Genesis 38:17
Genesis 38:17 in Multiple Translations
“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.”
And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it?
And he said, I will send thee a kid of the goats from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it?
And he said, I will give you a young goat from the flock. And she said, What will you give me as a sign till you send it?
“I'll send you a young goat from my flock,” he replied. “What guarantee will you give me to make sure you'll send it?” she asked.
Then said he, I will sende thee a kid of the goates from the flocke. and she said, Well, if thou wilt giue me a pledge, till thou sende it.
and he saith, 'I — I send a kid of the goats from the flock.' And she saith, 'Dost thou give a pledge till thou send [it]?'
He said, “I will send you a young goat from the flock.” She said, “Will you give me a pledge, until you send it?”
And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock: and she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou sendest it?
He said: I will send thee a kid out of the flock. And when she said again: I will suffer what thou wilt, if thou give a pledge, till thou send what thou promisest,
He replied, “I will send you a young goat from my flock of goats.” She asked, “Will you give me something now for me to keep until you send the goat?”
Judah said, “After you sleep with me, I will send you one of my young goats.” Tamar said, “All right. But first, you have to give me something that belongs to you, to show that you promised to send me a young goat.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:17
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 38:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
אָנֹכִ֛י
אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח
גְּדִֽי
עִזִּ֖ים
מִן
הַ/צֹּ֑אן
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
אִם
תִּתֵּ֥ן
עֵרָב֖וֹן
עַ֥ד
שָׁלְחֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָנֹכִ֛י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
גְּדִֽי
gᵉdîy
H1423
kid
N-ms
עִזִּ֖ים
ʻêz
H5795
goat
N-fp
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/צֹּ֑אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
עֵרָב֖וֹן
ʻărâbôwn
H6162
pledge
N-ms
עַ֥ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
שָׁלְחֶֽ/ךָ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:17
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אָנֹכִ֛י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
גְּדִֽי
gᵉdîy
H1423
"kid"
N-ms
A young goat, often referred to as a kid, is a juvenile goat in the Bible. This word is used to describe a goat that is still young and developing. It appears in various contexts, including biblical descriptions of animals.
Definition: kid, young male goat
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: kid. See also: Genesis 27:9; Judges 6:19; Isaiah 11:6.
עִזִּ֖ים
ʻêz
H5795
"goat"
N-fp
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 27:27.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/צֹּ֑אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עֵרָב֖וֹן
ʻărâbôwn
H6162
"pledge"
N-ms
A pledge is a promise or security given to guarantee something, like a pawn shop holding an item until a debt is paid. It appears in the Bible as a way to secure a loan or agreement. In ancient times, pledges were common practice.
Definition: pledge, security
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: pledge. See also: Genesis 38:17; Genesis 38:18; Genesis 38:20.
עַ֥ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
שָׁלְחֶֽ/ךָ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Judah and Tamar
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.”
18“What pledge should I give you?” he asked. She answered, “Your seal and your cord, and the staff in your hand.” So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him. 19Then Tamar got up and departed. And she removed her veil and put on her widow’s garments again.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 16:33 | Men give gifts to all their prostitutes, but you gave gifts to all your lovers. You bribed them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors. |
| 2 | Genesis 38:20 | Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. |
| 3 | Proverbs 20:16 | Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. |
| 4 | Genesis 38:24–25 | About three months later, Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has prostituted herself, and now she is pregnant.” “Bring her out!” Judah replied. “Let her be burned to death!” As she was being brought out, Tamar sent a message to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these items belong.” And she added, “Please examine them. Whose seal and cord and staff are these?” |
| 5 | Luke 16:8 | The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light. |
Genesis 38:17 Summary
[In Genesis 38:17, Judah promises to send a young goat to Tamar, but she wants something to guarantee he will keep his promise. This shows that Tamar was wise and cautious in her dealings with Judah. We can learn from Tamar's example by being careful and wise in our own interactions with others, as advised in Proverbs 22:3. We should also strive to be people of our word, keeping our promises like God keeps His, as seen in Numbers 23:19 and Psalm 119:138.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Judah's offer to send a young goat from his flock?
Judah's offer to send a young goat from his flock, as recorded in Genesis 38:17, symbolizes a promise or a guarantee, similar to how God made promises to His people throughout the Bible, such as in Genesis 15:18 and Exodus 6:4. This action shows that Judah intended to fulfill his commitment but lacked integrity in his personal life.
Why did Tamar request a pledge from Judah?
Tamar asked for a pledge, as seen in Genesis 38:17, to ensure Judah would keep his promise, demonstrating her wisdom and caution in dealing with Judah, who was not a man of his word, similar to how Jacob had to deal with Laban in Genesis 30:31-43.
What can we learn from Judah's interaction with Tamar in this verse?
This verse teaches us about the importance of integrity and keeping our promises, as emphasized in Psalm 15:4, and how our actions can have consequences, as seen in the rest of the story in Genesis 38.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty?
Despite Judah's and Tamar's flawed decisions, God sovereignly worked through their actions to fulfill His plan, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:3, demonstrating His ability to bring good out of difficult situations, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle with integrity, and how can I apply the lesson from Judah's mistake to improve?
- In what ways can I, like Tamar, demonstrate wisdom and caution in my dealings with others, especially when they may not have the best intentions?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when I face difficult or unexpected situations, and what promises from Scripture can I cling to in those times?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of keeping my promises, and how can I be more mindful of this in my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:17
And he said, I will send [thee] a kid from the flock,.... Either from Timnath, where his flock was shearing, or rather from Adullam, where he lived; since it is probable he was now returning from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:17
And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? I will send thee a kid from the flock. A kid-a roasted kid-was considered a very great delicacy in the East.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:17
Genesis 38:17 And he said, I will send [thee] a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give [me] a pledge, till thou send [it]?Ver. 17. Wilt thou give me.] The love of money breeds noisome lusts. Harlots are sordida poscinummia, as Plautus hath it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:17
Verse 17. Wilt thou give me a pledge till thou send it?] The word ערבון erabon signifies an earnest of something promised, a part of the price agreed for between a buyer and seller, by giving and receiving of which the bargain was ratified; or a deposit, which was to be restored when the thing promised should be given. St. Paul uses the same word in Greek letters, αππαβων, 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:14. From the use of the term in this history we may at once see what the apostle means by the Holy Spirit being the EARNEST, αππαβων, of the promised inheritance; viz., a security given in hand for the fulfilment of all God's promises relative to grace and eternal life. We may learn from this that eternal life will be given in the great day to all who can produce this erabon or pledge. He who has the earnest of the Spirit then in his heart shall not only be saved from death, but have that eternal life of which it is the pledge and the evidence. What the pledge given by Judah was, See Clarke on Genesis 38:25.
Sermons on Genesis 38:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Meaning of "Kosmos" in John 3:16 by A.W. Pink | Greek Word Studies for aid_number 34614 delves into the concept of 'arrabon' as a pledge, which is the payment of part of a purchase price in advance, serving as a guarantee for th |
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(Genesis) Genesis 38:24-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being concerned with the size of the crowd when preaching the word of God. He believes that if the word of God is given |
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(Genesis) 54 - Judah and the Messianic Succession by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Judah and Tamar from the book of Genesis. The sermon begins by highlighting the possibility of evil that exists within human nat |
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Trophies of His Grace by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays shares a personal anecdote about his grandson wanting to go to the zoo but not having enough time. He then transitions into discussing how sometim |
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Beware of the Christian Religion - Unfaithful Servants (Part 2) by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of recognizing our unfaithfulness as Christians and the importance of seeking God's grace to address our spiritual needs. He reflects on the |
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Luke 16:1-8. the Parable of the Unjust Steward. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the parable of the dishonest steward, explaining that the Lord commended the steward not for his wickedness but for his worldly wisdom in securing h |
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Luke 16:9-13. Christ Exhorts His Disciples to Be Faithful in the Use of Riches. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the wise use of riches as demonstrated by the unjust steward, emphasizing the importance of using worldly wealth to make friends for eternal dwel |