Genesis 38:23

“And Iudah said, Let her take it to her, lest we bee shamed: behold, I sent this kidde, and thou hast not found her.”

1611 King James Version (KJV)




Viewing the original 1611 KJV with archaic English spelling.
Click to switch to the Standard KJV.

Other Translations

And Judah said, Let her take [it] to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
- King James Version

Then Judah said, "Let her keep them, otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I sent this young goat, but you did not find her."
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be put to shame: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
- American Standard Version (1901)

And Judah said, Let her keep the things, so that we may not be shamed; I sent the young goat, but you did not see the woman.
- Basic English Bible

Then Judah said, Let her take [it] for herself, lest we be put to shame. Behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
- Darby Bible

And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
- Webster's Bible

Judah said, "Let her keep it, lest we be shamed. Behold, I sent this young goat, and you haven't found her."
- World English Bible

and Judah saith, `Let her take to herself, lest we become despised; lo, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.'
- Youngs Literal Bible

And Judah said: 'Let her take it, lest we be put to shame; behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.'
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Bible commentary

Wesley's Notes for Genesis 38:23


38:23 Lest we be shamed - Either, Lest his sin should come to be known publicly, Or Lest he should be laughed at as a fool for trusting a whore with his signet and his bracelets. He expresses no concern about the sin, only about the shame. There are many who are more solicitous to preserve their reputation with men, than to secure the savour of God, lest we be shamed goes farther with them than lest we be damned.


Discussion for Genesis 38

  • Dewey J
    Cesar, no he didn 't because she was impregnated by Judah. Even though that was the penalty in those days for adultery Tamar showed Judah and everyone else by presenting Proof of his signet, bracelets, and staff that Judah was the father Gen.38:25. Judah then confessed that Tamar had been more righteous than he. Tamar went approximately 6 months later to give birth to two sons Pharez and Zarah. God bless us all and also in the understanding of his Word. Praise God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!
  • Dewey J
    Jeremiah, interesting post. However, We must conclude that as the Scripture says, Isa. 55:8,9 "For my thoughs are not your thought, neither, are your ways my ways...Though you or me haven 't committed that particular sin as Judah here we all have our own sin Rom.3:10 "As it is written,there is none righteous, no, not one. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Therefore, We are commanded by God in Lu.6:37 "Judge not that you be not judged. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus in all situations in life as well as all Biblical stories. Because Ep.2:8,9 says, "For by grace are we saved through faith and that is not of ourselves it is the gift of God not of works least any man should boast. God bless us all and also in the understanding of his Word. Bless the Lord with all my soul and all that is within me bless his Holy name through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!
  • Peter mugendi mutara for verse 7
    am just amazed
  • Jeremiah
    vs 16 17 this is a strong conversation with Judah soliciting for sex from a harlot. who will think the LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH will come from such a disgraceful grandparent. many times its God 's way of doing things. He chooses that which we look down upon , the disqualified ,rejected. also it will have been an easy task for the devil to trace where or by who JESUS was born if GOD had used the obvious.
  • Judah really had her burned, wow.
  • Joseph
    Indeed the ways and thoughts of God are higher than ours Isaiah 55 8 9. God decides who He uses at any point in time. God knew that Jesus would come through the lineage of Judah and He allowed Judah to impregnate his daughter in law though Judah did not know that time and allowed her to bear twins, Pharez who was supposed to be the junior twin coming out before Zarah who was supposed to be the senior twin read verses 27 30 , similar to Jacob taking the position of Esau. The lesson i learnt is that no matter how sinful you might have been, God will have mercy on you if you come to Him just as you are and ask Him for mercy and pardon. Indeed God will have mercy upon whom He will have mercy and nobody can question Him! May we receive Grace to come to Him with all our burdens and sins and leave them at the feet of Jesus Christ in Jesus Name. Amen

What Do You Think of Genesis 38?

Share your own thoughts or commentary here...

Notify me if someone responds on this discussion/thread

Bible Options

Sponsored Links