Genesis 38:22

22 And he returned to Judas, and said, I have not found her; and the men of the place say, There is no harlot here.

Genesis 38:22 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 38:22

And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her
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.

Genesis 38:22 In-Context

20 And Judas sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his shepherd the Odollamite, to receive the pledge from the woman; and he found her not.

21 And he asked the men of the place, Where is the harlot who was in Aenan by the way-side? and they said, There was no harlot here.

22 And he returned to Judas, and said, I have not found her; and the men of the place say, There is no harlot here.

23 And Judas said, Let her have them, but let us not be ridiculed; I sent this kid, but thou hast not found her.

24 And it came to pass after three months, that it was told Judas, saying, Thamar thy daughter-in-law has grievously played the harlot, and behold she is with child by whoredom; and Judas said, Bring her out, and let her be burnt.