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Genesis 38:23

Genesis 38:23 in Multiple Translations

“Let her keep the items,” Judah replied. “Otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you could not find her.”

And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.

And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be put to shame: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.

And Judah said, Let her keep the things, so that we may not be shamed; I sent the young goat, but you did not see the woman.

“Let her keep what I gave her,” Judah replied. “We'll look ridiculous to people if we go on searching. In any case I did try to send her the young goat as promised but you couldn't find her.”

Then Iudah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: beholde, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.

and Judah saith, 'Let her take to herself, lest we become despised; lo, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.'

Judah said, “Let her keep it, lest we be shamed. Behold, I sent this young goat, and you haven’t found her.”

And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.

Juda said: Let her take it to herself; surely she cannot charge us with a, lie: I sent the kid which I promised: and thou didst not find her.

Judah said, “She can keep the things that I gave to her. If we continued to search for her, people would ridicule us. I tried to send this young goat to her, but you could not find her to give it to her.”

Then Judah said to Hirah, “All right, that woman can keep the necklace with my stamp on it, and my walking stick. I tried to keep my promise to that woman. Yes, I gave you a young goat to take to her. But you didn’t find her. If you go and look for her again, everybody will laugh at us. So she can just keep my things.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:23

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 38:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוּדָה֙ תִּֽקַּֽח לָ֔/הּ פֶּ֖ן נִהְיֶ֣ה לָ/ב֑וּז הִנֵּ֤ה שָׁלַ֨חְתִּי֙ הַ/גְּדִ֣י הַ/זֶּ֔ה וְ/אַתָּ֖ה לֹ֥א מְצָאתָֽ/הּ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
תִּֽקַּֽח lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לָ֔/הּ Prep | Suff
פֶּ֖ן pên H6435 lest Conj
נִהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
לָ/ב֑וּז bûwz H937 contempt Prep | N-ms
הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
שָׁלַ֨חְתִּי֙ shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-1cs
הַ/גְּדִ֣י gᵉdîy H1423 kid Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
מְצָאתָֽ/הּ mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:23

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.
יְהוּדָה֙ 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.
תִּֽקַּֽח lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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.
לָ֔/הּ "" Prep | Suff
פֶּ֖ן pên H6435 "lest" Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
נִהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/ב֑וּז bûwz H937 "contempt" Prep | N-ms
This noun refers to contempt or disrespect, and can stem from evil, prosperity, or judgment, as described in the book of Job. It is used to describe a negative attitude or feeling towards someone or something. This term is translated as contempt or despised in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) contempt 1a) springing from evil 1b) springing from prosperity 1c) springing from judgment
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: contempt(-uously), despised, shamed. See also: Genesis 38:23; Psalms 107:40; Psalms 31:19.
הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
שָׁלַ֨חְתִּי֙ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-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.
הַ/גְּדִ֣י gᵉdîy H1423 "kid" Art | 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.
הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מְצָאתָֽ/הּ mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

Study Notes — Genesis 38:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ephesians 5:12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
2 Proverbs 6:33 Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away.
3 Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
4 2 Samuel 12:9 Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own, for you have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites.
5 2 Corinthians 4:2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
6 Romans 6:21 What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.

Genesis 38:23 Summary

In Genesis 38:23, Judah decides to let Tamar keep the items he had given her, rather than trying to retrieve them, because he does not want to be embarrassed or become a laughingstock. This decision shows that Judah is more concerned with his reputation than with doing what is right, as also seen in his actions in Genesis 37:26-35. However, as we see in the rest of the story, God is able to use even our mistakes and weaknesses to bring about His purposes, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Philippians 2:12-13. We can learn from Judah's example to be honest and take responsibility for our actions, rather than trying to avoid confrontation or embarrassment, and to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Judah decide to let Tamar keep the items?

Judah decided to let Tamar keep the items because he did not want to be embarrassed or become a laughingstock in front of others, as mentioned in Genesis 38:23, and he also acknowledged that he had sent her the young goat as promised.

What does this verse reveal about Judah's character?

This verse reveals that Judah is concerned about his reputation and is willing to avoid confrontation or embarrassment, as seen in his decision to let Tamar keep the items, but it also shows a lack of diligence in seeking out Tamar and fulfilling his responsibilities, similar to his actions in Genesis 37:26-35.

How does this verse relate to the larger story of Judah and Tamar?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Judah and Tamar, as it sets the stage for Tamar's later actions and Judah's eventual realization of his own sin, as seen in Genesis 38:24-26, and it highlights the themes of deception, responsibility, and redemption that are woven throughout the narrative, much like the story of Joseph in Genesis 37:1-36.

What can we learn from Judah's response in this verse?

We can learn from Judah's response that our actions have consequences, and avoiding responsibility or hiding from the truth can lead to further complications, as seen in Genesis 38:24-26, and that it is essential to take ownership of our mistakes and seek to make things right, as encouraged in Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am trying to avoid responsibility or confrontation, and how can I take steps to address these issues in a God-honoring way?
  2. How can I balance my desire to protect my reputation with the need to take risks and be honest, even when it is difficult, as seen in the examples of Joseph and Daniel in the Bible?
  3. What are some ways that I can apply the principles of ownership and responsibility to my relationships and daily life, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25-32 and Colossians 3:23-24?
  4. How can I use this verse as an opportunity to reflect on my own motivations and actions, and to seek God's guidance and wisdom in navigating challenging situations, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105-112 and Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:23

And Judah said, let her take [it] to her,.... The pledge, and make no further inquiry after her; lest we be shamed; Judah for committing fornication, which even among Heathens, at least at that time

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:23

And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:23

Note, that fornication was esteemed sinful and shameful amongst the heathens.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:23

Genesis 38:23 And Judah said, Let her take [it] to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.Ver. 23. Lest we be shamed.] His care was more to shun shame, than sin. How much better that heathen! Satis nobis persuasum esse debet, &c.; this we should be fully persuaded of, saith he, that although we could conceal the matter from all, both gods and men, yet we should do nothing covetously, nothing unjustly, nothing against chastity, or common honesty. Though I were sure, saith another philosopher, that all men would be ignorant of what evil I do, and that all the gods would forgive it me; yet, for the filthiness that is in sin, I would not commit it. Plato condemns the poets for saying, that it were no matter though men did commit sin, so they could hide it. Si non caste, saltem caute. How much better the Christian poet! Turpe quid acturus, te, sine teste, time. "Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight," though none else saw thee? said God to David. And David, in his sorrowful confession, saith as much to God upon the matter; "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned"; viz., in respect of the secrecy of my sin; therefore it is added, "and done this evil in thy sight." Behold, I sent this kid, &c.] He comforts himself in the loss of his pledge, that yet he had been as good as his word: but not a word we hear of sorrow for his sin; which, if he can but keep secret, he rests secure. This is a piece of natural atheism; and it is general. Nihil tamen avare, nihil iniuste, nihil libidinose, nihil incontinenter esse faciendum. - Cicero Offic. Si scirem homines ignoraturos, et Deos ignoscituros, tamen propter peccati turpitudinem peccare non vellem. - Sen. Wςλυσιτελειτοαδικεινεανλανθανη. - Auson. Quasi dicat, Ego steti promissis, hoc mihi sufficit.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:23

(23) Lest we be shamed.—Maimonides asserts that Judah had committed no breach of the Law, the utmost therein commanded being that no Jewish woman should become a kedeshah (Deuteronomy 23:17). But Judah evidently regards what he had done as shameful, and having big friend’s testimony, if needed, to prove that he had performed what he promised, he bears with the loss of his signet and staff, rather than let the people know that he had been guilty of an act which they too would condemn.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:23

Verse 23. Lest we be shamed] Not of the act, for this he does not appear to have thought criminal; but lest he should fall under the raillery of his companions and neighbours, for having been tricked out of his signet, bracelets, and staff, by a prostitute.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:23

23. Let her take it to her] i.e. let her retain the pledges, lest by making enquiries Judah should be exposed to shame.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:23

23. Let her take it to her — That is, let her keep what she has obtained. He feared the shame, contempt, and ridicule, which he would incur by further attempts to recover his signet and cord, and preferred to lose them.

Sermons on Genesis 38:23

SermonDescription
St. John Chrysostom John 1:3 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the creation of all things by Christ, emphasizing that nothing was made without Him, including visible and invisible creations, while distinguishing
David Wilkerson The Last Days of America by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sent him to New York City for two reasons: to find a holy remnant who would pursue holiness and righteousness, and to warn of comin
David Wilkerson The Destiny of Man by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling our destiny as Christians. He explains that our destiny is to live for the glory and honor of
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Revelation 16 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the second coming of Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and keeping one's faith strong,
David Wilkerson The Coming of Jesus by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ, urging believers to be prepared and expectant for His coming. It highlights the need for spiritual awakening, readiness,
Denny Kenaston (Timeless Doctrines) Revelation's Timeless Doctrines - Part 2 by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not slow in fulfilling His promises, but rather patient, desiring that all people come to repentance. The preacher then discusse
Kay Smith Pleasing God - Pt. 6 by Kay Smith In this sermon, the speaker begins by explaining their purpose in sharing the message. They express a deep concern for women who are not walking in the way God intended or who are

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