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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 38:23 "Let her keep the items," Judah replied. "Otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you could not find her."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/38-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/01_Gen_38_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 38:23 - Judah and Tamar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Let her keep the items, Judah replied. Otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you could not find her." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/38-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/38-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/38.htm">Chapter 38</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/38-22.htm" title="Genesis 38:22">◄</a> Genesis 38:23 <a href="/genesis/38-24.htm" title="Genesis 38:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/38.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then Judah said, &#8220Let her keep what she has, or we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you didn&#8217t find her.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Then let her keep the things I gave her,” Judah said. “I sent the young goat as we agreed, but you couldn’t find her. We’d be the laughingstock of the village if we went back again to look for her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Judah replied, “Let her keep the things as her own, or we shall be laughed at. You see, I sent this young goat, and you did not find her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Let her keep the items,” Judah replied. “Otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you could not find her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Judah said, Let her take <i>it</i> to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Judah said, “Let her take <i>them</i> for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Judah said, &#8220Let her keep them, otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I sent this young goat, but you did not find her.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Judah said, “Let her keep them, lest we become a laughingstock. After all, I sent this kid, but you did not find her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Judah said, “Let her keep them, lest we become a laughingstock. Behold, I sent this young goat, but you did not find her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Judah said, “Let her keep the things (pledge articles) for herself, otherwise we will be a laughingstock [searching everywhere for her]. After all, I sent this young goat, but you did not find her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Judah replied, “Let her keep the items for herself; otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send this young goat, but you couldn’t find her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Judah replied, &#8220Let her keep the items for herself; otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send this young goat, but you couldn&#8217t find her.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"If you couldn't find her, we'll just let her keep the things I gave her," Judah answered. "And we'd better forget about the goat, or else we'll look like fools." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Judah said, "Let her keep what I gave her, or we'll become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you couldn't find her."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Judah said, "Let her keep the things. We don't want people to laugh at us. I did try to pay her, but you couldn't find her." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Judah said, "Let her have those things. Otherwise, we'll become contemptible. I sent this young goat, but you didn't find her."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Let her keep the items,? Judah replied. ?Otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you could not find her.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Judah said, "Let her keep the things for herself. Otherwise we will appear to be dishonest. I did indeed send this young goat, but you couldn't find her." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Judah said, "Let her keep the things, lest we be publicly shamed. Look, I sent this young goat, but you did not find her."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Judah said, “Let her keep it, lest we be shamed. Behold, I sent this young goat, and you haven’t found her.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Judah says, “Let her take to herself, lest we become despised; behold, I sent this kid, and you have not found her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Judah saith, 'Let her take to herself, lest we become despised; lo, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Judah will say, She shall take to her, lest we shall be for a contempt: Behold, I sent this kid, and thou didst not find her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Juda said : Let her take it to herself ; surely she cannot charge us with a,lie: I sent the kid which I promised: and thou didst not find her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Judah said: “Let her hold herself to blame. Certainly, she is not able to accuse us of a lie. I sent the young goat that I had promised, and you did not find her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Let her keep the things,” Judah replied; “otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you did not find her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Judah replied, “Let her keep the things as her own, otherwise we will be laughed at; you see, I sent this kid, and you could not find her.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Judah said, Let her keep the pledge, lest I be laughed at; behold, I sent this kid, but you could not find her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yehuda said, “She may take it, lest I be a laughing stock; behold, I have sent this kid and you have not found her.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Judah said: 'Let her take it, lest we be put to shame; behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Judas said, Let her have them, but let us not be ridiculed; I sent this kid, but thou hast not found her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/38-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9823" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">Judah and Tamar</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>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.’ ” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">“Let her</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: tiq·qaḥ- (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">keep the items,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">“Otherwise</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: nih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">we will become</a> <a href="/hebrew/937.htm" title="937: lā·ḇūz (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Contempt. From buwz; disrespect.">a laughingstock.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">After all,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·laḥ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">I did send her</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1423.htm" title="1423: hag·gə·ḏî (Art:: N-ms) -- A kid (a young goat). From the same as gadah; a young goat.">young goat,</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">but you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">could not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mə·ṣā·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-2ms:: 3fs) -- To attain to, find. ">find her.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>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!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/22-21.htm">Deuteronomy 22:21</a></span><br />she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house, and there the men of her city will stone her to death. For she has committed an outrage in Israel by being promiscuous in her father’s house. So you must purge the evil from among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-29.htm">Leviticus 19:29</a></span><br />You must not defile your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will be prostituted and filled with depravity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-26.htm">Proverbs 6:26</a></span><br />For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/7-10.htm">Proverbs 7:10</a></span><br />Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">Hosea 4:14</a></span><br />I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-32.htm">Ezekiel 16:32</a></span><br />You adulterous wife! You receive strangers instead of your own husband!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-3.htm">Jeremiah 3:3</a></span><br />Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-3.htm">Isaiah 57:3</a></span><br />“But come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-24.htm">1 Samuel 2:24</a></span><br />No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-12.htm">2 Samuel 13:12-13</a></span><br />“No, my brother!” she cried. “Do not violate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! / Where could I ever take my shame? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel! Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-3.htm">Matthew 1:3</a></span><br />Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31-32</a></span><br />Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. / For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-30.htm">Luke 15:30</a></span><br />But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-3.htm">John 8:3-11</a></span><br />The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them / and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. / In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Romans 1:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. / They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen. / For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and you have not found her.</p><p class="hdg">lest we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/12-9.htm">2 Samuel 12:9</a></b></br> Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife <i>to be</i> thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-33.htm">Proverbs 6:33</a></b></br> A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Romans 6:21</a></b></br> What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things <i>is</i> death.</p><p class="hdg">be shamed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/38-22.htm">Find</a> <a href="/genesis/38-22.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/38-20.htm">Goat</a> <a href="/genesis/38-14.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/genesis/38-22.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/genesis/38-20.htm">Kid</a> <a href="/genesis/11-4.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/genesis/34-14.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/romans/10-11.htm">Shamed</a> <a href="/genesis/38-20.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/41-38.htm">Find</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Found</a> <a href="/exodus/23-19.htm">Goat</a> <a href="/exodus/2-4.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/genesis/38-24.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/exodus/23-19.htm">Kid</a> <a href="/genesis/45-11.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/exodus/32-25.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/numbers/12-14.htm">Shamed</a> <a href="/genesis/41-12.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 38</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-1.htm">Judah begets Er, Onan, and Shelah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">Er's marriage with Tamar, and death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">The trespass of Onan.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Tamar is reserved for Shelah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Judah's wife dies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-13.htm">Tamar deceives Judah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/38-27.htm">She bears twins, Pharez and Zarah.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/38.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/38.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Let her keep the items,</b><br>Judah's decision to let Tamar keep the items—his seal, cord, and staff—reflects a significant moment of concession. These items were personal identifiers, akin to a modern-day signature or ID, symbolizing authority and identity. In the cultural context, these items were valuable and personal, indicating Judah's initial desperation to retrieve them. This phrase highlights the importance of personal integrity and the consequences of one's actions, as Judah's decision to leave the items with Tamar ultimately leads to his public acknowledgment of wrongdoing.<p><b>Judah replied.</b><br>Judah's response is crucial in the narrative, as it shows his attempt to manage the situation discreetly. His role as a leader among his brothers and the ancestor of the tribe of Judah is significant. This moment foreshadows his later transformation and leadership qualities, which become more evident in his interactions with Joseph in Egypt. Judah's character development is a key theme in Genesis, illustrating the potential for repentance and change.<p><b>Otherwise we will become a laughingstock.</b><br>Judah's concern about becoming a laughingstock reveals the societal pressures and the importance of reputation in ancient Near Eastern culture. Honor and shame were central to social dynamics, and Judah feared public disgrace. This concern for reputation over righteousness is a recurring biblical theme, reminding readers of the importance of integrity over societal approval. The fear of public shame often influenced decisions, as seen in other biblical narratives, such as Saul's actions in 1 Samuel.<p><b>After all, I did send her this young goat,</b><br>The young goat was the agreed-upon payment for Tamar's services, reflecting the economic transactions of the time. Livestock was a common form of currency and wealth. Judah's insistence on fulfilling his promise, despite the circumstances, highlights the cultural emphasis on keeping one's word. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of sacrifice and atonement, as goats were often used in sacrificial systems, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.<p><b>but you could not find her.</b><br>The inability to find Tamar underscores the theme of hiddenness and revelation in the narrative. Tamar's strategic disappearance sets the stage for her later vindication. This phrase also highlights the limitations of human efforts and understanding, as God's providential plan unfolds despite human actions. The motif of searching and not finding is echoed in other biblical stories, such as the search for Elijah in 2 Kings, emphasizing the divine orchestration of events beyond human control.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>One of the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah is a central figure in this account. He is the one who decides to send a young goat as payment for services rendered, highlighting his role in the unfolding events.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/tamar.htm">Tamar</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Tamar is the woman involved in the transaction with Judah. She disguises herself to secure her rights and future, playing a pivotal role in the account.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_young_goat.htm">The Young Goat</a></b><br>This is the promised payment from Judah to Tamar, symbolizing a transaction and a broken promise when it is not delivered.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_items.htm">The Items</a></b><br>These refer to Judah's seal, cord, and staff, which Tamar keeps as a pledge. They are significant as they later serve as proof of Judah's involvement with her.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_laughingstock.htm">The Laughingstock</a></b><br>This term reflects Judah's concern about public perception and reputation, indicating the social dynamics and potential shame involved in the situation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Judah's actions remind us that sin often leads to unintended consequences and public shame. We must be mindful of our actions and their potential impact on our reputation and relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail. The lineage of Judah and Tamar becomes part of the genealogy of Christ, demonstrating God's ability to work through imperfect situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a></b><br>Judah's concern about becoming a "laughingstock" highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and fulfilling promises. As Christians, we are called to be people of our word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_redemption.htm">Repentance and Redemption</a></b><br>Judah's later acknowledgment of his wrongdoing (in subsequent verses) shows the power of repentance and the possibility of redemption, a theme central to the Christian faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_38.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 38</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_1_chr_2_3-4_align_with_gen_38.htm">How does 1 Chronicles 2:3-4 align with Genesis 38 regarding Judah and Tamar's lineage, and does it create inconsistencies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_judah_call_tamar_'righteous'.htm">In Genesis 38:25-26, why does Judah suddenly shift from condemning Tamar to declaring her 'more righteous' than he is, without any direct divine intervention or clear moral explanation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_credible_judah_didn't_recognize_tamar.htm">In Genesis 38:14-18, how credible is it historically that Judah would fail to recognize his own daughter-in-law simply because she covered her face?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_genesis_38_fit_biblical_ethics.htm">In Genesis 38 overall, how does this morally complex story align with the broader biblical narrative on sexual ethics and lineage preservation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/38.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Lest we be shamed.</span>--Maimonides asserts that Judah had committed <span class= "ital">no </span>breach of the Law, the utmost therein commanded being that no Jewish woman should become a <span class= "ital">kedeshah </span>(<a href="/deuteronomy/23-17.htm" title="There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.">Deuteronomy 23:17</a>). But Judah evidently regards what he had done as shameful, and having big friend's testimony, if needed, to prove that he had performed what he promised, he bears with the loss of his signet and staff, rather than let the people know that he had been guilty of an act which they too would condemn.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Judah said, Let her take it to her</span>, - literally, <span class="accented">let</span> her <span class="accented">take to herself</span> (sc. the pledge) - <span class="cmt_word">lest we be shamed</span> (literally, <span class="accented">become a contempt, i.e.</span> <span class="cmt_word">by inquiring after her</span>. Though not afraid to sin against God, Judah was pained at the idea of losing his reputation before men): <span class="cmt_word">behold, I sent this kid</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> I take you to witness that I have fulfilled my premise), <span class="cmt_word">and thou hast not found her.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/38-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Let her</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֔הּ</span> <span class="translit">(lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">keep the items,”</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּֽקַּֽח־</span> <span class="translit">(tiq·qaḥ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Otherwise</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(pen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> </span><span class="str2">Removal, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we will become</span><br /><span class="heb">נִהְיֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(nih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a laughingstock.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָב֑וּז</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḇūz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_937.htm">Strong's 937: </a> </span><span class="str2">Disrespect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">After all,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I did send her</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלַ֙חְתִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(šā·laḥ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">young goat,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגְּדִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gə·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1423.htm">Strong's 1423: </a> </span><span class="str2">A kid (a young goat)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but you</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַתָּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">could not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">find her.”</span><br /><span class="heb">מְצָאתָֽהּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ṣā·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/38-23.htm">Genesis 38:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/38-23.htm">OT Law: Genesis 38:23 Judah said Let her keep it lest (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/38-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 38:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/38-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 38:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>