Genesis 38:1-8

1 It happened at that time, that Yehudah went down from his brothers, and turned in to a certain `Adullami, whose name was Hirah.

2 Yehudah saw there a daughter of a certain Kana`ani whose name was Shu`a. He took her, and went in to her.

3 She conceived, and bore a son; and he named him `Er.

4 She conceived again, and bore a son; and she named him Onan.

5 She yet again bore a son, and named him Shelach: and he was at Keziv, when she bore him.

6 Yehudah took a wife for `Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.

7 `Er, Yehudah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD. The LORD killed him.

8 Yehudah said to Onan, "Go in to your brother's wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her, and raise up seed to your brother."

Genesis 38:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 38

This chapter is wholly taken up with matters relating to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, from whom the Jews have their name, and from whom Christ sprung: it treats of his marriage with a Canaanitess, his children by her, their character and end, Ge 38:1-11; of his incest with his daughter-in-law, though unknown by him, Ge 38:12-23; of his resentment against her, when he heard she was with child, and his confusion when he found it was by himself, Ge 38:24-26; and of the birth of twins by her, named Pharez and Zarah, Ge 38:27-30.