Genesis 38:19

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 38:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And she arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And she arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
Genesis 38:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 38

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19And she arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.

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 she arose and went away, etc.] To her father’s house immediately, as soon as ever she had parted with Judah; and lest she should be found by the person that would be sent with the kid, and be discovered, she made all the haste she could: and laid by her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood; that it might not be known or suspected that she had been abroad.”
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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