Genesis 38:23

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 38:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be put to shame: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be put to shame: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
Genesis 38:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 38

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be put to shame: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.

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 Judah said, let her take [it] to her, etc.] The pledge, and make no further inquiry after her; lest we be shamed; Judah for committing fornication, which even among Heathens, at least at that time of day, was reckoned a shameful action; and be laughed at also, for committing such a pledge to an whore, who had tricked him out of it; and his friend Hirah for conniving at the sin, and being employed on such an errand: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her: who could be a witness for him, if there should be any occasion, that he was faithful to his promise.”
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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