Genesis 38:2
Genesis 38:2 in Multiple Translations
There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with her.
And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her, and went in unto her.
And there he saw the daughter of a certain man of Canaan named Shua, and took her as his wife.
There Judah happened to see the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua and married her. He slept with her,
And Iudah sawe there the daughter of a man called Suah a Canaanite: and he tooke her to wife, and went in vnto her.
and Judah seeth there the daughter of a man, a Canaanite, whose name [is] Shuah, and taketh her, and goeth in unto her.
There, Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite man named Shua. He took her, and went in to her.
And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in to her.
And he saw there the daughter of a man of Chanaan, called Sue: and taking her to wife, he went in unto her.
There he ◄met/became acquainted with► a woman who was the daughter of a man from Canaan named Shua. He married her. He had sex [EUP] with her,
While Judah was staying in that place, he saw a young woman. That woman’s father was called Shua, and he was from the Canaan tribe. Judah married that young woman, and he slept with her.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:2
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 38:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּרְא
שָׁ֧ם
יְהוּדָ֛ה
בַּת
אִ֥ישׁ
כְּנַעֲנִ֖י
וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ
שׁ֑וּעַ
וַ/יִּקָּחֶ֖/הָ
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
אֵלֶֽי/הָ
וַ/יַּרְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֧ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
יְהוּדָ֛ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
כְּנַעֲנִ֖י
Kᵉnaʻanîy
H3669
Canaanitess
Ngmsa
וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms | Suff
שׁ֑וּעַ
Shûwaʻ
H7770
Shua
N-proper
וַ/יִּקָּחֶ֖/הָ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלֶֽי/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:2
וַ/יַּרְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
שָׁ֧ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
יְהוּדָ֛ה
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.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כְּנַעֲנִ֖י
Kᵉnaʻanîy
H3669
"Canaanitess"
Ngmsa
A Canaanitess was a woman from the land of Canaan, known for being merchants and traders. The term is used in the Bible to describe a woman who was a mother of one of the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: Describing a woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.46.10; mother of: Shaul (H7586H) § a merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: Canaanite, merchant, trafficker. See also: Genesis 10:18; Joshua 11:3; Proverbs 31:24.
וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
שׁ֑וּעַ
Shûwaʻ
H7770
"Shua"
N-proper
Shua was a Canaanite man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 38:2. He was the father of Bath-shua and his name means wealth.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; father of: Bath-shua (H1323I) Also named: shu.a (שׁוּעָא "Shua" H7774H) § Shuah = "wealth" father of Judah's wife
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Shua, Shuah. See also: Genesis 38:2; Genesis 38:12.
וַ/יִּקָּחֶ֖/הָ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלֶֽי/הָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 38:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:2
- Sermons on Genesis 38:2
Context — Judah and Tamar
1About that time, Judah left his brothers and settled near a man named Hirah, an Adullamite.
2There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with her.
3So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er. 4Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Onan.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 2:3 | 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, who put him to death. |
| 2 | Genesis 24:3 | and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, |
| 3 | Genesis 6:2 | the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose. |
| 4 | Judges 14:2 | So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” |
| 5 | Judges 16:1 | One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 6:14 | Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? |
| 7 | Genesis 3:6 | When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. |
| 8 | Genesis 46:12 | 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. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 11:2 | One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. |
| 10 | Genesis 34:2 | When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force. |
Genesis 38:2 Summary
This verse tells us that Judah, one of the sons of Jacob, married a woman from the Canaanite tribe, which was not what God had planned for the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:3-4. Judah's choice to marry this woman was likely driven by his own desires, rather than a desire to follow God's will, as encouraged in Romans 12:2. This decision would ultimately lead to more sin and heartache in Judah's life, as seen in the rest of Genesis 38. We can learn from Judah's mistakes by prioritizing God's will and plan for our lives, and trusting in His sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Judah marry a Canaanite woman, wasn't that against God's will?
Judah's decision to marry a Canaanite woman, as seen in Genesis 38:2, was likely influenced by the cultural norms of the time, but it was still a choice that went against God's command to the Israelites to not intermarry with the surrounding nations, as stated in Deuteronomy 7:3-4. This decision would ultimately lead to further complications and sin in Judah's life.
What can we learn from Judah's actions in this verse?
Judah's actions in Genesis 38:2 serve as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and that we must be careful to follow God's will and not our own desires, as warned in Proverbs 14:12. By choosing to marry a Canaanite woman, Judah was potentially setting himself up for further sin and heartache.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Judah and his family?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story of Judah and his family, as seen in Genesis 38:3-26, and ultimately leads to the birth of Perez, an ancestor of Jesus, as noted in Matthew 1:3. It highlights the importance of considering the long-term effects of our choices and the impact they can have on our families and communities.
What does this verse reveal about Judah's character?
Judah's decision to take a Canaanite woman as a wife, as described in Genesis 38:2, suggests that he may have been more focused on his own desires than on following God's will, as seen in other biblical characters, such as Samson in Judges 14:1-2. This choice reveals a lack of faith and trust in God's plan for his life, and serves as a warning to believers to prioritize obedience to God's commands, as encouraged in Psalm 119:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be prioritizing my own desires over God's will, and how can I realign my choices with His plan?
- How can I learn from Judah's mistakes and make better choices in my own life, especially when it comes to relationships and marriage?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and provision in my life, even when I don't understand His plan, as seen in Romans 8:28?
- What are some potential consequences of choosing to follow my own desires rather than God's will, and how can I avoid these pitfalls, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:2
And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite,.... Onkelos and Jonathan, and so Jarchi and Ben Gersom, interpret it a "merchant", to take off the disgrace of his falling in love with, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:2
And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her. And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:2
He married her against the counsel and example of his parents. But when Judah had committed so great a crime as the selling of his brother, and God had forsaken him, no wonder he adds one sin to another. Shuah was the name, not of the daughter, but of her father, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:2
Genesis 38:2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name [was] Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.Ver. 2. And Judah saw there, &c.] He saw, took, went in, all in haste: Patre inconsulto, forte etiam invite; his father neither willing nor witting. Hence, for a punishment, was so little mercy showed to his sons. These hasty headlong matches seldom succeed well. It is not amiss to marry, but good to be wary. Young men are blamed of folly for following "the sight of their eyes" and "lust of their hearts." Sed Leo cassibus irretitus dicet, Si praescivissem.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:2
(2) Canaanite.—This is rendered in the Targum merchant, and so the Authorised Version translates Canaanite in Proverbs 31:24. 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 (Genesis 46:10). 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 Genesis 38:12.)
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:2
2. Shua] Note that “Shua,” like Hirah in Genesis 38:1, is the name of a man. See Genesis 38:12. Bath-Shua, i.e. “the daughter of Shua,” is all the description given of Judah’s wife.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:2
2. A certain Canaanite — This marriage with a Canaanitish woman was a source of many evils, and, to save his chosen people front complete affiliation with the heathen, and ruin from that cause,
Sermons on Genesis 38:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Dealing With Sin and the Sinner by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes God's serious and decisive approach to sin and the sinner, illustrated through the fate of Er, the first-born of Judah, who was slain by God for his wicke |
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(Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi |
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(Exodus) Exodus 4:25-31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and Aaron in the book of Exodus. He highlights the moment when Moses and Aaron gather the elders of Israel and share the w |
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Man's Malady-God's Remedy 01 gen.3:1 by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing a previous discussion on the book of Genesis, focusing on man's malady of sin and God's remedy through sacrifice. The speaker emph |
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When the Children of God Mix With the World by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine intention for God's chosen people to remain separate from the world, highlighting the dangers of conforming to worldly ways. He illustrates that |
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Epistle 190 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of valuing truth and God's glory above all else, warning against inordinate affections and worldly pursuits that lead to corruption and sep |
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Importance of Purity in Our Life by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful message on the importance of purity in the sexual area as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. He emphasizes the need to possess our bodies in sanctifi |