Genesis 38:5
Genesis 38:5 in Multiple Translations
Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Chezib that she gave birth to him.
And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.
And she yet again bare a son, and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.
Then she had another son, to whom she gave the name Shelah; she was at Chezib when the birth took place.
Then she had another son she named Shelah who was born in Kezib.
Moreouer she bare yet a sonne, whome she called Shelah: and Iudah was at Chezib when she bare him.
and she addeth again, and beareth a son, and calleth his name Shelah; and he was in Chezib in her bearing him.
She yet again bore a son, and named him Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him.
And she yet again conceived, and bore a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bore him.
She bore also a third: whom she called Sela. After whose birth, she ceased to bear any more.
Many years later, when Judah and his family went to live in Kezib town, Judah’s wife gave birth to another son, whom she named Shelah.
And later, she had another baby boy too. She named that baby Shelah. At that time, Judah was staying in the town called Kezib.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:5
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 38:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֤סֶף
עוֹד֙
וַ/תֵּ֣לֶד
בֵּ֔ן
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
אֶת
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
שֵׁלָ֑ה
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
בִ/כְזִ֖יב
בְּ/לִדְתָּ֥/הּ
אֹתֽ/וֹ
וַ/תֹּ֤סֶף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
וַ/תֵּ֣לֶד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בֵּ֔ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
שֵׁלָ֑ה
Shêlâh
H7956
Shelah
N-proper
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִ/כְזִ֖יב
Kᵉzîyb
H3580
Chezib
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/לִדְתָּ֥/הּ
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:5
וַ/תֹּ֤סֶף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
וַ/תֵּ֣לֶד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
בֵּ֔ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
שֵׁלָ֑ה
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/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
בִ/כְזִ֖יב
Kᵉzîyb
H3580
"Chezib"
Prep | N-proper
Chezib means false and is the name of a town in Judah, also known as Achzib. It is a place in Palestine with this name.
Definition: Chezib = "false" a town in Judah Another name of akh.ziv (אַכְזִיב "Achzib" H0392G)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Chezib. See also: Genesis 38:5.
בְּ/לִדְתָּ֥/הּ
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 38:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
- Sermons on Genesis 38:5
Context — Judah and Tamar
3So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er.
4Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Onan.
5Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Chezib that she gave birth to him.
6Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 26:20 | These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Genesis 46:12 | The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. |
| 4 | Genesis 38:11 | 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. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 4:21 | The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea, |
Genesis 38:5 Summary
Genesis 38:5 tells us about the birth of Shelah, the third son of Judah, and how he was born in a place called Chezib. This verse reminds us that God is always at work in our lives, even when we do not see the bigger picture, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. Just like Judah's family, we can trust in God's plan and timing, even when things seem uncertain, and pray for wisdom and guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By looking at the lives of biblical characters like Judah, we can learn valuable lessons about faith, trust, and God's sovereignty, as seen in the context of Genesis 38:1-30 and other biblical accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the name Shelah in Genesis 38:5?
The name Shelah is thought to mean 'request' or 'petition', possibly indicating that his parents, Judah and the daughter of Shua, had been praying for another child, as seen in Genesis 38:5. This is reminiscent of other biblical instances where names held spiritual significance, such as Genesis 29:32.
Why does the verse mention the location of Chezib where Shelah was born?
The mention of Chezib as the birthplace of Shelah in Genesis 38:5 may be included to provide a historical or geographical context for the events that unfold later in the narrative, such as the story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38:6-7.
How does this verse fit into the larger story of Judah's family?
Genesis 38:5 is part of a larger narrative about Judah's family, including his sons Er, Onan, and Shelah, as seen in Genesis 38:3-7. This story is intertwined with the account of Joseph in the book of Genesis, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by the family of Jacob, as referenced in Genesis 37:1-36.
What can we learn about Judah's character from this verse?
Although Genesis 38:5 does not provide explicit information about Judah's character, his actions in the surrounding verses, such as his choice of a wife for Er in Genesis 38:6, and his treatment of Tamar in Genesis 38:11-26, offer insights into his personality and spiritual condition, as seen in the context of Genesis 38:1-30.
Reflection Questions
- What does the birth of Shelah reveal about God's sovereignty and timing in our lives, as seen in Genesis 38:5 and other biblical accounts like Genesis 21:1-7?
- How can we, like Judah and his family, trust in God's plan even when we do not understand the circumstances of our lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- What role does faith and prayer play in the lives of biblical characters like Judah, and how can we apply these principles in our own lives, as seen in Genesis 38:5 and other verses like Psalm 127:3-5?
- In what ways can we, as believers, learn from the experiences of Judah's family, including their triumphs and failures, to grow in our own relationship with God, as reflected in Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:5
And she conceived, and bare a son,.... A third son: and called his name Shelah; which signifies tranquil, quiet, peaceable and prosperous, and is a word that comes from the same root as Shiloh, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:5
And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him. He was at Chezib when she bare him. Er and Onan having died without offspring, no further notice is taken of them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
Chezib; a place near Adullam, called also Achzib, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
Genesis 38:5 And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.Ver. 5. He was at Chezib.] Called also Achzib. It hath its name from lying.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
(5) Chezib.—Mr. Conder has found traces of this place at Ain Kezbeh, near Beit Nettif, a little to the north of Adullam (Handbook, p. 408). In Micah 1:14-15, it is called Achzib, and is there also placed near Adullam.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
Verse 5. And he was at Chezib when she bare him.] This town is supposed to be the same with Achzib, which fell to the tribe of Judah, Joshua 15:44. "The name," says Ainsworth, "has in Hebrew the signification of lying; and to it the prophet alludes, saying the houses of Achzib shall be (Achzab) a lie to the kings of Israel, Micah 1:14."
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:5
5. Chezib] The same name as Achzib in Joshua 15:44.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:5
5. At Chezib — Probably the same as Achzib, mentioned in Joshua 15:44, and Micah 1:14. This was probably at the modern Kusaba, fifteen miles southwest of Beit-jibrin.
Sermons on Genesis 38:5
| 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 |