Genesis 38:18
Genesis 38:18 in Multiple Translations
“What pledge should I give you?” he asked. She answered, “Your seal and your cord, and the staff in your hand.” So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him.
And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet and thy cord, and thy staff that is in thy hand. And he gave them to her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
And he said, What would you have? And she said, Your ring and its cord and the stick in your hand. So he gave them to her and went in to her, and she became with child by him.
“What guarantee do I have to give you?” he asked. “Your signet seal and its cord, and your walking stick that you're holding,” she replied. He handed them over to her. He slept with her and she became pregnant.
Then he saide, What is the pledge that I shall giue thee? And she answered, Thy signet, and thy cloke, and thy staffe that is in thine hande. So he gaue it her, and lay by her, and she was with childe by him.
and he saith, 'What [is] the pledge that I give to thee?' and she saith, 'Thy seal, and thy ribbon, and thy staff which [is] in thy hand;' and he giveth to her, and goeth in unto her, and she conceiveth to him;
He said, “What pledge will I give you?” She said, “Your signet and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” He gave them to her, and came in to her, and she conceived by him.
And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? and she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thy hand: and he gave them to her, and came in to her, and she conceived by him.
Juda said: What wilt thou have for a pledge? She answered: Thy ring and bracelet, and the staff which thou holdest in thy hand. The woman therefore at one copulation conceived.
He replied, “What do you want me to give to you?” She replied, “Give me the ring that has your name on it that is tied by a cord around your neck, and give me the walking stick that you are holding in your hand.” So he gave them to her. Then he had sex [EUP] with her, and she became pregnant.
Judah said, “All right, I will give you something to show that I made that promise. What do you want me to give you?” Tamar said, “Give me that necklace with your special stamp on it, and your walking stick.” (Judah used that special stamp like a signature.) So Judah gave those things to Tamar. Then he slept with Tamar, like a man sleeps with his wife, and a baby started to grow inside her.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:18
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 38:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
מָ֣ה
הָֽ/עֵרָבוֹן֮
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אֶתֶּן
לָּ/ךְ֒
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
חֹתָֽמְ/ךָ֙
וּ/פְתִילֶ֔/ךָ
וּ/מַטְּ/ךָ֖
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
וַ/יִּתֶּן
לָּ֛/הּ
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
וַ/תַּ֥הַר
לֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הָֽ/עֵרָבוֹן֮
ʻărâbôwn
H6162
pledge
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֶתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לָּ/ךְ֒
Prep | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
חֹתָֽמְ/ךָ֙
chôwthâm
H2368
signet
N-ms | Suff
וּ/פְתִילֶ֔/ךָ
pâthîyl
H6616
cord
Conj | N-ms | Suff
וּ/מַטְּ/ךָ֖
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָּ֛/הּ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וַ/תַּ֥הַר
hârâh
H2029
to conceive
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:18
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הָֽ/עֵרָבוֹן֮
ʻărâbôwn
H6162
"pledge"
Art | N-ms
A pledge is a promise or security given to guarantee something, like a pawn shop holding an item until a debt is paid. It appears in the Bible as a way to secure a loan or agreement. In ancient times, pledges were common practice.
Definition: pledge, security
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: pledge. See also: Genesis 38:17; Genesis 38:18; Genesis 38:20.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
אֶתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
לָּ/ךְ֒
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
חֹתָֽמְ/ךָ֙
chôwthâm
H2368
"signet"
N-ms | Suff
A signet or seal was a ring used to sign important documents, like a signature ring. It is mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of authority and ownership.
Definition: seal, signet, signet-ring
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: seal, signet. See also: Genesis 38:18; Exodus 39:30; Jeremiah 22:24.
וּ/פְתִילֶ֔/ךָ
pâthîyl
H6616
"cord"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a cord or thread, like something used for tying. It appears in Exodus 28:28, where it describes the threads used in priestly garments. It is a twisted thread or cord.
Definition: cord, thread (twisted)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribband, thread, wire. See also: Genesis 38:18; Exodus 39:21; Ezekiel 40:3.
וּ/מַטְּ/ךָ֖
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וַ/יִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
לָּ֛/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וַ/תַּ֥הַר
hârâh
H2029
"to conceive"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To conceive or become pregnant, as seen in the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 17, where Sarah conceives Isaac in her old age. This word is used to describe the miracle of birth and new life.
Definition: 1) to conceive, become pregnant, bear, be with child, be conceived, progenitor 1a)(Qal) to conceive, become pregnant 1b) (Pual) to be conceived 1c) (Poel) to conceive, contrive, devise
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: been, be with child, conceive, progenitor. See also: Genesis 4:1; Numbers 11:12; Psalms 7:15.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 38:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 38:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:18
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:18
- Sermons on Genesis 38:18
Context — Judah and Tamar
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.
17“I will send you a young goat from my flock,” Judah answered. But she replied, “Only if you leave me something as a pledge until you send it.”
18“What pledge should I give you?” he asked. She answered, “Your seal and your cord, and the staff in your hand.” So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him.
19Then Tamar got up and departed. And she removed her veil and put on her widow’s garments again. 20Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 38:25–26 | As she was being brought out, Tamar sent a message to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these items belong.” And she added, “Please examine them. Whose seal and cord and staff are these?” 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 | Hosea 4:11 | Promiscuity, wine, and new wine take away understanding. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 22:24 | “As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “even if you, Coniah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on My right hand, I would pull you off. |
| 4 | Luke 15:22 | But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. |
Genesis 38:18 Summary
In Genesis 38:18, Judah gives Tamar his seal, cord, and staff as a pledge for the young goat he promised her, and as a result, she becomes pregnant with his child. This event may seem confusing or even disturbing to us, but it ultimately contributes to the larger story of God's redemption and salvation, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3). We can learn from this story by recognizing that God is always at work, even in unexpected and imperfect circumstances, and that our actions have consequences, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8. By reflecting on this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and our place within His plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the seal, cord, and staff signify in this context?
The seal, cord, and staff were personal items that served as a guarantee or pledge, similar to how we use identification or valuable items as collateral today, as seen in Genesis 38:18, where Judah gives them to Tamar as a pledge for the young goat he promised her.
Why did Judah agree to give Tamar his personal items?
Judah agreed to give Tamar his personal items because he did not want to send her the young goat without a guarantee that she would return the items, as indicated in Genesis 38:17-18, where Judah and Tamar negotiate the terms of their agreement.
What is the significance of Tamar becoming pregnant by Judah?
Tamar becoming pregnant by Judah is significant because it ultimately leads to the birth of Perez, an ancestor of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 1:3, highlighting God's sovereign plan and redemption through unexpected circumstances.
How does this event relate to the overall narrative of Genesis?
This event in Genesis 38:18 is part of the larger story of Judah and his family, which is woven into the broader narrative of the book of Genesis, illustrating the complexities of human relationships and God's faithfulness despite human sin and weakness, as seen in Genesis 38:1-30.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of Judah's relationship with Tamar, and how can we learn from their interactions?
- In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and providence at work in this situation, despite the flawed decisions of the characters involved?
- How does this event challenge or reinforce your understanding of God's plan for redemption and salvation, as seen in the larger biblical narrative?
- What are some potential dangers or pitfalls that can arise when we make deals or agreements with others, and how can we approach such situations with wisdom and integrity?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:18
And he said, what pledge shall I give thee?.... Being willing to part with anything for the gratification of his lust: and she said, thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that [is] in thine
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:18
And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:18
Thy bracelets, or handkerchief, or girdle, or any other ornament made of twisted thread, which the Hebrew word signifies. God so ordering things by his providence, that his sin might be discovered. And this and other such horrid crimes committed sometimes by the patriarchs, and other eminent persons, it hath pleased God for divers wise and holy reasons to leave upon record, partly, to discover how great and deep the corruption of man’ s nature is, and that even in the best; partly, to oblige all men to a humble sense of their own infirmity, and to a diligent application of themselves to God for his gracious succours, and to a greater circumspection and watchfulness to prevent those evils in themselves; partly, to encourage even the greatest sinners to repentance and the hope of pardon; and partly, for the just punishment and obduration of incorrigible sinners, who make such sad examples matter of their delight and imitation.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:18
Genesis 38:18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that [is] in thine hand. And he gave [it] her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.Ver. 18. And he gave it her, and came in unto her.] He gave her whatsoever she desired; as the manner of such men is: and although he committed incest ignorantly, yet not through ignorance, but through heat of lust, which is brutish and boisterous, burning as an oven: whence the Greeks have named it: and Plato compares it to a headstrong horse. ’Eπιθυμιααποτουθυμιεν ardere. Plato appetitum assimilat equo, qui sit, σκολιος, κρατεραυχων, Bραχυτραχηλος, μελαγχρως, κωφος, μαντιγιμογιςυτεικων.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:18
(18) Thy bracelets.—Heb., thy cord. The art of engraving was probably not advanced enough among these nomads to permit them to engrave gems small enough to wear in a ring. Judah evidently suspended his signet round his neck by a cord; and this custom still exists among the Arabs, of whom some wear signet rings, while others hang them round their necks. Probably each man of distinction had his emblem, and in Genesis 49 Jacob seems to refer to them. Thus Judah’s emblem was a lion, Zebulun’s a ship, Issachar’s an ass, &c. Thy staff.—The staff in ancient times was elaborately adorned. Herodotus (i. 195) describes the staves carried by the Babylonians, as having on them carvings of fruit, or of some flower or bird; and Homer perpetually makes mention of the “sceptres,” that is, walking-sticks, of the kings, as carved so magnificently as to be worthy of being ascribed to Hephaestus, and handed down as emblems of authority from father to son. (See Iliad, ii. 101-107.) It is from these staves that the sceptres of kings, and the batons of field-marshals, &c, are derived.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:18
18. signet … cord … staff] The signet ring is frequently worn by Arabs on a cord fastened round the neck. Cf. Son 8:6, “set me as a seal upon thine heart.” The signet ring and the staff, which was often carved and highly ornamented, would be the most personal possessions of a Sheikh, and, as pledges, a most certain means of identification. This astute manoeuvre is the turning-point of the whole story.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:18
18. Signet… bracelets — These were probably a signet ring, suspended on a cord or band, (ôúéì,) not bracelet, and worn upon the neck. So say Gesenius and Keil.
Sermons on Genesis 38:18
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 38:24-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being concerned with the size of the crowd when preaching the word of God. He believes that if the word of God is given |
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The Guilt of Indifference to Divine Threatenings. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of heeding God's warnings and messages, emphasizing the consequences of indifference towards His word. He draws parallels between histor |
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Punishment of the Impenitent Inevitable and Justifiable. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches a sermon based on Jeremiah 22:24, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to punish sin and the dire consequences of sin on individuals and the universe. He |
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The Prodigal Son by John Alexander Dowie | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that as believers, we should not be slaves to Satan, sin, disease, death, or hell. The preacher tells a story of a prodigal son who |
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Quote - Fatted Calf by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound love of the father in the parable of the prodigal son, particularly focusing on the significance of the fatted calf, which symbolizes the |
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Father of the Prodigal Son by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sins and bring about transformation in their lives. He reminds the a |
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Biblical Obedience by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the prodigal son from Luke chapter 15. He highlights the different levels of obedience displayed by the son. The sermon emphasi |