Genesis 38:10

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 38:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the thing which he did was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and he slew him also.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the thing which he did was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and he slew him also.
Genesis 38:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 38

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10And the thing which he did was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and he slew him also.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the thing which he did displeased the Lord, etc.] Being done out of envy to his brother, and through want of affection to the memory of his name; and it may be out of covetousness to get his estate into his own hands, and especially as it frustrated the end of such an usage of marrying a brother’s wife; which appears to be according to the will of God, since it afterwards became a known law of his; and it was the more displeasing, as it was not only a check upon the multiplication of Abraham’s seed as promised, but since the Messiah was to come from Judah. This was doing all to hinder it that lay in his power: wherefore he slew him also; in like manner as he had slain his brother,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- The Family of Judah 1. עדלם ‛ǎdûllâm, ‘Adullam, “righteousness.” חירה chı̂yrâh Chirah, “nobility?” 2. שׁוּע shûa‛, Shua‘, “luck, riches, cry.” 3. ער ‛êr, ‘Er, “watching.” 4. אונן 'ônân, Onan, “strong.” 5. שׁלה shēlâh, Shelah, “request? rest.” כזיב kezı̂yb Kezib, “falsehood.” 6. תמר tāmār, Tamar, “palm.” 12. תמנה tı̂mnâh, Timnah, “counted or assigned.” 14. עינים 'êynayı̂m, ‘Enaim, “two fountains.” 29. פרץ perets, Perets, “breach.” This strange narrative is an episode in the history of Joseph; but an integral part of the “generations” of Jacob. It is loosely dated with the phrase “at that time.” This does not indicate a sequel to the preceding record, the proper phrase for…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification