Genesis 38:22

Genesis 38:22 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So Hirah returned to Judah and said, “I could not find her, and furthermore, the men of that place said, ‘No shrine prostitute has been here.’”

King James Version KJV

And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place.

American Standard Version ASV

And he returned to Judah, and said, I have not found her; and also the men of the place said, There hath been no prostitute here.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So he went back to Judah, and said, I have not seen her, and the men of the place say that there is no such woman there.

Free Bible Version FBV

Hirah went back to Judah and told him, “I couldn't find her, and the men there said, ‘There's no cult prostitute here.’”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

He came therefore to Iudah againe, and said, I can not finde her, and also the men of the place said, There was no whore there.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he turneth back unto Judah, and saith, 'I have not found her; and the men of the place also have said, There hath not been in this [place] a separated one,'

World English Bible WEB

He returned to Judah, and said, “I haven’t found her; and also the men of the place said, ‘There has been no prostitute here.’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He returned to Juda, and said to him: I have not found her; moreover the men of that place said to me, that there never sat a harlot there.

Translation for Translators T4T

So he went back to Judah and said, “I did not find her. Furthermore, the men who live in that town said, ‘There has never been a prostitute here.’”

Plain English Version PEV

So Hirah went back to Judah, and he said, “I didn’t find that woman. And the men that live in that place, they said to me, ‘There isn’t any woman here that sleeps with men for pay.’”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:22

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 38:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּ֨שָׁב֙ אֶל יְהוּדָ֔ה וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר לֹ֣א מְצָאתִ֑י/הָ וְ/גַ֨ם אַנְשֵׁ֤י הַ/מָּקוֹם֙ אָֽמְר֔וּ לֹא הָיְתָ֥ה בָ/זֶ֖ה קְדֵשָֽׁה

וַ/יָּ֨שָׁב֙ shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

מְצָאתִ֑י/הָ mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

וְ/גַ֨ם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

אַנְשֵׁ֤י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

הַ/מָּקוֹם֙ mâqôwm H4725 place Art | N-ms

אָֽמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

הָיְתָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3fs

בָ/זֶ֖ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron

קְדֵשָֽׁה qᵉdêshâh H6948 cult prostitute Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:22

וַ/יָּ֨שָׁב֙ shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

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.

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר 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.

לֹ֣א 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.

מְצָאתִ֑י/הָ mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

וְ/גַ֨ם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

אַנְשֵׁ֤י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הַ/מָּקוֹם֙ mâqôwm H4725 "place" Art | N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

אָֽמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לֹא 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.

הָיְתָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

בָ/זֶ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

קְדֵשָֽׁה qᵉdêshâh H6948 "cult prostitute" Adj

A cult prostitute, or qedesha, was a female temple worker who engaged in ritual prostitution in ancient times. This practice is condemned in the Bible, particularly in the book of Deuteronomy.

Definition: female temple prostitute, harlot

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: harlot, whore. See also: Genesis 38:21; Deuteronomy 23:18; Hosea 4:14.

Study Notes — Genesis 38:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Genesis 38:22 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:22
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:22
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:22

Context — Judah and Tamar

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. 21He asked the men of that place, “Where is the shrine prostitute who was beside the road at Enaim?” “No shrine prostitute has been here,” they answered.

22So Hirah returned to Judah and said, “I could not find her, and furthermore, the men of that place said, ‘No shrine prostitute has been here.’”

23“Let her keep the items,” Judah replied. “Otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you could not find her.” 24About three months later, Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has prostituted herself, and now she is pregnant.” “Bring her out!” Judah replied. “Let her be burned to death!”

Genesis 38:22 Summary

In this verse, Hirah returns to Judah and tells him that he couldn't find the shrine prostitute, and the men of that place claimed she didn't exist. This shows how people can try to hide the truth or deceive others, but God always knows what's going on (as seen in Genesis 38:20-22). We can learn from this story by being honest and transparent in our own lives, and trusting in God's sovereignty, even when things don't go as planned (like in Proverbs 3:5-6). By doing so, we can avoid the kinds of problems and consequences that Judah faced in this chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the men of that place deny the presence of a shrine prostitute?

The men of that place may have been trying to protect themselves or the woman from Judah's inquiry, or they may have been unaware of her activities, as seen in Genesis 38:21-22, where they claim 'No shrine prostitute has been here.'

What can we learn from Hirah's actions in this verse?

Hirah's actions demonstrate his loyalty to Judah, as he returns to him with the news, and also show that he was unsuccessful in his task, highlighting the challenges of finding the woman, as mentioned in Genesis 38:20-22.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of Judah and Tamar?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it sets the stage for Judah's later actions towards Tamar, who is eventually revealed to be pregnant, leading to Judah's command to have her burned, as seen in Genesis 38:24.

What does this verse teach us about God's sovereignty and human deception?

This verse illustrates how human deception and sin can lead to unforeseen consequences, and how God can use these situations to bring about His own purposes, as seen in the larger narrative of Genesis 38 and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Genesis 49:10.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when my plans or expectations are thwarted, like Judah's attempt to find the shrine prostitute?
What are some ways I can demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness to others, like Hirah's actions towards Judah?
In what ways can I be more aware of the potential consequences of my actions, like Judah's decisions in this chapter?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertain or challenging circumstances, like those in Genesis 38?

Gill's Exposition on 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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:22

And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:22

Genesis 38:22 And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, [that] there was no harlot in this [place].Ver. 22. There was no harlot in this place.] Few places can say so. Every house in Egypt had a dead corpse in it; and too many houses here have such, as, "living in pleasure, are dead while they live." Of this sort was that Arlet, a skinner’ s daughter in Normandy, whose nimbleness in her dance made Duke Robert enamoured, &c. On her he begat our William the Conqueror. In spite to whom, and disgrace to his mother, the English called all whores, harlets. But who can read without detestation, that in Rome a Jewess may not be admitted into the stews, unless she will be first baptized? as Espencaeus, an honest Papist, complains. Sane, hercle, homo voluptati obsequens fuit dum vixit. - Terent. Heyl., Geog., p. 96. Espencae., De Continentia, lib. iii. cap. 4.

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