Genesis 38:3 — Word Study
WLCוַתַּ֖הַר וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֑ן וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־ שְׁמ֖וֹ עֵֽר׃
BSASo she conceivedhârâh▸ [became pregnant, to conceive or become pregnant as seen in the story of Sarah and Abraham] and gave birth toyâlad▸ [beget, to give birth or bring forth a child] a sonbên [a male child, descendant] and [Judah] namedqârâʼ▸ [to call out to someone or something, often by name] himshêm ErʻÊr [the eldest son of Judah]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַתַּ֖הַר | and she conceived | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person feminine singular |
| וַתֵּ֣לֶד | and she bore | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person feminine singular |
| בֵּ֑ן | a son | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וַיִּקְרָ֥א | and he called | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| שְׁמ֖וֹ | name his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| עֵֽר׃ | Er | Noun proper masculine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er. |
| KJV | And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. |
| ASV | And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. |
| YLT | And she conceiveth, and beareth a son, and he calleth his name Er; |
| WEB | She conceived, and bore a son; and he named him Er. |
| BBE | And she gave birth to a son, and he gave him the name Er. |
Where they part company is וַיִּקְרָ֥א — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence follows a clear sequence of events: conception leads to birth, which is followed by the act of naming.
4 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
verbהָרָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Genesis 38:3
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Birth of Ergenerated
Genesis 38:3 is part of the account of Judah, who, after taking a Canaanite woman as his wife, sees the birth of his children. This narrative highlights the importance of lineage and the unfolding story of Judah's family, which connects to the broader narrative of Israel's history.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Numbers 26:19 | The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 2 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וַתַּ֖הַר, va.Ta.hargenerated
The Hebrew word הָרָה (*harah*) is a verb meaning to conceive or become pregnant. It is used to describe the moment of conception, as seen in the stories of other biblical figures, such as Sarah in Genesis 17, where she conceives Isaac. The word carries the weight of new life and the miracle of birth.
This verb is in the Qal form, indicating a simple action. The parsing shows it is in the sequential imperfect tense, which denotes an action that is ongoing or incomplete, fitting the context of conception as a process.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verbs govern the main actions in the verse: וַתַּ֖הַר (and she conceived) and וַתֵּ֣לֶד (and she bore), with a noun phrase בֵּ֑ן (a son) as the object of the second verb. The structure flows sequentially, showing the progression from conception to birth.
The verb וַיִּקְרָ֥א (and he called) introduces a new action, linking the naming of the child to the previous events. The sentence's order emphasizes the importance of naming in establishing identity.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew verb וַתַּ֖הַר is rendered as συλλαβοῦσα (sullabousa), which means 'having conceived'. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing the act of conception.
The verb וַיִּקְרָ֥א is translated as ἐκάλεσεν (ekalesen), which means 'he called'. This translation maintains the focus on the act of naming, crucial for establishing lineage.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 38:3 tells us that Judah's wife conceived and gave birth to a son, whom Judah named Er. This verse highlights the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative, showing how names carry significance and identity.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Naming a child in the Bible often signifies identity and lineage, establishing the child's place within the family.
Conception is a significant moment that reflects God's involvement in the creation of life, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.
Lineage is crucial for understanding the heritage of the tribes of Israel and the unfolding plan of God through their descendants.
Judah's actions demonstrate the importance of family relationships and the continuation of lineage in biblical history.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What significance do names hold in my family or culture?
- How do I see God's hand in the creation of life around me?
- In what ways can I honor my heritage and lineage?
- How can understanding biblical stories of family help me in my own relationships?
Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 38:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Er.
Read John Gill on Genesis 38 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 38 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsGenesis 38:3 And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.Ver. 3. And she conceived, &c.] St Jerome tells us of a certain drunken nurse, that was got with child by her nursling, a boy of ten years old. This he relates as monstrous, and takes God to witness that he knew it to be so. Bruson., lib. iv. cap. 9.
Read John Trapp on Genesis 38 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges3. and he called] Better, “And she called his name Er.” The mother calls the name, as in Genesis 38:4. The reading “she called” is found in some Heb. MSS., Sam. and Targ. Jer. “Er” and “Onan,” see Genesis 46:12.
Read Cambridge on Genesis 38 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er.
She conceived, and bore a son; and he named him Er.
So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er.
She became pregnant and had a son. Judah named him Er.
Tyndale line
And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
And she conceived, and bore a son; and he called his name Er.
So she conceiued and bare a sonne, and he called his name Er.
Strictly literal
And she conceived and bore a son; and he called his name Er.
And she conceiveth, and beareth a son, and he calleth his name Er;
And she conceives, and bears a son, and he calls his name Er;
And she conceived, and bore a son; and he called his name 'Er.
She became pregnant and had a son. He was named Er.
From the Latin
And she conceived, and bore a son, and called his name Her.
Simplified
and she became pregnant and had a son he named Er.
And she gave birth to a son, and he gave him the name Er.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text states, "וַתַּ֖הַר וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֑ן וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־ שְׁמ֖וֹ עֵֽר׃" which translates to, "So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er." The Septuagint closely aligns with this verse, matching 6 of the 7 words, although its word order and articles differ due to the Greek language structure. The Samaritan Pentateuch presents a variation in one word, using "ותקרא" (and she called) instead of the Masoretic's "וַיִּקְרָ֥א" (and he called), indicating a shift in the subject of the action from Judah to Tamar. This difference is significant as it changes the emphasis of who is naming the child.
וַתַּ֖הַר וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֑ן וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־ שְׁמ֖וֹ עֵֽר׃
6 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ותהר ותלד בן ותקרא את שׁמו ער
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: תקרא (call)
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Genesis 38:3
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word הָרָה (*harah*) primarily means to conceive or become pregnant, as noted in various lexicons. It can refer to both literal and figurative conception, and includes nuances such as bearing a child or devising something. The entries also indicate different grammatical forms, including Qal, Pual, and Poel, which reflect various aspects of the root meaning.
הָרָה vb. conceive, become pregnant
Qal
lit. conceive, become pregnant
metaph.
Pu. a man hath been conceived
Po. conceive, contrive, devise
base
H2029 הָרָה conceive, become pregnant
2029 harah haw-raw'
a primitive root; to be (or become) pregnant, conceive
(literally or figuratively):--been, be with child, conceive,
progenitor.
הָרָה (ha.rah) — to conceive.
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
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singularHc/Vqw3fs
The Hebrew word יָלַד (*yalad*) means to bear, bring forth, or beget, and it encompasses various forms of childbirth and lineage declaration. It can refer to both the act of giving birth and the role of a midwife. The entries also note its use in contexts of distress and wicked behavior, as well as in reference to birthdays.
יָלַד 497 vb. bear, bring forth, beget
Qal
bear, bring forth
less often beget
of both parents
Niph. be born
Pi. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife
Pu. be born
Hiph.
beget (a father a child)
bear
Hoph. day of one's being born = birthday
Hithp. declared their pedigree
base
H3205 יָלַד bear, bring forth, beget .. bear, bring forth
. less often beget
. of both parents
. be born
. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife
. be born
. . beget (a father a child)
. bear
. day of one's being born = birthday
. declared their pedigree
3205 yalad yaw-lad'
a primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget;
medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show
lineage:--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).
יָלַד (ya.lad) — to beget.
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)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singularHc/Vqw3fs
bor: According to the Book of the Covenant (Ex 20:20-23:33) a slave whom his master had purchased was to be released after six years. Should he choose to remain in his master's service a religious ceremony was necessary to ratify his decision. "Then his master shall bring him unto God" (better than "unto the judges" of the King James Version), "and shall bring him to the door, or unto the doorpost; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl" (Ex 21:6). It is highly improbable that "unto God" means "to a sanctuary"; for there was no special reason for performing this ceremony near the door of a sanctuary. On the other hand the entrance to a private house was a sacred spot. According to primitive thinking near the door dwelt the household gods whose function it was to…
בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.
בֵּן 4870 n.m. son
son, male child, born of a woman
children (male and female)
youth, young men
the young of animals
of plant shoots
fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
member of a guild, order or class
of animals son of (the) herd
ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
n. relat. of age
base
בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.
done
H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman
. children (male and female)
. youth, young men
. the young of animals
. of plant shoots
. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
. . member of a guild, order or class
. of animals son of (the) herd
. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
. n. relat. of age
H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son
1121 ben bane
from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the
widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,
including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,
etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)
(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,
(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,
bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X
came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of
first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +
kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)
people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +
spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous
one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 0251
בֵּן (ben) — son: child.
: child/son
בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;
son of: Jaaziah (H3269);
brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)
§ Beno = "his son"
the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)
בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.
: descendant, people, tribe, nation
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : child/son
בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.
: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : descendant
בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.
: rebel/son(Belial)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : people/men/nation/tribe
בֵּן (ben) — son.
: [inheriting]son/heir
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.
: warrior/son(strong)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
The term "son" is used in Scripture language to imply almost any kind of descent or succession, as ben shanah , "son of a year," i.e. a year old; ben kesheth , "son of a bow," i.e. an arrow. The word bar is often found in the New Testament in composition, as Bar-timaeus.
Sometimes denotes a grandson, or any remote descendant, Ge 29:5 2Sa 19:24. At other times a son by adoption is meant, Ge 48:5; or by law, Ru 4:17; or by education, 1Sa 3:6 20:35; or by conversion, as Titus was Paul’s "son father the common faith," Tit 1:4. And again it denotes a mental or moral resemblance, etc., Jud 19:22 Ps 89:6 Isa 57:3 Ac 13:10. In a…
→ FIGURATIVE
Of a person' s relation to God Ex 4:22
See ADOPTION
See GOD, FATHERHOOD OF
See JESUS, SON OF GOD
See JESUS, SON OF MAN
The Hebrew word קָרָא (qara') is a primitive root meaning to call, proclaim, or read. It encompasses a range of actions including calling out, crying for help, reading aloud, and summoning. The word can also imply being called or named in various contexts. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
קָרָא 724 vb. call, proclaim, read
Qal
call, cry, utter a loud sound
call, cry
call unto some one
cry for help
proclaim
read aloud
read to oneself
summon
call = name
Niph.
reflex.
pass. be called
Pu. be called
base
H7121 קָרָא call, proclaim, read .. . call, cry, utter a loud sound
. call, cry
. . call unto some one
. cry for help
. proclaim
. . read aloud
. read to oneself
. summon
. call = name
. . reflex.
. pass. be called
. be called
7121 qara' kaw-raw'
a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea
of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly,
address by name, but used in a wide variety of
applications):--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 HEBREW for 07122
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call to.
: 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
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call by.
: call_by/name
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
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
usu. of pers.
= reputation
esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
name, as designation of God
of false gods, use forbidden
= memorial, monument
base
H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)
8034 shem shame
a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea
of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an
appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by
implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,
(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
see HEBREW for 07760
see HEBREW for 08064
שֵׁם (shem) — name.
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument
Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
עֵר (Er) refers to two individuals from the tribe of Judah in the Old Testament. The first is the eldest son of Judah, married to Tamar, and the second is a grandson of Judah, son of Shelah. The name means 'awake' and is mentioned in Genesis 38:3 and 1 Chronicles 4:21.
עֵר n.pr.m.
eldest son of Judah
son of Judah’s son Shelah
base
H6147 עֵר . eldest son of Judah
. son of Judah’s son Shelah
6147 `Er ayr
from 5782; watchful; Er, the name of two Israelites:--Er.
see HEBREW for 05782
עֵר (er) — Er.
A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.38.3;
son of: Judah (H3063) and Bath-shua (H1323I);
brother of: Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956);
half-brother of: Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I); married to Tamar (H8559)
§ Er = "awake"
1) the eldest son of Judah
2) son of Shelah and grandson of Judah
עֵר (er) — Er.
A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.21;
son of: Shelah (H7956);
brother of: Laadah (H3935), Jokim (H3137), Joash (H3101K) and Saraph (H8315);
father of: Lecah (H3922)
§ Er = "awake"
1) the eldest son of Judah
2) son of Shelah and grandson of Judah
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
ar (`er, "watcher"; Er'):
(1) The eldest son of Judah, the son of Jacob, by Shua the Canaanite. Judah took for him a wife named Tamar. It is recorded that Er "was wicked in the sight of Yahweh; and Yahweh slew him" (Ge 38:3,6,7; 46:12).
(2) "Er the father of Lecah" is mentioned among "the sons of Shelah the son of Judah" (1Ch 4:21).
(3) An ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy in the 7th generation before Zerubbabel (Lu 3:28).
(watchful). First-born of Judah. Er "was wicked in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord slew him." (Genesis 38:3-7; Numbers 26:19) Descendant of Shelah the son of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:21) Son of Jose and father of Elmodam. (Luke 3:28)
watchman