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Genesis 38:6 Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.

<!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 38:6 Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/38-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/01_Gen_38_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 38:6 - Judah and Tamar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar." /><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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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/38.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />In the course of time, Judah arranged for his firstborn son, Er, to marry a young woman named Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name <i>was</i> Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name <i>was</i> Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name <i>was</i> Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, and her name <i>was</i> Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name <i>was</i> Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn; her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Later, Judah chose Tamar as a wife for Er, his oldest son. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/38.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Judah chose a wife for his firstborn son Er. Her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For his first son Er, Judah got a wife whose name was Tamar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Judah found a wife for his oldest son Er. Her name was Tamar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Judah acquired a wife for Er his firstborn; her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, whose name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. <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 takes a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name [is] Tamar;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Judah taketh a wife for Er, his first-born, and her name is Tamar;<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 take a wife for Er his first-born, and her name Tamar.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Juda took a wife for Her his firstborn, whose name was Thamar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Judah gave a wife to his first born Er, whose name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Judah got a wife named Tamar for his firstborn, Er.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn; her name was Tamar.<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 took a wife for Er, his first-born, whose name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yehuda took a woman for Eyr, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.<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 took a wife for Er his first-born, and her name was Tamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Judas took a wife for Er his first-born, whose name was Thamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/38-6.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=9662" 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>&#8230;<span class="reftext">5</span>Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Chezib that she gave birth to him. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: y&#601;&#183;h&#363;&#183;&#7695;&#257;h (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">Now Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way&#183;yiq&#183;qa&#7717; (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">acquired</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: &#8217;i&#353;&#183;&#353;&#257;h (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">a wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/6147.htm" title="6147: l&#601;&#183;&#8216;&#234;r (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Two men of Judah. From uwr; watchful; Er, the name of two Israelites.">for Er,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: b&#601;&#183;&#7733;&#333;&#183;w&#183;r&#333;w (N-msc:: 3ms) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">his firstborn,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: &#363;&#183;&#353;&#601;&#183;m&#257;h (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3fs) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">and her name</a> <a href="/hebrew/8559.htm" title="8559: t&#257;&#183;m&#257;r (N-proper-fs) -- The same as tamar; Tamar, the name of three women and a place.">was Tamar.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>But Er, Judah&#8217;s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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.&#8221;<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&#8217;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</a></span><br />The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-6</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&#8217;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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-24.htm">Matthew 22:24</a></span><br />&#8220;Teacher,&#8221; they said, &#8220;Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-19.htm">Mark 12:19</a></span><br />&#8220;Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man&#8217;s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother&#8217;s widow and raise up offspring for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-28.htm">Luke 20:28</a></span><br />&#8220;Teacher,&#8221; they said, &#8220;Moses wrote for us that if a man&#8217;s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother&#8217;s widow and raise up offspring for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1</a></span><br />It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father&#8217;s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39</a></span><br />A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2</a></span><br />For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.<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&#8217;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&#8217;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="/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Deuteronomy 25:7-10</a></span><br />But if the man does not want to marry his brother&#8217;s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, &#8220;My husband&#8217;s brother refuses to preserve his brother&#8217;s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.&#8221; / Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, &#8220;I do not want to marry her,&#8221; / his brother&#8217;s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal, spit in his face, and declare, &#8220;This is what is done to the man who will not maintain his brother&#8217;s line.&#8221; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/46-12.htm">Genesis 46:12</a></span><br />The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.</p><p class="hdg">took.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-21.htm">Genesis 21:21</a></b></br> And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.</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">Tamar.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/1-3.htm">Matthew 1:3</a></b></br> And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/38-3.htm">Er</a> <a href="/genesis/36-15.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/36-15.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/36-15.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/genesis/38-2.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/genesis/14-7.htm">Tamar</a> <a href="/genesis/38-2.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/38-7.htm">Er</a> <a href="/genesis/38-7.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/38-7.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/38-7.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Tamar</a> <a href="/genesis/38-8.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 /> <!-- /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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/genesis/38.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn</b><br>In the ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary for parents to arrange marriages for their children. Judah, as the patriarch of his family, took the responsibility of finding a suitable wife for his firstborn son, Er. This reflects the patriarchal structure of the society, where fathers had significant authority over family matters. The act of acquiring a wife also underscores the importance of lineage and inheritance, as the firstborn son held a special status in terms of family legacy and property rights. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the marriages arranged by Abraham for Isaac and by Isaac for Jacob.<p><b>and her name was Tamar</b><br>Tamar's introduction into the narrative is significant, as she becomes a central figure in the unfolding story of Judah's family. Her name, meaning "palm tree," may symbolize beauty and fruitfulness, qualities valued in a wife. Tamar's role in the biblical narrative extends beyond this chapter, as she becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogy in <a href="/matthew/1-3.htm">Matthew 1:3</a>. Her story highlights themes of justice, redemption, and the continuation of God's covenant promises through unexpected means. Tamar's actions later in the chapter demonstrate her determination to secure her rights and fulfill her duty to produce offspring for her deceased husband, which was a culturally accepted practice known as levirate marriage.<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 central figure in this chapter. He is the father of Er, Onan, and Shelah, and his actions and decisions significantly impact the account.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/er.htm">Er</a></b><br>The firstborn son of Judah, Er is described in <a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6</a> as the husband of Tamar. His life is brief in the biblical account, as he is soon judged by God for his wickedness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/tamar.htm">Tamar</a></b><br>The wife of Er, Tamar is a key figure in this chapter. Her account unfolds with themes of justice, righteousness, and the continuation of lineage.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The land where Judah and his family reside during this time. It is significant as the setting for the events of <a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">Genesis 38</a>.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_righteousness.htm">The Importance of Righteousness</a></b><br>Er's wickedness led to his downfall. This serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that aligns with God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_lineage.htm">God's Sovereignty in Lineage</a></b><br>Despite human failings, God's plan for the lineage of Judah, which ultimately leads to Christ, is fulfilled. This demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Women in God's Plan</a></b><br>Tamar's account highlights the significant role women play in God's redemptive history. Her actions, though unconventional, are pivotal in the continuation of Judah's line.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_righteousness.htm">Justice and Righteousness</a></b><br>The account challenges us to consider what true justice and righteousness look like, especially in complex family dynamics.<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/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/does_1_chr_2_3-4_align_with_gen_38.htm">How does 1 Chronicles 2:3&#8211;4 align with Genesis 38 regarding Judah and Tamar&#8217;s lineage, and does it create inconsistencies? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_judah_call_tamar_'righteous'.htm">In Genesis 38:25-26, why does Judah suddenly shift from condemning Tamar to declaring her 'more righteous' than he is, without any direct divine intervention or clear moral explanation?</a><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 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Judah took a wife</span> (cf. <a href="/genesis/21-21.htm">Genesis 21:21</a>; <a href="/genesis/24-4.htm">Genesis 24:4</a>) <span class="cmt_word">for Er his firstborn,</span> - "by the early marriage of his sons Judah seems to have intended to prevent in them a germinating corruption (Lange) - <span class="cmt_word">whose name as Tamar</span> - "Palm tree" (Gesenius). Though the name was Shemitic, it does not follow that the person was. Cf. Melchisedeck and Abimelech. Yet she is not expressly called a Canaanite, though it is more than probable she was. Lange conjectures that she may have been of Philistine descent, and thinks the narrative intends to convey the impression that she was a woman of extraordinary character. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/38-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1492;&#1493;&#1468;&#1491;&#1464;&#1435;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#601;&#183;h&#363;&#183;&#7695;&#257;h)</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">acquired</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1463;&#1497;&#1468;&#1460;&#1511;&#1468;&#1463;&#1447;&#1495;</span> <span class="translit">(way&#183;yiq&#183;qa&#7717;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine 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">a wife</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1460;&#1513;&#1473;&#1468;&#1464;&#1430;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;i&#353;&#183;&#353;&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for Er,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1456;&#1506;&#1461;&#1443;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#601;&#183;&#8216;&#234;r)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l &#124; 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">his firstborn,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1456;&#1499;&#1493;&#1465;&#1512;&#1425;&#1493;&#1465;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#601;&#183;&#7733;&#333;&#183;w&#183;r&#333;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<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">and her name</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1468;&#1513;&#1473;&#1456;&#1502;&#1464;&#1430;&#1492;&#1468;</span> <span class="translit">(&#363;&#183;&#353;&#601;&#183;m&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person feminine 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">was Tamar.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1514;&#1468;&#1464;&#1502;&#1464;&#1469;&#1512;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(t&#257;&#183;m&#257;r)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8559.htm">Strong's 8559: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tamar -- daughter-in-law of Judah, also two Israelite women, also a place South of the Dead Sea </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/38-6.htm">Genesis 38:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">OT Law: Genesis 38:6 Judah took a wife for Er his (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/38-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 38:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/38-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 38:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:7" /></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>

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