Genesis 38:14

Genesis 38:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife.

King James Version KJV

And she put her widow’s garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.

American Standard Version ASV

And she put off from her the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate of Enaim, which is by the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she was not given unto him to wife.

Bible in Basic English BBE

She took off her widow's clothing, and covering herself with her veil, she took her seat near Enaim on the road to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was now a man, but she had not been made his wife.

Free Bible Version FBV

So she took off her widow's clothes and covered herself with a veil, disguising herself. She sat down beside the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. She had realized that even though Shelah had now grown up, nothing had been done about her marrying him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then she put her widowes garments off from her, and couered her with a vaile, and wrapped her selfe, and sate downe in Pethah-enaim, which is by the way to Timnah, because she sawe that Shelah was growen, and she was not giuen vnto him to wife.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and she turneth aside the garments of her widowhood from off her, and covereth herself with a vail, and wrappeth herself up, and sitteth in the opening of Enayim, which [is] by the way to Timnath, for she hath seen that Shelah hath grown up, and she hath not been given to him for a wife.

World English Bible WEB

She took off the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate of Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she wasn’t given to him as a wife.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And she put off from her, her widow's garments, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath: for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him for a wife.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And she put off the garments of her widowhood, and took a veil: and changing her dress, sat in the cross way, that leadeth to Thamnas: because Sela was grown up, and she had not been married to him.

Translation for Translators T4T

She realized that now Shelah was grown up, but Judah had not given her to him to be his wife. So she took off her widow’s clothes, and covered her head with a veil, so that people would not ◄recognize her/know who she was►. Then she sat down at the entrance to Enaim town, which is on the road to Timnah.

Plain English Version PEV

Tamar thought about Judah’s son Shelah. She knew that he was grown up now, but Judah still didn’t let her marry him. So Tamar thought, “I will trick Judah and get him to sleep with me, like a man sleeps with his wife, so that I can have kids. Then those kids will belong to my dead husband Er.” At that time, Tamar was wearing the sort of clothes that widows wear. But then, Tamar changed those clothes, and she put on some pretty clothes, and she put a scarf over her head, to cover her face. Then she went and sat outside the town called Enayim. That town is on the road that goes to Timnah.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:14

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 38:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תָּסַר֩ בִּגְדֵ֨י אַלְמְנוּתָ֜/הּ מֵֽ/עָלֶ֗י/הָ וַ/תְּכַ֤ס בַּ/צָּעִיף֙ וַ/תִּתְעַלָּ֔ף וַ/תֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ בְּ/פֶ֣תַח עֵינַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל דֶּ֣רֶךְ תִּמְנָ֑תָ/ה כִּ֤י רָאֲתָה֙ כִּֽי גָדַ֣ל שֵׁלָ֔ה וְ/הִ֕וא לֹֽא נִתְּנָ֥ה ל֖/וֹ לְ/אִשָּֽׁה

וַ/תָּסַר֩ çûwr H5493 to turn aside Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs

בִּגְדֵ֨י beged H899 treachery N-mp

אַלְמְנוּתָ֜/הּ ʼalmânûwth H491 widowhood N-fs | Suff

מֵֽ/עָלֶ֗י/הָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff

וַ/תְּכַ֤ס kâçâh H3680 to cover Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs

בַּ/צָּעִיף֙ tsâʻîyph H6809 shawl Prep | N-ms

וַ/תִּתְעַלָּ֔ף ʻâlaph H5968 to enwrap Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3fs

וַ/תֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

בְּ/פֶ֣תַח pethach H6607 entrance Prep | N-ms

עֵינַ֔יִם ʻÊynayim H5879 Enam N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

דֶּ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs

תִּמְנָ֑תָ/ה Timnâh H8553 Timnah N-proper | Suff

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

רָאֲתָה֙ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-3fs

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

גָדַ֣ל gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Qal-Perf-3ms

שֵׁלָ֔ה Shêlâh H7956 Shelah N-proper

וְ/הִ֕וא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

נִתְּנָ֥ה nâthan H5414 to give V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff

לְ/אִשָּֽׁה ʼishshâh H802 woman Prep | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:14

וַ/תָּסַר֩ çûwr H5493 "to turn aside" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs

To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.

Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.

בִּגְדֵ֨י beged H899 "treachery" N-mp

In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.

Definition: treachery, deceit

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.

אַלְמְנוּתָ֜/הּ ʼalmânûwth H491 "widowhood" N-fs | Suff

This word refers to the state of being a widow, like the widow in 1 Kings who helped Elijah. It describes a woman who has lost her husband, often leaving her without support or protection. In the Bible, God cares for widows.

Definition: widowhood

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: widow, widowhood. See also: Genesis 38:14; 2 Samuel 20:3; Isaiah 54:4.

מֵֽ/עָלֶ֗י/הָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

וַ/תְּכַ֤ס kâçâh H3680 "to cover" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs

To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.

Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself

Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.

בַּ/צָּעִיף֙ tsâʻîyph H6809 "shawl" Prep | N-ms

A shawl or veil, this word describes a piece of clothing used to cover or wrap oneself. The King James Version translates it as vail, emphasizing its use as a covering or wrapper. In biblical times, it was a common article of clothing.

Definition: wrapper, shawl, veil

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: vail. See also: Genesis 24:65; Genesis 38:14; Genesis 38:19.

וַ/תִּתְעַלָּ֔ף ʻâlaph H5968 "to enwrap" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3fs

To enwrap means to cover or veil something, like Moses did when he covered his face in Exodus 34:33. It can also mean to feel weak or faint, like Jesus did in the garden in Luke 22:45.

Definition: 1) to cover 1a) (Pual) covered, encrusted (participle) 1b) (Hithpael) to enwrap oneself, disguise oneself, faint

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: faint, overlaid, wrap self. See also: Genesis 38:14; Isaiah 51:20; Jonah 4:8.

וַ/תֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

בְּ/פֶ֣תַח pethach H6607 "entrance" Prep | N-ms

A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.

Definition: opening, doorway, entrance

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.

עֵינַ֔יִם ʻÊynayim H5879 "Enam" N-proper

Enam means double spring, a city in Judah's lowlands. It is also referred to as Enaim in some Bible translations, such as Genesis 38:21.

Definition: § Enam = "double spring" a city in the lowlands of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Enaim, openly (Genesis 38:21). See also: Genesis 38:14; Genesis 38:21; Joshua 15:34.

אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

דֶּ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

תִּמְנָ֑תָ/ה Timnâh H8553 "Timnah" N-proper | Suff

Timnah is a place in Palestine, mentioned in the Bible as a town in the hill country of Judah, meaning portion. It appears in the book of Joshua and Judges.

Definition: § Timnath or Timnah or Thimnathah = "portion" a town in the hill country of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Timnah, Timnath, Thimnathah. See also: Genesis 38:12; Joshua 19:43; 2 Chronicles 28:18.

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

רָאֲתָה֙ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

גָדַ֣ל gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.

Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.

שֵׁלָ֔ה Shêlâh H7956 "Shelah" N-proper

Shelah was a man in the Bible, the son of Judah and Bath-shua, and is mentioned in Genesis 38:5. He was a patriarch and had several sons, including Er and Laadah.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.38.5; son of: Judah (H3063) and Bath-shua (H1323I); brother of: Er (H6147) and Onan (H0209); half-brother of: Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I); father of: Er (H6147H), Laadah (H3935), Jokim (H3137), Joash (H3101K) and Saraph (H8315); also called Shelanite at Num.26.20; Also named: she.la.ni (שֵׁלָנִי "Shelanite" H8024) § Shelah = "a petition" the youngest son of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Shelah. See also: Genesis 38:5; Genesis 46:12; 1 Chronicles 4:21.

וְ/הִ֕וא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

נִתְּנָ֥ה nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/אִשָּֽׁה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Prep | N-fs

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

Study Notes — Genesis 38:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 38:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:14
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:14
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:14
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:14
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:14
Sermons on Genesis 38:14

Context — Judah and Tamar

12After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah. 13When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,”

14she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife.

15When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. 16Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “What will you give me for sleeping with you?” she inquired.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 38:26	Judah recognized the items and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again.
2	Genesis 38:11–13	Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah. When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,”
3	Jeremiah 3:2	“Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.
4	Proverbs 7:12	Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner.
5	Genesis 24:65	and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.
6	Ezekiel 16:25	At the head of every street you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty. With increasing promiscuity, you spread your legs to all who passed by.

Genesis 38:14 Summary

In Genesis 38:14, Tamar takes matters into her own hands and disguises herself to try to have children, because she feels that she has been wronged by her father-in-law Judah, as seen in the context of Genesis 38:12-13. This shows that even in difficult situations, we should trust in God's plan and timing, rather than trying to force our own way, as taught in verses like Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. Tamar's actions, although motivated by a desire to have children, were not morally right and led to further problems, highlighting the importance of following God's moral standards, as referenced in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 11:3. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and seek to follow His will, even in challenging circumstances, as expressed in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:1-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Tamar remove her widow's garments and cover her face?

Tamar removed her widow's garments and covered her face to disguise herself as she waited for Judah at the entrance to Enaim, as seen in Genesis 38:14, because she wanted to conceal her identity and possibly protect herself from being recognized as Judah's daughter-in-law, as referenced in Genesis 38:12-13.

What was Tamar's motivation for sitting at the entrance to Enaim?

Tamar's motivation for sitting at the entrance to Enaim, as stated in Genesis 38:14, was that she saw Shelah had grown up and she had not been given to him as a wife, which suggests she was seeking to fulfill her role as a wife and have children, similar to the desire expressed in Psalm 127:3-5.

Was Tamar's actions in Genesis 38:14 morally right?

Tamar's actions, although driven by a desire to have children and fulfill her role as a wife, were not morally right as they involved deception and led to immoral behavior, as seen in Genesis 38:15-16, and are not an example to be followed, as taught in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 11:3.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of Judah's family?

This verse is part of the story of Judah's family in Genesis 38, which highlights the sinful actions and consequences of Judah and his sons, as well as Tamar's actions, and ultimately points to the need for God's redemption and forgiveness, as seen in the larger narrative of Genesis and the Bible, including verses like Genesis 39:1-23 and Romans 3:23-24.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations in my life where I might be tempted to take matters into my own hands, rather than trusting in God's plan and timing, similar to Tamar's actions in Genesis 38:14?
How can I balance my desires and goals with a commitment to following God's will and moral standards, as taught in verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 12:2?
What are some ways that I can learn from Tamar's mistakes and apply biblical principles to my own life, such as seeking wisdom from Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10, and trusting in God's sovereignty as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7?
How does this verse remind me of the importance of patience, trust, and obedience to God's plan, as seen in verses like Psalm 27:14 and Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:14

And she put her widow's garments off from her,.... By which it appears that in those times and countries it was usual for widows to have a different apparel from others, especially in the time of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:14

And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:14

Covered her with a vail, as harlots used to do in those modester ages of the world, when they had not learnt to outface the sun, nor to glory in their villanies. In an open place, where she night be soonest discovered by passengers. This is noted as the practice of harlots, 9:14 ,25.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:14

Genesis 38:14 And she put her widow’ s garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which [is] by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.Ver. 14. Covered her with a vail.] As they that do evil shun the light. She was going about a deed of darkness. For she saw that Shelah was grown.] She ran into this foul sin, partly for revenge, and partly for issue. But this excuseth her not: for the revenge she took was private; and she should have sought a godly seed by lawful wedlock, and not by abominable incest. Discontent is the mother of much mischief; as it was in Judas, Haman, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:14

(14) In an open place.—Heb., in the gate of Enajim. Enajim means “the two fountains,” and we learn from Genesis 38:21 that it was the town where Tamar’s father dwelt, and where Tamar was living with him in her widowhood. In the exploration of Palestine, Enajim has been identified with a place called Allin, Anin, or Anaim, three miles east of Tibneh, and situated upon an ancient road coming from Adullam. This makes the conclusion come to for other reasons certain, that the Timnath on the Philistine border was the town meant.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:14

14. And she put off, &c.] The neglect on Judah’s part to satisfy the requirements of the levirate rule provoked Tamar to have recourse to trickery. To our moral sense such conduct is bad and disgusting. But to Orientals, whose life depended so largely upon the sanctity of racial customs, her action may have seemed not only entertaining in its cleverness, but even honourable and justifiable in its devotion to a deceased husband’s rights. her veil] Tamar apparelled herself in the guise of a religious prostitute (ḳ ?edêshah, Genesis 38:21), one who dedicated herself to the goddess Astarte, the Babylonian Istar. The veil was one of the symbols of Istar. in the gate of Enaim] i.e. in the open space at the entrance into the town. The name of the town means “wells,” possibly Enam, mentioned in Joshua 15:34, in the same context with Adullam. by the way] i.e. on “the way side” (Genesis 38:21): see Jeremiah 3:2; Ezekiel 16:15-25.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:14

14. In an open place — Rather, at the entrance of Enajim. This Enajim was probably the same as the Enam of Jos 15:35, which is mentioned in connexion with Jarmuth and Adullam.

Sermons on Genesis 38:14

	Sermon	Description
	Introducing Naomi and Ruth by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith introduces the book of Ruth by exploring the lives of Naomi and Ruth against the backdrop of the moral decay during the time of the Judges in Israel. He emphasizes how

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