Genesis 38:15
Genesis 38:15 in Multiple Translations
When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face.
When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face.
When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a harlot; for she had covered her face.
When Judah saw her he took her to be a loose woman of the town, because her face was covered.
Judah saw her and thought she must be a prostitute because she had veiled her face.
When Iudah sawe her, he iudged her an whore: for she had couered her face.
And Judah seeth her, and reckoneth her for a harlot, for she hath covered her face,
When Judah saw her, he thought that she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face.
When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a harlot; because she had covered her face.
When Juda saw her, he thought she was a harlot: for she had covered her face, lest she should be known.
When Judah came along and saw her, he thought that she was a prostitute, because she had covered her head like prostitutes often did (OR, and sat where prostitutes often sat).
Later, Judah walked along that road, and he saw Tamar sitting there. She had that scarf over her head, and Judah couldn’t see her face. So Judah didn’t know that she was Tamar, his dead son’s wife. He thought she was a woman that sleeps with men for pay. So Judah went to her, and he said, “I want to sleep with you, like a man sleeps with his wife.” Tamar said, “If I sleep with you, then you have to give me something to pay me. What will you give me?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 38:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרְאֶ֣/הָ
יְהוּדָ֔ה
וַֽ/יַּחְשְׁבֶ֖/הָ
לְ/זוֹנָ֑ה
כִּ֥י
כִסְּתָ֖ה
פָּנֶֽי/הָ
וַ/יִּרְאֶ֣/הָ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וַֽ/יַּחְשְׁבֶ֖/הָ
châshab
H2803
to devise
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לְ/זוֹנָ֑ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
Prep | V-Qal
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כִסְּתָ֖ה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
פָּנֶֽי/הָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:15
וַ/יִּרְאֶ֣/הָ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וַֽ/יַּחְשְׁבֶ֖/הָ
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
לְ/זוֹנָ֑ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
Prep | V-Qal
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כִסְּתָ֖ה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
פָּנֶֽי/הָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Genesis 38:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
Context — Judah and Tamar
13When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,”
14she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife.
15When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face.
16Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “What will you give me for sleeping with you?” she inquired. 17“I will send you a young goat from my flock,” Judah answered. But she replied, “Only if you leave me something as a pledge until you send it.”Genesis 38:15 Summary
In Genesis 38:15, Judah mistakes Tamar for a prostitute because she has covered her face. This mistake shows how our perceptions can be wrong and how important it is to understand people and situations before making judgments, as seen in Proverbs 18:13. Just like Judah, we can make mistakes when we don't have all the facts, but we can learn from these mistakes and strive to be more discerning, as encouraged in Psalm 119:66. By being more careful and thoughtful in our interactions with others, we can avoid hurting people and build stronger, more meaningful relationships, as seen in Ephesians 4:29-32.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Judah think Tamar was a prostitute?
Judah thought Tamar was a prostitute because she had covered her face, which was a common practice for prostitutes in that time, as seen in Genesis 38:15. This highlights Judah's lack of discernment and his sinful desires.
What can we learn from Judah's mistake?
We can learn that our perceptions can be deceiving, and we should not judge others based on appearances, as noted in John 7:24. Instead, we should seek to understand the situation and the people involved, as advised in Proverbs 18:13.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Genesis?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Genesis, which explores the themes of family, sin, and redemption, as seen in Genesis 3:15 and Genesis 12:1-3. Judah's actions in this verse contribute to the complex and often flawed nature of the biblical characters.
What does this verse reveal about Judah's character?
This verse reveals Judah's sinful and selfish nature, as he is willing to engage in immoral behavior without considering the consequences or the well-being of others, as seen in Genesis 37:26-27. This highlights the need for personal reflection and repentance, as encouraged in Psalm 51:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- How do I judge others based on appearances, and what can I do to change this habit?
- What are some situations in my life where I have misjudged someone or something, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of the people and situations around me, rather than relying on surface-level perceptions?
- What role does discernment play in my relationships and decision-making, and how can I develop this skill?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:15
When Judah saw her, he thought her [to be] an harlot,.... By her posture and the place she was in: because she had covered her face; with her veil, that he did not know her; for this is not given as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:15
When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
And was doubtless careful not to discover herself by her voice.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
Genesis 38:15 When Judah saw her, he thought her [to be] an harlot; because she had covered her face.Ver. 15. He thought her to be an harlot.] Because she sat in an open place: first, In bivio, saith Junius, where there is liberty of looking every way; the guise and garb of harlots. Next, she sat covered: whores were not altogether so shameless then as now: they shun not to be seen with bold and bare faces, breasts, and wrists. Such a sight may soon inflame a Judah; nay, occasion a Job to break his covenant. The ivy bush showeth there is wine within: which, though no evil follow upon it; yet the party shall be damned, saith Jerome, because she offered poison to others, though none would drink it. See Isaiah 3:16. Because she had covered her face.] Some read, Because she had coloured or painted her face. But that he knew her not by her voice one would wonder. Surely, he was so set upon the satisfying of his lust that he minded nothing else. Lust is blind; "and if the blind lead the blind," &c.
Hosea 2:2 - "Let her take away her fornication from her face, and her adultery from between her breasts"; laid out, and painted, or patched.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
(15) Because she had covered her face.—The Jewish commentators all agree that this was not the custom of harlots; and as Judah, in Genesis 38:21, calls her kedeshah, one consecrated, he probably thought that she was a woman performing the vow required of every female votary of the Phœnician Venus (Astarte), once in her lifetime (Herod. i. 199). Hence the hire was a kid to be sacrificed to the goddess. As for Tamar her object was to assert her claim to the inheritance of ‘Er. Lange considers that the wickedness of ‘Er had caused him, equally with Onan, to neglect her, and that consequently there was no real incest. This is made probable by her immediate conception.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
Verse 15. Thought her to be a harlot] See the original of this term, Genesis 34:31. The Hebrew is זונה zonah, and signifies generally a person who prostitutes herself to the public for hire, or one who lives by the public; and hence very likely applied to a publican, a tavern-keeper, or hostess, Joshua 2:1; translated by the Septuagint, and in the New Testament, πορνη, from περναω, to sell, which certainly may as well apply to her goods as to her person. It appears that in very ancient times there were public persons of this description; and they generally veiled themselves, sat in public places by the highway side, and received certain hire. Though adultery was reputed a very flagrant crime, yet this public prostitution was not; for persons whose characters were on the whole morally good had connections with them. But what could be expected from an age in which there was no written Divine revelation, and consequently the bounds of right and wrong were not sufficiently ascertained? This defect was supplied in a considerable measure by the law and the prophets, and now completely by the Gospel of Christ.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:15
15. covered her face] Cf. Proverbs 7:10. The attire indicated the character she had assumed.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:15
15. A harlot — The word here used is ζεπδ, the common Hebrew word for harlot. But Judah’s friend Hirah uses (Genesis 38:21) a different word, though our translators have rendered it just the same.