Genesis 38:3

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 38:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
Genesis 38:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 38

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.

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 conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Er.] Which signifies a “watchman”: but the reason of the name given by the Targum of Jonathan is, “because he should die without children;” as if it was the same with Ariri, “childless”.”
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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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Sources and verification