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Genesis 38:26 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.
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And he knew her again no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Judah acknowledged <i>them</i> and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Judah recognized <i>them,</i> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Judah recognized them, and said, “She is more righteous than I, inasmuch as I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Judah recognized <i>them,</i> and said, “She is more righteous than I, inasmuch as I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Judah recognized <i>them</i> and said, “She is more righteous than I, inasmuch as I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not know her again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Judah recognized the articles, and said, “She has been more righteous [in this matter] than I, because I did not give her to my son Shelah [as I had promised].” And Judah did not have [intimate] relations with her again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Judah recognized them and said, “She is more in the right than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not know her intimately again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Judah recognized them and said, “She is more in the right than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not know her intimately again. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She is more righteous than I; forasmuch as I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Those are mine!" Judah admitted. "She's a better person than I am, because I broke my promise to let her marry my son Shelah." After this, Judah never slept with her again. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She is more righteous than I; forasmuch as I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Judah recognized them and said, "She's not guilty. I am! She did this because I haven't given her my son Shelah." Judah never made love to her again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Judah recognized them and said, "She is in the right. I have failed in my obligation to her--I should have given her to my son Shelah in marriage." And Judah never had intercourse with her again. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Judah recognized them, he admitted, "She is more upright than I, because I never did give her my son Shelah." And he never had sex with her again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Judah recognized them and said, "She is more upright than I am, because I wouldn't give her to Shelah my son." He did not have sexual relations with her again. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Judah recognized them, and said, " She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah." He did not sleep with her again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <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 discerns and says, “She has been more righteous than I, because that I did not give her to my son Shelah”; and he has not added to know her again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And 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.<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 recognise, and will say, She was justified more than I, because that I gave her not to Shelah my son: and he will not add to know her yet again.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he acknowledging the gifts, said: She is juster than I: because I did not give her to Sela, my son. However, he knew her no more. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But he, acknowledging the gifts, said: “She is more just than I am. For I did not deliver her to my son Shelah.” However, he knew her no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Judah recognized them and said, “She is in the right rather than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” He had no further sexual relations with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Judah acknowledged them and said, “She is more in the right than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not lie with her again.<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 recognized them, and said, She is more righteous than I; because I did not give her in marriage to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yehuda knew and said, “She is innocent more than I, because of this, I did not give her to Shala my son”, and he did not have sexual relations with her again.<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 acknowledged them, and said: 'She is more righteous than I; forasmuch as I gave her not to Shelah my son.' And he knew her again no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Judas knew <i>them</i>, and said, Thamar is cleared rather than I, forasmuch as I gave her not to Selom my son: and he knew her not again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/38-26.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=9865" 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">25</span>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?” <span class="reftext">26</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.">Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/5234.htm" title="5234: way·yak·kêr (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To regard, recognize. ">recognized the items</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.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6663.htm" title="6663: ṣā·ḏə·qāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To be just or righteous. A primitive root; to be right.">“She is more righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">than I,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">since</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></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.">I did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nə·ṯat·tî·hā (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 3fs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">give her</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">to my son</a> <a href="/hebrew/7956.htm" title="7956: lə·šê·lāh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Judah. The same as sh'elah; request; Shelah, the name of a postdiluvian patriarch and of an Israelite.">Shelah.”</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.">And he did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: lə·ḏaʿ·tå̄h (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">have relations with her</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: yā·sap̄ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">again.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more."></a> </span><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="/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="/ruth/4-12.htm">Ruth 4:12</a></span><br />And may your house become like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the LORD will give you by this young woman.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-4.htm">1 Chronicles 2:4</a></span><br />Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, bore to him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all.<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="/leviticus/20-12.htm">Leviticus 20:12</a></span><br />If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both must surely be put to death. They have acted perversely; their blood is upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-10</a></span><br />When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. / But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-13.htm">2 Samuel 12:13</a></span><br />Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-11</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. / And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a></span><br />for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-7.htm">John 8:7</a></span><br />When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-33.htm">Luke 3:33</a></span><br />the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Hebrews 11:31</a></span><br />By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-25.htm">James 2:25</a></span><br />In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a></span><br />If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a></span><br />He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She has been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.</p><p class="hdg">acknowledged.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Genesis 37:33</a></b></br> And he knew it, and said, <i>It is</i> my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.</p><p class="hdg">She hath.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">1 Samuel 24:17</a></b></br> And he said to David, Thou <i>art</i> more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/24-17.htm">2 Samuel 24:17</a></b></br> And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/16-52.htm">Ezekiel 16:52</a></b></br> Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters.</p><p class="hdg">more righteous.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/38-14.htm">Genesis 38:14</a></b></br> And 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 <i>is</i> by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.</p><p class="hdg">And he knew.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-1.htm">Genesis 4:1</a></b></br> And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">2 Samuel 16:22</a></b></br> So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-3.htm">2 Samuel 20:3</a></b></br> And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women <i>his</i> concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">Acknowledged</a> <a href="/genesis/38-25.htm">Added</a> <a href="/genesis/36-12.htm">Connection</a> <a href="/genesis/33-10.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/genesis/19-8.htm">Inasmuch</a> <a href="/genesis/38-24.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/genesis/30-15.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/genesis/38-21.htm">Openly</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Recognized</a> <a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/genesis/20-4.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/genesis/38-14.htm">Shelah</a> <a href="/genesis/31-40.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/genesis/37-7.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/genesis/38-9.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/2-25.htm">Acknowledged</a> <a href="/exodus/12-34.htm">Added</a> <a href="/exodus/22-16.htm">Connection</a> <a href="/genesis/41-39.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/numbers/10-31.htm">Inasmuch</a> <a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/genesis/39-7.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-5.htm">Openly</a> <a href="/genesis/42-7.htm">Recognized</a> <a href="/exodus/19-15.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/exodus/9-27.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/genesis/46-12.htm">Shelah</a> <a href="/genesis/39-14.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/genesis/42-11.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Wouldn't</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>Judah recognized the items and said</b><br>Judah's recognition of the items—his seal, cord, and staff—marks a pivotal moment of self-awareness and confession. These items were personal identifiers, akin to a modern-day signature, and their recognition signifies Judah's acknowledgment of his actions. This moment is reminiscent of other biblical instances where individuals are confronted with their sins, such as Nathan confronting David (<a href="/2_samuel/12-7.htm">2 Samuel 12:7</a>). It highlights the importance of personal accountability in biblical narratives.<p><b>“She is more righteous than I</b><br>Judah's admission that Tamar is "more righteous" reflects a deep understanding of justice and righteousness in the biblical context. Righteousness here is not about moral perfection but about fulfilling one's obligations and responsibilities. Tamar's actions, though unconventional, were driven by her right to offspring from Judah's family line, as per the levirate marriage custom (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-10</a>). This acknowledgment by Judah is a turning point in his character development, showing humility and repentance.<p><b>since I did not give her to my son Shelah.”</b><br>Judah's failure to give Tamar to his son Shelah was a breach of the levirate marriage duty, which was intended to preserve the family line and provide for widows. This cultural practice was crucial in ancient Israelite society, ensuring the continuation of a man's name and property within the tribe. Judah's neglect of this duty underscores the social and familial responsibilities emphasized in the Old Testament, and his admission highlights the importance of fulfilling one's obligations.<p><b>And he did not have relations with her again.</b><br>This final phrase indicates Judah's respect for Tamar and his recognition of the wrongness of his previous actions. By not continuing the relationship, Judah demonstrates a change in behavior, aligning with biblical themes of repentance and transformation. This decision also preserves the integrity of the family line, as Tamar's children, Perez and Zerah, become significant figures in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (<a href="/matthew/1-3.htm">Matthew 1:3</a>). This connection to the genealogy of Christ underscores the theme of redemption and God's sovereign plan working through flawed human actions.<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 acknowledges his wrongdoing in not fulfilling his promise to Tamar.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/tamar.htm">Tamar</a></b><br>The widow of Judah's son, she takes bold action to secure her rights and future, ultimately being declared more righteous than Judah.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/shelah.htm">Shelah</a></b><br>Judah's youngest son, whom Judah had promised to Tamar as a husband, but failed to fulfill this promise.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>This verse captures the moment of Judah's recognition of his failure and Tamar's righteousness, highlighting themes of justice and accountability.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/acknowledgment_of_sin.htm">Acknowledgment of Sin</a></b><br>Judah's admission, "She is more righteous than I," serves as a model for recognizing and confessing our own failures and sins.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness_and_justice.htm">Righteousness and Justice</a></b><br>Tamar's actions, though unconventional, highlight the importance of seeking justice and righteousness, even when it requires boldness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_broken_promises.htm">Consequences of Broken Promises</a></b><br>Judah's failure to keep his promise to Tamar underscores the importance of integrity and the consequences of neglecting our commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_and_redemption.htm">Transformation and Redemption</a></b><br>Judah's journey from deceit to acknowledgment of his wrongs illustrates the potential for personal transformation and redemption.<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/what_happened_to_tamar_in_the_bible.htm">What happened to Tamar in the biblical narrative?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_judah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Judah in the Bible?</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/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 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Judah acknowledged</span> (or discerned, <span class="accented">ut supra, i.e.</span> recognized) <span class="cmt_word">them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I</span>; - though Tamer was far from innocent (vide vex. 16), she was by no means as culpable as Judah - <span class="cmt_word">because that</span> (<span class="hebrew">כִּי־עַל־כֵּן</span>, for, for this cause, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> that so it might hap, pen to me: vide <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm">Genesis 18:5</a>) <span class="cmt_word">I gave her not to Shelah my son.</span> <span class="cmt_word">And</span> (in token of his penitence) <span class="cmt_word">he knew her again no more.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/38-26.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">Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֗ה</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">recognized [the items]</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּכֵּ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yak·kêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5234.htm">Strong's 5234: </a> </span><span class="str2">To regard, recognize</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙</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">“She is more righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צָֽדְקָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣā·ḏə·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6663.htm">Strong's 6663: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be just or righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than I,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּ֔נִּי</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">since</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</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">give</span><br /><span class="heb">נְתַתִּ֖יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṯat·tî·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her to my son</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Shelah.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשֵׁלָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šê·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7956.htm">Strong's 7956: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shelah -- a son of Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And he did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</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">have relations with her</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדַעְתָּֽה׃‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏa‘·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">again.</span><br /><span class="heb">יָסַ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(yā·sap̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/38-26.htm">Genesis 38:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/38-26.htm">OT Law: Genesis 38:26 Judah acknowledged them and said She (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/38-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 38:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/38-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 38:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:27" /></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>