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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 38:2 There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with her.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/38-2.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_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 38:2 - Judah and Tamar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with 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/38-2.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/38-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/38-1.htm" title="Genesis 38:1">◄</a> Genesis 38:2 <a href="/genesis/38-3.htm" title="Genesis 38:3">►</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 />There Judah met the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua. He married her and made love to her;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There he saw a Canaanite woman, the daughter of Shua, and he married her. When he slept with her,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />There Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her and went in to her,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name <i>was</i> Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name <i>was</i> Shua, and he married her and went in to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her <i>as a wife</i> and had relations with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her and went in to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her and went in to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her and went in to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There Judah saw a daughter of Shua, a Canaanite, and he took her [as his wife] and lived with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite named Shua; he took her as a wife and slept with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite named Shua; he took her as a wife and slept with her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her, and went in unto her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />While there he met the daughter of Shua, a Canaanite man. Judah married her, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her, and went in unto her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />There Judah met the daughter of a Canaanite man whose name was Shua. He married her and slept with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There Judah met a young Canaanite woman whose father was named Shua. He married her, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />There Judah met the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua. He married her, had sexual relations with her, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua. Judah acquired her as a wife and had marital relations with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite whose name was Shua. And he married her and slept with 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 saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />There, Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite man named Shua. He took her, and went in to 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 sees there the daughter of a man, a Canaanite, whose name [is] Shuah, and takes her, and goes in to 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 seeth there the daughter of a man, a Canaanite, whose name is Shuah, and taketh her, and goeth in unto 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 see there the daughter of a man, a Canaanite, and his name Shuah, and he will take her and will go in to her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he saw there the daughter of a man of Chanaan, called Sue: and taking her to wife, he went in unto her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he saw there the daughter of a man called Shua, of Canaan. And taking her as a wife, he entered to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite named Shua; he married her, and had intercourse with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />There Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; he married her and went in to 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 saw there the daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto 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 saw there the daughter of a Canaanite man, and her name was Shua, and he took her and he went into 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 saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her, and went in unto her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Judas saw there the daughter of a Chananitish man, whose name was Sava; and he took her, and went in to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/38-2.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=9636" 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">1</span>About that time, Judah left his brothers and settled near a man named Hirah, an Adullamite. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">There</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: baṯ- (N-fsc) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">the daughter</a> <a href="/hebrew/3669.htm" title="3669: kə·na·‘ă·nî (N-proper-ms) -- Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan. Patrial from Kna'an; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar.">of a Canaanite</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: ū·šə·mōw (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">named</a> <a href="/hebrew/7770.htm" title="7770: šū·a‘ (N-proper-fs) -- Shua -- father of Judah's wife. The same as shuwa'; Shua, a Canaanite.">Shua,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qā·ḥe·hā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3fs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">and he took her as a wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and slept with</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·hā (Prep:: 3fs) -- To, into, towards. ">her.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er.…<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/2-3.htm">1 Chronicles 2:3-4</a></span><br />The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah. These three were born to him by Bath-shua the Canaanite. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death. / 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="/numbers/26-19.htm">Numbers 26:19-22</a></span><br />The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan. / These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah. / And these were the descendants of Perez: the Hezronite clan from Hezron and the Hamulite clan from Hamul. ...<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/18-16.htm">Leviticus 18:16</a></span><br />You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/20-21.htm">Leviticus 20:21</a></span><br />If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-7.htm">1 Samuel 22:7</a></span><br />Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1-2</a></span><br />King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/11-18.htm">2 Chronicles 11:18-19</a></span><br />And Rehoboam married Mahalath, who was the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, the daughter of Jesse’s son Eliab. / She bore sons to him: Jeush, Shemariah, and Zaham.<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="/romans/1-3.htm">Romans 1:3</a></span><br />regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,<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/7-14.htm">Hebrews 7:14</a></span><br />For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5</a></span><br />Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in to her.</p><p class="hdg">saw.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a></b></br> And when the woman saw that the tree <i>was</i> good for food, and that it <i>was</i> pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make <i>one</i> wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2</a></b></br> That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they <i>were</i> fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3</a></b></br> And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:</p><p class="hdg">Shuah.</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="/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="hdg">Shua.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/6-4.htm">Genesis 6:4</a></b></br> There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare <i>children</i> to them, the same <i>became</i> mighty men which <i>were</i> of old, men of renown.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3</a></b></br> And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/37-1.htm">Canaan</a> <a href="/genesis/28-8.htm">Canaanite</a> <a href="/matthew/15-22.htm">Canaanitish</a> <a href="/genesis/36-39.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/genesis/38-1.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/genesis/29-26.htm">Married</a> <a href="/genesis/33-8.htm">Met</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/7-32.htm">Shua</a> <a href="/genesis/25-2.htm">Shuah</a> <a href="/genesis/36-18.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/42-5.htm">Canaan</a> <a href="/genesis/46-10.htm">Canaanite</a> <a href="/genesis/46-10.htm">Canaanitish</a> <a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/genesis/41-35.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/exodus/2-1.htm">Married</a> <a href="/genesis/42-38.htm">Met</a> <a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Shua</a> <a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Shuah</a> <a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">Wife</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>There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua</b><br>Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, is highlighted in this narrative. The mention of a Canaanite woman is significant, as the Canaanites were often seen as a people with different religious practices and moral values, which were contrary to those of the Israelites. This union foreshadows potential conflicts and challenges, as intermarriage with Canaanites was generally discouraged (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-3.htm">Deuteronomy 7:3-4</a>). The name "Shua" is not common, and little is known about him, but his mention indicates the importance of lineage and family connections in biblical narratives.<p><b>and he took her as a wife</b><br>The act of taking a Canaanite woman as a wife by Judah is a pivotal moment, reflecting a departure from the practices of his forefathers, who sought to marry within their own kin (<a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3-4</a>, <a href="/genesis/28.htm">Genesis 28:1-2</a>). This decision may have been influenced by Judah's separation from his brothers and his desire to establish his own household. The cultural context of marriage during this time often involved familial arrangements and alliances, which could have implications for inheritance and social standing.<p><b>and slept with her</b><br>This phrase indicates the consummation of the marriage, which was a significant step in establishing a family line. In biblical times, the act of sleeping with one's wife was not only a physical union but also a covenantal act that often led to the continuation of a family lineage. This union would eventually lead to the birth of Judah's sons, who play crucial roles in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history. The mention of this act underscores the importance of progeny and the fulfillment of God's promises through the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The fourth son of Jacob and Leah, Judah is a significant figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ. His actions and decisions have long-lasting implications for the tribes of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/daughter_of_a_canaanite_man_named_shua.htm">Daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua</a></b><br>This unnamed woman becomes Judah's wife. Her Canaanite heritage is significant, as it reflects the intermingling of the Israelites with the surrounding nations, which was often discouraged.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The land where this event takes place, Canaan was inhabited by various tribes and was known for its idolatrous practices. The Israelites were often warned against adopting Canaanite customs.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Judah's decision to marry a Canaanite woman reflects a departure from the covenantal practices of his forefathers. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands regarding relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_compromise.htm">Consequences of Compromise</a></b><br>Judah's marriage to a Canaanite woman leads to a series of complex family dynamics and moral challenges. Compromising on God's standards can lead to unforeseen consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_imperfection.htm">God's Sovereignty in Imperfection</a></b><br>Despite Judah's actions, God uses his lineage to bring about the Messiah. This teaches us that God can redeem our mistakes and use them for His greater plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_influence_and_faithfulness.htm">Cultural Influence and Faithfulness</a></b><br>The account highlights the tension between cultural influences and faithfulness to God. Believers are called to be in the world but not of it, maintaining their distinct identity in Christ.<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/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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/38.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Canaanite.</span>--This is rendered in the Targum <span class= "ital">merchant, </span>and so the Authorised Version translates Canaanite in <a href="/proverbs/31-24.htm" title="She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles to the merchant.">Proverbs 31:24</a>. In favour of this view is the fact, that the marriage of Simeon with a Canaanitish woman is regarded as an act so exceptional, as to be worth recording (<a href="/genesis/46-10.htm" title="And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.">Genesis 46:10</a>). But we may well doubt whether, at so early an age, the terms Canaanite and merchant had become synonymous. "Shuah" was the name of the woman's father, as appears plainly in the Hebrew. (See also <a href="/genesis/38-12.htm" title="And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheep shearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.">Genesis 38:12</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Judah saw there the daughter of a certain</span> (literally, <span class="accented">of a man, a</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>Canaanite</span>, - not of a merchant (Onkelos), but of an inhabitant of the land of Canaan - <span class="cmt_word">whose name was Shuah</span>; - "Wealth," "Riches," "Cry for Help" (Gesenius). This was not the name of Judah's wife (LXX.), but of her father - (vide ver. 12) - and he took her, - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> married her (viz. <a href="/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2</a>; <a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Genesis 24:67</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">and went in unto her</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/38-2.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">There</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֧ם</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֛ה</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">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּרְא־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the daughter</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּת־</span> <span class="translit">(baṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a Canaanite</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּנַעֲנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(kə·na·‘ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3669.htm">Strong's 3669: </a> </span><span class="str2">Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">named</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁמ֣וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Shua,</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֑וּעַ</span> <span class="translit">(šū·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7770.htm">Strong's 7770: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shua -- father of Judah's wife</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he took her as a wife</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקָּחֶ֖הָ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·qā·ḥe·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and slept with</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶֽיהָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/38-2.htm">Genesis 38:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/38-2.htm">OT Law: Genesis 38:2 Judah saw there a daughter (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/38-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 38:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/38-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 38:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:3" /></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>