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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 38:7 But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/38-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/01_Gen_38_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 38:7 - Judah and Tamar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death." /><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'; 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so the LORD put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But Er was a wicked man in the LORD’s sight, so the LORD took his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD killed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD took his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But Er, Judah&#8217s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD took his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But Er, Judah’s first-born, was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD took his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of Yahweh, so Yahweh put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD killed him [in judgment].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the LORD’s sight, and the LORD put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Er, Judah&#8217s firstborn, was evil in the LORD&#8217s sight, and the LORD put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Er, Judah's first-born, was wicked in the sight of Jehovah; and Jehovah slew him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But Er was very evil, and the LORD took his life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Er angered the LORD. So the LORD took away his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Er's conduct was evil, and it displeased the LORD, so the LORD killed him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But the LORD considered Er, Judah's oldest son, to be wicked—so he put him to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Er, Judah?s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But Er, Judah's firstborn, was evil in the LORD's sight, so the LORD killed him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now Er, Judah?s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so God killed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Er, Judah's first-born, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in Yahweh’s sight. So Yahweh killed him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Er, Judah’s firstborn, is evil in the eyes of YHWH, and YHWH puts him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Er, Judah's first-born, is evil in the eyes of Jehovah, and Jehovah doth put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Er, Judah's first-born, will be evil in the eyes of Jehovah: and Jehovah will kill him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Her, the firstborn of Juda, was wicked in the sight of the Lord: and was slain by him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And it also happened that Er, the first born of Judah, was wicked in the sight of the Lord and was killed by him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Er, Judah’s firstborn, greatly offended the LORD; so the LORD took his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD put him to death.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Er, Judah's first-born, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Eyr, the firstborn of Yehuda, was evil before LORD JEHOVAH, and LORD JEHOVAH put him to death.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Er, Judah's first-born, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Er, the first-born of Judas, was wicked before the Lord; and God killed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/38-7.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=9668" 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">6</span>Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">But</a> <a href="/hebrew/6147.htm" title="6147: ‘êr (N-proper-ms) -- Two men of Judah. From uwr; watchful; Er, the name of two Israelites.">Er,</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’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·wr (N-msc) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">firstborn,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: ra‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">was wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nê (Prep-b:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in the sight</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">so the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·mi·ṯê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">put him to death.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.”…<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="/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32-35</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. / They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. / At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!” ...<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="/leviticus/10-1.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a></span><br />Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12-17</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD / or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling / and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">1 Samuel 2:25</a></span><br />If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-7.htm">2 Samuel 6:7</a></span><br />And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-23.htm">2 Kings 2:23-24</a></span><br />From there, Elisha went up to Bethel, and as he was walking up the road, a group of boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” / Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-27.htm">2 Kings 5:27</a></span><br />Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/15-5.htm">2 Kings 15:5</a></span><br />And the LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, so that he lived in a separate house while his son Jotham had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-13.htm">1 Chronicles 10:13-14</a></span><br />So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/4-7.htm">Job 4:7-9</a></span><br />Consider now, I plead: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Or where have the upright been destroyed? / As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same. / By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of His anger they are consumed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Psalm 37:28</a></span><br />For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Proverbs 10:27</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Proverbs 11:19</a></span><br />Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-4.htm">Ezekiel 18:4</a></span><br />Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.</p><p class="hdg">Er.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/46-12.htm">Genesis 46:12</a></b></br> And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/26-19.htm">Numbers 26:19</a></b></br> The sons of Judah <i>were</i> Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.</p><p class="hdg">wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/6-8.htm">Genesis 6:8</a></b></br> But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/13-13.htm">Genesis 13:13</a></b></br> But the men of Sodom <i>were</i> wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/19-13.htm">Genesis 19:13</a></b></br> For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.</p><p class="hdg">and the.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/2-3.htm">1 Chronicles 2:3</a></b></br> The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: <i>which</i> three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Psalm 55:23</a></b></br> But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">Er</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/micah/1-5.htm">Judah's</a> <a href="/genesis/37-31.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Life</a> <a href="/genesis/34-11.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/genesis/34-26.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/genesis/19-7.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/46-12.htm">Er</a> <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/41-51.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/41-51.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Judah's</a> <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Wicked</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>But Er, Judah’s firstborn,</b><br>Er is introduced as the firstborn son of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. The firstborn status in ancient Hebrew culture carried significant importance, often associated with inheritance rights and leadership within the family. Judah, Er's father, is a key figure in biblical history, as his lineage is significant in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (<a href="/matthew/1-3.htm">Matthew 1:3</a>). The mention of Er as the firstborn sets the stage for the unfolding events in Judah's family, highlighting the importance of lineage and the consequences of actions within this family line.<p><b>was wicked in the sight of the LORD;</b><br>The phrase indicates that Er's actions or character were displeasing to God. The Bible does not specify the nature of Er's wickedness, but it emphasizes that his behavior was judged by divine standards. This reflects the biblical theme that God sees and judges the hearts and actions of individuals (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>). The concept of wickedness in the sight of the LORD is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God's holiness and justice are contrasted with human sinfulness.<p><b>so the LORD put him to death.</b><br>This direct divine intervention underscores the seriousness of Er's wickedness. In the Old Testament, there are instances where God directly enacts judgment, such as with Ananias and Sapphira in <a href="/acts/5.htm">Acts 5:1-11</a>. This act serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the reality of divine judgment. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will come through Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead (<a href="/2_timothy/4.htm">2 Timothy 4:1</a>). The death of Er serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, affecting the future of Judah's lineage and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/er.htm">Er</a></b><br>The firstborn son of Judah and Shua's daughter. His wickedness in the sight of the LORD led to his death.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>One of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose lineage is significant in the history of Israel and the genealogy of Jesus Christ.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is just and righteous, executing judgment on wickedness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/death_of_er.htm">Death of Er</a></b><br>A divine act of judgment due to Er's wickedness, demonstrating God's intolerance of sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_sin.htm">The Seriousness of Sin</a></b><br>Er's death underscores the seriousness with which God views sin. It serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, both temporal and eternal.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_righteous_judgment.htm">God's Righteous Judgment</a></b><br>God's decision to put Er to death highlights His righteousness and justice. It is a call for believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God, avoiding wickedness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_holiness.htm">The Importance of Holiness</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue holiness and righteousness, understanding that God desires purity in His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_accountability.htm">The Role of Accountability</a></b><br>This passage encourages believers to hold one another accountable in their walk with God, recognizing that unchecked sin can lead to severe consequences.<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/how_do_skeptics_reconcile_saul's_death.htm">How do skeptics reconcile "the LORD put him to death" (1 Chronicles 10:14) with the naturalistic account of Saul's death in 1 Samuel?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_sons_of_god_in_the_bible.htm">Who are the sons of God in the Bible?</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 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord.</span> The connection between Er's name (<span class="hebrew">עֵר</span>) and Er's character (<span class="hebrew">רַע</span>) is noticeable. The special form which his wickedness assumed is not stated; but the accompanying phrase suggests that, as in the case of the Sodomites (<a href="/genesis/13-13.htm">Genesis 13:13</a>; <a href="/genesis/19-5.htm">Genesis 19:5</a>), it was some unnatural abomination. <span class="cmt_word">And the Lord slew him</span> - literally, <span class="accented">caused him to die</span>; not necessarily by direct visitation; perhaps simply by allowing him to reap the fruits of his youthful indulgence in premature and childless death, which yet was so rapid and so evidently entailed by his evil courses as immediately to suggest the punitive hand of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/38-7.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">But</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<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">Er,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֚ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6147.htm">Strong's 6147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Er -- two men of Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Judah’s</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֔ה</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">firstborn,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכ֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> </span><span class="str2">Firstborn, chief</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רַ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(ra‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the LORD’s</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sight;</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵינֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">put him to death.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְמִתֵ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·mi·ṯê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/38-7.htm">Genesis 38:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/38-7.htm">OT Law: Genesis 38:7 Er Judah's firstborn was wicked (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/38-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 38:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/38-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 38:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:8" /></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>