment rather than transformation, which carries important theological implications about revelation and recognition.
The text’s use of “recognize” (הַכֶר־נָא) deliberately echoes Genesis 37:32, creating an intentional literary connection between Judah’s deception of Jacob and his own experience of being deceived.
The naming of Perez (פָּרֶץ) emphasizes “breaking forth” rather than simply “firstborn,” foreshadowing his role in the Messianic lineage.

Genesis 38 Unique Insights

The Midrash Rabbah provides fascinating insight into this chapter, suggesting that the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) was guiding these events toward the eventual birth of the Messiah. The rabbis note that Tamar’s actions, while seemingly improper, were motivated by a deep understanding of her role in building the house of Judah. They compare her to Ruth, another foreign woman who would later play a crucial role in the Messianic line.

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

Early church father Irenaeus saw in this chapter a profound typology of the church and Israel. He interpreted Tamar’s position at the crossroads as representing the church waiting for its true bridegroom, while the twins’ birth struggle prefigured the relationship between the Old and New Covenants.

The chapter contains several instances of measure-for-measure justice (middah k’neged middah). Just as Judah had deceived his father with a garment and blood, he himself is deceived through garments and tokens. This divine poetic justice serves not just as punishment but as a means of spiritual refinement.

The story takes place during the time of the patriarchs, but its themes resonate with later biblical narratives about redemption and restoration. The concept of levirate marriage (yibbum) introduced here becomes foundational for understanding God’s provision for the continuation of family lines and ultimately points to the Messiah’s role as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer.

Genesis 38 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter’s connection to Yeshua is profound and multi-layered. First, through Perez, this unusual union becomes part of the Messianic genealogy. The inclusion of Tamar in Matthew 1:3 demonstrates God’s grace in using seemingly scandalous situations to bring about His purposes of redemption.

The theme of disguise and revelation in this chapter prefigures how the Messiah would be hidden yet revealed to those with eyes to see. Just as Tamar’s true identity and righteous intentions were eventually revealed, so too would Yeshua’s true identity be revealed to those who sought Him. The chapter’s emphasis on justice and righteousness (צְדָקָה) points to the ultimate righteousness that would come through faith in the Messiah.

Genesis 38 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages. The theme of levirate marriage appears again in Ruth 4:12, where Perez is referenced in the blessing given to Boaz. The concept of a pledge or guarantee echoes throughout Scripture, culminating in Ephesians 1:14, where the Holy Spirit is described as our guarantee of inheritance.

The motif of twins struggling in birth recalls Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:22), highlighting God’s sovereign choice in election. The theme of recognition (“הַכֶר־נָא”) connects to Joseph’s brothers’ eventual recognition of him and, ultimately, to Israel’s future recognition of their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10).

Genesis 38 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to recognize God’s sovereignty in working through human failures and moral complexities. Just as Judah experienced transformation through confronting his own hypocrisy, we too are called to honest self-examination and repentance. The story reminds us that God’s purposes often unfold in unexpected ways, through unlikely people.

Consider how this narrative demonstrates that no situation is beyond God’s redemptive power. Judah’s transformation from someone who sold his brother to someone who would later offer himself in place of Benjamin shows how God can change hearts. When facing difficult circumstances, remember that God may be working in ways we cannot yet see.

Did You Know

The crimson thread tied on Zerah’s hand is reminiscent of the scarlet cord that would later save Rahab, another woman in Yeshua’s genealogy.
The name Tamar means “date palm,” a symbol of righteousness in Jewish tradition, as referenced in Psalm 92:12.
Archaeological evidence from the period shows that signet rings, cords, and staffs were indeed common symbols of authority in Canaanite culture.
The location “Petach Einayim” (crossroads) is understood by some rabbinical sources as Abraham’s hospitality station, adding deeper significance to the encounter.
Judah’s pronouncement “She is more righteous than I” uses a unique grammatical construction that appears only three times in the Torah.
The chapter spans approximately 20 years, though this is compressed into a single narrative for theological purposes.
The custom of levirate marriage was practiced throughout the ancient Near East, but Israel’s version uniquely emphasized preservation of family line over property rights.
This is the only biblical instance where twins are born with one initially extending his hand before withdrawing it.
The scarlet thread tied on Zerah’s hand may symbolize the blood of the Messiah, according to some early Jewish Christian interpretations.
The name Perez (meaning “breach”) becomes a title of honor in later Jewish tradition, symbolizing the power to break through obstacles.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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