Genesis 38:24

“¶ And it came to passe about three moneths after, that it was tolde Iudah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot, and also behold, she is with child by whoredom: and Iudah said, Bring her foorth, and let her be burnt.”

1611 King James Version (KJV)




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Other Translations

And 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.
- King James Version

Now it was about three months later that Judah was informed, "Your daughter-in-law Tamar has played the harlot, and behold, she is also with child by harlotry. Then Judah said, "Bring her out and let her be burned!""
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the harlot; and moreover, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
- American Standard Version (1901)

Now about three months after this, word came to Judah that Tamar, his daughter-in-law, had been acting like a loose woman and was with child. And Judah said, Take her out and let her be burned.
- Basic English Bible

And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-in-law has committed fornication, and behold, she is also with child by fornication. And Judah said, Bring her forth, that she may be burned.
- Darby Bible

And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told to Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the harlot; and also, behold she is with child by lewdness: and Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
- Webster's Bible

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 forth, and let her be burnt."
- World English Bible

And 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.'
- Youngs Literal Bible

And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying: 'Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the harlot; and moreover, behold, she is with child by harlotry.' And Judah said: 'Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.'
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Bible commentary

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

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