Genesis 38:7
Genesis 38:7 in Multiple Translations
But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.
And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.
And Er, Judah’s first-born, was wicked in the sight of Jehovah; and Jehovah slew him.
Now Er, Judah's first son, did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so that he put him to death.
But Er did what was evil in the Lord's sight, so the Lord put him to death.
Now Er the first borne of Iudah was wicked in the sight of the Lord: therefore the Lord slewe him.
and Er, Judah's first-born, is evil in the eyes of Jehovah, and Jehovah doth put him to death.
Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the LORD’s sight. So the LORD killed him.
And Er, Judah's first-born, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.
And Her, the firstborn of Juda, was wicked in the sight of the Lord: and was slain by him.
But Er did something that Yahweh considered to be very wicked, so Yahweh caused him to die.
But Judah’s oldest son Er, he did really bad things, and God was angry with him. So God finished up Er, and he died.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:7
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 38:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֗י
עֵ֚ר
בְּכ֣וֹר
יְהוּדָ֔ה
רַ֖ע
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/יְמִתֵ֖/הוּ
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֵ֚ר
ʻÊr
H6147
Er
N-proper
בְּכ֣וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
רַ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יְמִתֵ֖/הוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
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 38:7
וַ/יְהִ֗י
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.
עֵ֚ר
ʻÊr
H6147
"Er"
N-proper
Er was the name of two Israelites, one of whom was the eldest son of Judah. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:21 as the son of Shelah and the father of Lecah. Er's name means awake in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.21; son of: Shelah (H7956); brother of: Laadah (H3935), Jokim (H3137), Joash (H3101K) and Saraph (H8315); father of: Lecah (H3922) § Er = "awake" 1) the eldest son of Judah 2) son of Shelah and grandson of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Er. See also: Genesis 38:3; Genesis 46:12; 1 Chronicles 4:21.
בְּכ֣וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
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.
רַ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יְמִתֵ֖/הוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 38:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:7
- Sermons on Genesis 38:7
Context — Judah and Tamar
5Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Chezib that she gave birth to him.
6Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.
7But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.
8Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.” 9But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother.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 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. |
| 3 | Numbers 26:19 | The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan. |
| 4 | Genesis 13:13 | But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD. |
| 5 | Genesis 19:13 | because we are about to destroy this place. For the outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that He has sent us to destroy it.” |
| 6 | Psalms 55:23 | But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. |
| 7 | Genesis 6:8 | Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 33:6 | He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. |
Genesis 38:7 Summary
This verse tells us that Er, Judah's son, was doing things that were very wrong in God's eyes, so God chose to end his life. This shows us that God is serious about sin and wants us to live according to His laws, as seen in Genesis 38:7 and also in Romans 3:23. It's like when we do something wrong and our parents discipline us - God disciplines us too, but His discipline is always fair and just, as seen in Hebrews 12:10. We can learn from Er's example to make sure we are living in a way that pleases God, by following His commands and seeking forgiveness when we sin, as described in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for someone to be wicked in the sight of the LORD?
To be wicked in the sight of the LORD means to live in deliberate disobedience to God's laws and commands, as seen in Genesis 38:7, and also in other passages such as Psalm 51:4, which emphasizes the importance of being righteous in God's eyes.
Why did the LORD put Er to death?
The Bible does not specify the exact reasons for Er's wickedness, but it is clear that his actions were so displeasing to God that He chose to end Er's life, as stated in Genesis 38:7, highlighting the seriousness of sin in God's sight, as also seen in Romans 6:23.
Is this verse saying that God is cruel or unfair?
No, this verse is not saying that God is cruel or unfair; rather, it shows that God is holy and just, and He will not tolerate wickedness, as also seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, which describes God as a rock of integrity and justice.
What can we learn from Er's example?
We can learn that our actions have consequences, and that living in disobedience to God's laws can lead to serious repercussions, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, which warns that we will reap what we sow.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be living in disobedience to God's laws, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
- How does the fact that God is holy and just impact my daily life and decisions?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's forgiveness and cleansing, as seen in 1 John 1:9?
- How can I ensure that I am living a life that is pleasing to God, as described in Colossians 1:10?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:7
And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord,.... That is, exceedingly wicked, as this phrase signifies, Genesis 13:13, was guilty of some very heinous sin, but what is not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:7
And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:7
Wicked in the sight of the Lord, i.e. notoriously wicked. Compare 13:13. The Lord slew him, in some extraordinary and remarkable manner, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:7
Genesis 38:7 And Er, Judah’ s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.Ver. 7. Wicked in the sight of the Lord.] A Sodomite, say the Hebrews; but this is hard to say. As an evildoer, he was soon cut off. God would not have such to be his son Christ’ s progenitor. Too wicked he was to live: you may know him to be the son of a Canaanitess. Partus sequitur ventrem. In Heb., videtur esse allusio seu inversio nominis. òø erat øò: q.d., Er erat vigil perversus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:7
Verse 7. Er-was wicked in the sight of the Lord] What this wickedness consisted in we are not told; but the phrase sight of the Lord being added, proves that it was some very great evil. It is worthy of remark that the Hebrew word used to express Er's wickedness is his own name, the letters reversed. Er ער wicked, רע ra. As if the inspired writer had said, "Er was altogether wicked, a completely abandoned character."
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:7
7. Er… was wicked — In what particular forms he showed his wickedness we are not told; but being the son of a Canaanitish woman, he probably imbibed, in his earliest years, the spirit of Canaanitish
Sermons on Genesis 38:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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The Life of Abraham - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham in the Book of Genesis. He emphasizes the theme of restoration and how God can bring us out of the mess we create for o |
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Genesis 13:1-20 by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about Abram's journey out of Egypt, highlighting God's protection and the wealth he acquired, showing how riches did not hinder him from seeking the land of Ca |
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Widespread Corruption by Steve Gallagher | Steve Gallagher preaches about the corruption and spiritual pollution that will prevail in the Last Days, likening it to the wickedness of Noah's time and Sodom and Gomorrah. He em |
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Complete Surrender by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to God and sacrificing for His glory. The speaker talks about the need to prioritize spiritual matter |
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Jude #5 - Michael, Satan and the Body of Moses by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of apostasy and highlights three basic marks of apostasy: defiling the flesh, despising dominion, and railing at dignities. The serm |
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(Hebrews - Part 38): Heroes of Faith by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God and understanding His high expectations for us. He encourages the audience to put away sin, separate them |