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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 38:20 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/38-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_38_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 38:20 - Judah and Tamar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/38-20.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/38-20.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 20</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="/ad20.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/38-19.htm" title="Genesis 38:19">◄</a> Genesis 38:20 <a href="/genesis/38-21.htm" title="Genesis 38:21">►</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 />Meanwhile Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get his pledge back from the woman, but he did not find her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Later Judah asked his friend Hirah the Adullamite to take the young goat to the woman and to pick up the things he had given her as his guarantee. But Hirah couldn’t find her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to take back the pledge from the woman’s hand, he 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 />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive <i>his</i> pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive <i>his</i> pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman&#8217s hand, he did not find her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When Judah sent the kid by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, he 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 sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to take the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to get his pledge [back] from the woman, he was unable to find her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get back the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get back the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Judah asked his friend Hirah take a goat to the woman, so he could get back the ring and walking stick, but she wasn't there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Judah sent his friend Hirah to deliver the young goat so that he could get back his deposit from the woman, but his friend 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 sent his friend Hirah to take the goat and get back from the woman the articles he had pledged, but Hirah could not find her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later on, Judah sent his Adullamite friend to take her a young goat, intending to retrieve what he had put up as security from the woman, but he could not find her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Judah had his friend Hirah the Adullamite take a young goat to get back from the woman the items he had given in pledge, but Hirah could not 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 sent the young goat by his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the guarantee back from the woman?s hand, but he 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 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <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 sends 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 has 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 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.<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 send the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to take the pledge from the hand of the woman; and he found her not.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Juda sent a kid by his shepherd, the Odollamite, that he might receive the pledge again, which he had given to the woman: but he, not finding her, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Judah sent a young goat by his shepherd, the Adullamite, so that he might receive the pledge that he had given to the woman. But, when he had not found her,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to recover the pledge from the woman; but he 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 />When Judah sent the kid by his friend the Adullamite, to recover the pledge from the woman, he 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 sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Arlemite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand; but he 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 sent the kid of goats by his friend, the Arlemite, to take the pledge from the hands of the woman, and he did not find 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 sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand; but he found her not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Judas sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his shepherd the Odollamite, to receive the pledge from the woman; and he found her not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/38-20.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=9796" 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">19</span>Then Tamar got up and departed. And she removed her veil and put on her widow’s garments again. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><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.">Now when Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">his friend Hirah</a> <a href="/hebrew/5726.htm" title="5726: hā·‘ă·ḏul·lā·mî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Inhab. of Adullam. Patrial from Adullam; an Adullamite or native of Adullam.">the Adullamite</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/1423.htm" title="1423: gə·ḏî (N-msc) -- A kid (a young goat). From the same as gadah; a young goat.">the young goat</a> <a href="/hebrew/5795.htm" title="5795: hā·‘iz·zîm (Art:: N-fp) -- Female goat. From azaz; a she-goat, but masculine in plural."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qa·ḥaṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">to collect</a> <a href="/hebrew/6162.htm" title="6162: hā·‘ê·rā·ḇō·wn (Art:: N-ms) -- A pledge. From arab; a pawn.">the items he had left with</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: mî·yaḏ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: hā·’iš·šāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">the woman,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he could not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mə·ṣā·’āh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3fs) -- To attain to, find. ">find her.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>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.…<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="/genesis/37-25.htm">Genesis 37:25-28</a></span><br />And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt. / Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? / Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12</a></span><br />Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-53.htm">Genesis 24:53</a></span><br />Then he brought out jewels of silver and gold, and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Genesis 29:18-20</a></span><br />Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Genesis 31:41</a></span><br />Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-16.htm">Exodus 22:16-17</a></span><br />If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife. / If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, the man still must pay an amount comparable to the bridal price of a virgin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/22-28.htm">Deuteronomy 22:28-29</a></span><br />If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, / then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12-13</a></span><br />“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. / But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-7.htm">Ruth 4:7-10</a></span><br />Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel. / So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” / At this, Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">1 Samuel 18:25</a></span><br />Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-14.htm">2 Samuel 3:14</a></span><br />Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/3-2.htm">Hosea 3:2</a></span><br />So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-15.htm">Matthew 26:15</a></span><br />and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Matthew 27:3-5</a></span><br />When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-11.htm">Mark 14:11</a></span><br />They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And 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.</p><p class="hdg">his friend.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9</a></b></br> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Leviticus 19:17</a></b></br> Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/14-20.htm">Judges 14:20</a></b></br> But Samson's wife was <i>given</i> to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Adullamite</a> <a href="/genesis/34-11.htm">Find</a> <a href="/genesis/37-32.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/genesis/38-17.htm">Goat</a> <a href="/genesis/38-17.htm">Goats</a> <a href="/genesis/38-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Hirah</a> <a href="/genesis/38-15.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/genesis/38-17.htm">Kid</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/genesis/38-9.htm">Order</a> <a href="/genesis/38-18.htm">Pledge</a> <a href="/genesis/33-11.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/genesis/38-17.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Woman's</a> <a href="/genesis/38-17.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/38-1.htm">Adullamite</a> <a href="/genesis/38-22.htm">Find</a> <a href="/genesis/38-22.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/genesis/38-23.htm">Goat</a> <a href="/genesis/47-17.htm">Goats</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/38-1.htm">Hirah</a> <a href="/genesis/38-22.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/genesis/38-23.htm">Kid</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-43.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Order</a> <a href="/exodus/22-26.htm">Pledge</a> <a href="/genesis/41-34.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/genesis/48-20.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">Woman's</a> <a href="/genesis/38-23.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'; 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His actions in this chapter are pivotal in the lineage of the Messiah. Hirah the Adullamite is mentioned as Judah's friend, indicating a close relationship. Adullam was a Canaanite city, suggesting Judah's integration into local society, which was common for Israelites during this period. This friendship highlights the cultural exchanges and alliances between the Israelites and Canaanites.<p><b>with the young goat</b><br>The young goat was a common form of payment or pledge in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It was often used in transactions and agreements, symbolizing wealth and trustworthiness. This detail underscores the economic practices of the time and reflects the agrarian society in which livestock was a primary measure of wealth.<p><b>to collect the items he had left with the woman</b><br>Judah had left personal items as a pledge with Tamar, whom he did not recognize as his daughter-in-law. These items included his seal, cord, and staff, which were significant personal identifiers. The seal was used to authenticate documents, the cord was likely part of his attire, and the staff symbolized authority. This act of leaving personal items as a pledge was a common practice in ancient times, ensuring the fulfillment of a promise or agreement.<p><b>he could not find her</b><br>This phrase indicates the mysterious and unexpected nature of the encounter. Tamar's disappearance after the transaction suggests her strategic planning to secure her rights and future. This moment is crucial in the narrative, as it sets the stage for Judah's later realization and acknowledgment of his actions. The inability to find her also reflects the transient and often hidden nature of certain social interactions in ancient cultures, especially those involving women and marginalized individuals.<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 plays a significant role in the lineage of Jesus Christ. In this chapter, he is involved in a morally complex situation with Tamar.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/adullamite.htm">Adullamite</a></b><br>A friend of Judah, who is sent to retrieve the pledge from Tamar. His role highlights the cultural practices of the time regarding pledges and transactions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/tamar.htm">Tamar</a></b><br>The widow of Judah's son, who disguises herself to secure her rights and future. Her actions are pivotal in the account of Judah's family line.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_pledge.htm">The Pledge</a></b><br>The items given by Judah to Tamar as a guarantee of payment. This includes his seal, cord, and staff, which are significant personal identifiers.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_woman.htm">The Woman (Tamar in disguise)</a></b><br>Tamar's disguise as a prostitute is central to the unfolding of events, leading to Judah's eventual recognition of his responsibilities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_complexity_of_human_actions.htm">The Complexity of Human Actions</a></b><br>Judah's actions remind us that even those chosen by God can make morally questionable decisions. This calls for self-reflection and humility in our own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_imperfection.htm">God's Sovereignty in Imperfection</a></b><br>Despite human failings, God's plan prevails. This encourages us to trust in God's overarching purpose, even when circumstances seem flawed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_accountability.htm">The Importance of Accountability</a></b><br>Judah's eventual acknowledgment of his actions with Tamar highlights the need for personal responsibility and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_context_and_god's_law.htm">Cultural Context and God's Law</a></b><br>Understanding the cultural practices of the time, such as pledges and Levirate marriage, helps us appreciate the depth of biblical accounts and their application today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/redemption_and_restoration.htm">Redemption and Restoration</a></b><br>The inclusion of Tamar in the lineage of Christ illustrates God's grace and the possibility of redemption, regardless of past actions.<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/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><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/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/why_was_onan_punished_but_not_judah.htm">In Genesis 38:1-11, why would God punish Onan's refusal to father children for Tamar so severely, yet no comparable punishment is shown for Judah's neglect of her?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Judah sent the kid</span> - literally, <span class="accented">the kid of the goats</span>, which he had promised (ver. 17) - <span class="cmt_word">by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand</span>: <span class="cmt_word">but</span> (literally, and) <span class="cmt_word">he</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> Hirah) <span class="cmt_word">found her not.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/38-20.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">Now when Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֜ה</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">sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine 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">his friend [Hirah]</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵעֵ֣הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Adullamite</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽעֲדֻלָּמִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ă·ḏul·lā·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5726.htm">Strong's 5726: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adullamite -- inhabitant of Adullam</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיַד֙</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the young goat</span><br /><span class="heb">גְּדִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(gə·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<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">to collect</span><br /><span class="heb">לָקַ֥חַת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·qa·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">the items he had left with</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵרָב֖וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ê·rā·ḇō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6162.htm">Strong's 6162: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pledge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the woman,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאִשָּׁ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’iš·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he could not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">מְצָאָֽהּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ṣā·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third 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/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/38-20.htm">OT Law: Genesis 38:20 Judah sent the kid of the goats (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/38-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 38:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/38-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 38:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:21" /></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>