Genesis 38:24
Genesis 38:24 in Multiple Translations
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!”
¶ And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the harlot; and moreover, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
Now about three months after this, word came to Judah that Tamar, his daughter-in-law, had been acting like a loose woman and was with child. And Judah said, Take her out and let her be burned.
Then about three months later Judah was told, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has had sex like a prostitute and now as a result she's pregnant!” “Bring her out and burn her to death!” Judah ordered.
Now after three moneths, one tolde Iudah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the whore, and lo, with playing the whore, she is great with childe. Then Iudah saide, Bring ye her foorth and let her be burnt.
And it cometh to pass about three months [after], that it is declared to Judah, saying, 'Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath committed fornication; and also, lo, she hath conceived by fornication:' and Judah saith, 'Bring her out — and she is burnt.'
About three months later, Judah was told, “Tamar, your daughter-in-law, has played the prostitute. Moreover, behold, she is with child by prostitution.” Judah said, “Bring her out, and let her be burned.”
And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told to Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the harlot; and also, behold she is with child by lewdness: and Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
And behold after three months they told Juda, saying: Thamar, thy daughter in law hath played the harlot, and she appeareth to have a big belly. And Juda said: Bring her out that she may be burnt.
About three months later, someone told Judah, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has become a prostitute and now she is pregnant!” Judah said, “Drag her outside of the city and kill her by burning her!”
3 months later, somebody said to Judah, “Your dead son’s wife Tamar, she did a bad thing. She slept with a man that isn’t her husband. And now there is a baby growing inside her.” Judah wanted to punish Tamar for doing that. So he said, “Go and get her. Put her on a fire, and burn her until she dies.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:24
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 38:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֣י
כְּ/מִ/שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
חֳדָשִׁ֗ים
וַ/יֻּגַּ֨ד
לִֽ/יהוּדָ֤ה
לֵֽ/אמֹר֙
זָֽנְתָה֙
תָּמָ֣ר
כַּלָּתֶ֔/ךָ
וְ/גַ֛ם
הִנֵּ֥ה
הָרָ֖ה
לִ/זְנוּנִ֑ים
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
יְהוּדָ֔ה
הוֹצִיא֖וּ/הָ
וְ/תִשָּׂרֵֽף
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/מִ/שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Prep | Prep | Adj
חֳדָשִׁ֗ים
chôdesh
H2320
month
N-mp
וַ/יֻּגַּ֨ד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hophal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִֽ/יהוּדָ֤ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Prep | N-proper
לֵֽ/אמֹר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
זָֽנְתָה֙
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
תָּמָ֣ר
Tâmâr
H8559
Tamar
N-proper
כַּלָּתֶ֔/ךָ
kallâh
H3618
daughter-in-law
N-fs | Suff
וְ/גַ֛ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
הָרָ֖ה
hâreh
H2030
pregnant
Adj
לִ/זְנוּנִ֑ים
zânûwn
H2183
fornication
Prep | N-mp
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
הוֹצִיא֖וּ/הָ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp | Suff
וְ/תִשָּׂרֵֽף
sâraph
H8313
to burn
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
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 38:24
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
כְּ/מִ/שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Prep | Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
חֳדָשִׁ֗ים
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
N-mp
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
וַ/יֻּגַּ֨ד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hophal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לִֽ/יהוּדָ֤ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Prep | 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.
לֵֽ/אמֹר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
זָֽנְתָה֙
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
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.
תָּמָ֣ר
Tâmâr
H8559
"Tamar"
N-proper
Tamar was the name of three women and a place in the Bible, including the wife of Judah's son Er. The name means palm tree and is also associated with the city of Tadmor
Definition: Tamar = "palm-tree" Sothernmost tip of Judah Another name of tad.mor (תַּדְמֹר "Tadmor" H8412)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Tamar. See also: Genesis 38:6; 2 Samuel 13:8; Ezekiel 48:28.
כַּלָּתֶ֔/ךָ
kallâh
H3618
"daughter-in-law"
N-fs | Suff
In biblical times, this word referred to a bride or daughter-in-law, like Rebekah who became Isaac's bride in Genesis 24:67.
Definition: : bride 1) bride, daughter-in-law 1a) daughter-in-law 1b) bride, young wife Also means: kal.lah (כַּלָּה ": daughter-in-law" H3618H)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bride, daughter-in-law, spouse. See also: Genesis 11:31; Song of Solomon 4:10; Isaiah 49:18.
וְ/גַ֛ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הִנֵּ֥ה
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.
הָרָ֖ה
hâreh
H2030
"pregnant"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to be pregnant, as seen in Genesis when women like Sarah and Rachel conceive. It describes a woman with child, emphasizing the miracle of new life. The KJV Bible translates it as 'with child' or 'conceive'.
Definition: pregnant Also means: ha.riy.yah (הָרִיָּה "pregnant" H2030B)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: (be, woman) with child, conceive, [idiom] great. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 7:14.
לִ/זְנוּנִ֑ים
zânûwn
H2183
"fornication"
Prep | N-mp
Fornication refers to adultery or prostitution, and is often used figuratively to describe idolatry in the Bible. It involves being unfaithful or engaging in immoral sexual behavior.
Definition: adultery, fornication, prostitution
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: whoredom. See also: Genesis 38:24; Hosea 2:4; Nahum 3:4.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
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.
הוֹצִיא֖וּ/הָ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
וְ/תִשָּׂרֵֽף
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 38:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
- Sermons on Genesis 38:24
Context — Judah and Tamar
22So Hirah returned to Judah and said, “I could not find her, and furthermore, the men of that place said, ‘No shrine prostitute has been here.’”
23“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.”
24About 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!”
25As 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?” 26Judah recognized the items and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 21:9 | If a priest’s daughter defiles herself by prostituting herself, she profanes her father; she must be burned in the fire. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 23:19 | Yet she multiplied her promiscuity, remembering the days of her youth, when she had prostituted herself in the land of Egypt |
| 3 | Judges 19:2 | But she was unfaithful to him and left him to return to her father’s house in Bethlehem in Judah. After she had been there four months, |
| 4 | Ezekiel 23:44 | And they slept with her as with a prostitute; they slept with Oholah and Oholibah, those lewd women. |
| 5 | Hosea 2:5 | For their mother has played the harlot and has conceived them in disgrace. For she thought, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me bread and water, wool and linen, oil and drink.’ |
| 6 | Ezekiel 23:5 | Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 12:5 | David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 12:7 | Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 29:22–23 | Because of them, all the exiles of Judah who are in Babylon will use this curse: ‘May the LORD make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire!’ For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.” |
| 10 | Matthew 7:1–5 | “Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. |
Genesis 38:24 Summary
In this verse, Judah is told that his daughter-in-law Tamar has become pregnant outside of marriage, and he orders her to be put to death, as seen in Genesis 38:24. However, Judah is not aware of his own guilt in the situation, having previously denied Tamar as a wife to his son Shelah, and he is holding Tamar to a higher standard than himself, as seen in Genesis 38:14. This verse teaches us that true justice and righteousness come from God, and that we should seek to understand and apply His justice in our own lives, as seen in Psalm 119:121-128 and Genesis 38:26. By examining Judah's actions and motivations, we can learn more about the importance of self-awareness and humility in our own pursuit of justice and righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Judah order Tamar to be burned to death?
Judah ordered Tamar to be burned to death because he believed she had committed adultery, which was punishable by death according to the law given in Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22, and he was trying to maintain his family's honor.
Was Judah's reaction to Tamar's supposed infidelity justified?
Judah's reaction was not justified because he was not aware of his own guilt in the situation, having previously denied Tamar as a wife to his son Shelah, as seen in Genesis 38:14, and he was holding Tamar to a higher standard than himself.
How does this verse relate to the theme of justice in the Bible?
This verse highlights the theme of justice in the Bible, as seen in Proverbs 21:15, where it says that the execution of justice is a joy to the righteous, but Judah's desire for justice is misguided and self-serving, and ultimately, God's justice will prevail, as seen in Genesis 38:26.
What can we learn from Judah's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Judah's actions that self-righteousness and a lack of self-awareness can lead to hypocritical and unjust behavior, and that true justice and righteousness come from God, as seen in Psalm 119:121-128.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I discover that someone I care about has done something wrong, and what can I learn from Judah's reaction to Tamar's supposed infidelity?
- In what ways do I prioritize maintaining my own honor and reputation over seeking justice and righteousness, as seen in Judah's actions in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's justice and righteousness, and apply it to my own life, as seen in Genesis 38:26 and Psalm 119:121-128?
- What are some ways that I can work to create a culture of justice and righteousness in my own community, and how can I support those who are working towards these goals?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:24
And it came to pass about three months after,.... The above affair happened, and when the pregnancy of Tamar began to be somewhat visible, as it does in women with child about that time: that it was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:24
And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
Bring her forth to the magistrate, from whom she may receive her sentence and deserved punishment. Judah had not the power of life and death, at least not over her, who was a Canaanite, and who was not in his, but in her own father’ s house. But he being a person of great estate and authority, and, as it seems, of obliging conversation, could do very much to persuade those who then had the power of the sword, either to draw it forth, at least in a just cause, on his behalf, or to sheath it upon his desire and satisfaction. Let her be burnt, as guilty of adultery, which was punished with death by the laws of God, ,24, and of nations too, ,23. He chargeth her with adultery, because she was betrothed to Shelah. See . This eagerness of Judah proceeded not from zeal of justice, for then he would not have endeavoured to destroy the innocent child with the guilty mother, against God’ s law, , but from worldly policy, that he might take her out of the way, which he esteemed a burden and a blot to his family.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
Genesis 38:24 And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she [is] with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.Ver. 24. Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.] He was willing to be rid of her, for fear of losing his son Shelah, and therefore passeth a precipitate and savage sentence, to burn a great-bellied woman; which the very heathens condemned as a cruelty, in Claudius. Howbeit there are that take these to be his words, not as a judge in the cause, but as an accuser. "Bring her forth," sc., into the gates, before the judges; and let her be burnt if found guilty, according to the custom of the country. We read not of any that were, by God’ s law, to be burnt with fire, but the high priest’ s daughter only, for adultery. Hence the Hebrews say, that this Tamar was Melchizedek the high priest’ s daughter. But it is more likely she was a Canaanitish proselyte. Let us beware of that sin, for which so peculiar a plague was appointed, and by very heathens executed. See Jeremiah 29:22-23.
Dio, lib. lvii. Verba Iudae de vivicomburio Thamarae, non sunt Iudicis, sed Accusatoris. - Alsted.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
(24) Let her be burnt.—As being by law the wife of Shelah, Tamar was condemned by Judah in right of his position, as head of the family, to the punishment usual for adultery. In subsequent times, this penalty was limited to one who had married mother and daughter (Leviticus 20:14); or to the daughter of a priest guilty of unchastity (Leviticus 21:9). On this account, the Jewish expositors argue that Tamar belonged to a priestly family, and some even think that she was descended from Melchisedek.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
Verse 24. Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.] As he had ordered Tamar to live as a widow in her own father's house till his son Shelah should be marriageable, he considers her therefore as the wife of his son; and as Shelah was not yet given to her, and she is found with child, she is reputed by him as an adulteress, and burning, it seems, was anciently the punishment of this crime. Judah, being a patriarch or head of a family, had, according to the custom of those times, the supreme magisterial authority over all the branches of his own family; therefore he only acts here in his juridical capacity. How strange that in the very place where adultery was punished by the most violent death, prostitution for money and for religious purposes should be considered as no crime!
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:24
24. let her be burnt] Judah, as the head of the family, acts as judge having power of life and death, cf. Genesis 31:32. It is remarkable that the matter is not referred to Jacob; but, presumably, this story constitutes a separate tribal tradition, in which Judah stands as the chief authority. Judah sentences her to death as an adulteress. He treats her as the betrothed of Shelah, and the childless widow of Er. The penalty for adultery in the Levitical law was death by stoning (cf. Leviticus 20:10 with Deuteronomy 22:22; Ezekiel 16:40; John 8:5). Death by burning, the penalty of a priest’s daughter, Leviticus 21:9, was the more ancient usage. The penalty of burning is recorded in the Code of Hammurabi; and occurs in ancient Egyptian sentences for adultery.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:24
24. Let her be burnt — How ready, like David, (2 Samuel 12:5,) to condemn before he knows his own share of the guilt and shame!
Sermons on Genesis 38:24
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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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A Coming Song of Unrestrained Joy by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the state of society and blames the church for not fulfilling its role in preaching the gospel and living for God. The speaker e |
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Plague of His Own Heart by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. He shares a story of a 15-year-old boy who committed a cold-blooded murder and reflects |
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The Perfect Heart by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a perfect heart that desires the Holy Spirit to search and expose the depths of sin within us. Shallow preaching in |
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The Sword by Zeb McDaris | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of investing in the things of God rather than worldly pleasures. He recalls a moment during an offering when he heard a song |