Genesis 38:22

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 38:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he returned to Judah, and said, I have not found her; and also the men of the place said, There hath been no prostitute here.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he returned to Judah, and said, I have not found her; and also the men of the place said, There hath been no prostitute here.
Genesis 38:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 38

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22And he returned to Judah, and said, I have not found her; and also the men of the place said, There hath been no prostitute here.

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 he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her, etc.] That is, the Adullamite returned to him, and informed him that he could not find the harlot to whom he was sent to deliver the kid and receive the pledge, after he had made the strictest inquiry for her he could: and also the men of the place said, [that] there was no harlot in this [place]; by which it appears, that near the place where Tamar was, there was a town or city, and which was so free from such infamous persons, that there was not one in it that was known to be of such a character, at least, that in such a public manner exposed herself: it would be well if the same could be said of many other places.”
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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