Genesis 38:1

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name [was] Hirah.

Complete Jewish Bible:

It was at this time that Y'hudah went off from his brothers and settled near a man named Hirah who was an 'Adulami.

Berean Standard Bible:

About that time, Judah left his brothers and settled near a man named Hirah, an Adullamite.

American Standard Version:

And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And it came to pass at that time^{H6256}, that Judah^{H3063} went down^{H3381} from his brethren^{H251}, and turned^{H5186} in to a certain^{H376} Adullamite^{H5726}, whose name^{H8034} was Hirah^{H2437}.

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Commentary for Genesis 38:1

Genesis 38:1 serves as a pivotal transition in the narrative of the patriarch Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). This verse marks a departure from the broader story of Joseph, which has been unfolding in the preceding chapters, to focus on a specific episode in Judah's life. The phrase "at that time" connects the upcoming events to the chronological context of the overarching narrative, suggesting that the events involving Judah occur concurrently with the unfolding drama of Joseph's life in Egypt.

In this verse, Judah distances himself geographically and perhaps socially from his brothers by "going down" from them. The term "went down" can be interpreted both literally, in terms of leaving the family encampment for the lower-lying region of Adullam, and metaphorically, as a descent from the moral and familial standards set by his ancestors. The act of turning "in to" an Adullamite named Hirah indicates a significant shift in Judah's associations, moving from the company of his family to that of a foreigner, which may imply a change in his lifestyle and values.

Historically, this verse sets the stage for a narrative that is somewhat self-contained within the larger story of Jacob's family. It introduces characters and a setting that will play a crucial role in the unfolding events, including Judah's marriage to a Canaanite woman, the birth of his three sons, and the subsequent story of Tamar, which will ultimately influence the lineage of Judah and the tribe that bears his name. Themes of family dynamics, morality, and the providence of God in guiding the lineage of Israel are woven throughout the chapter.

In summary, Genesis 38:1 is a transitional verse that shifts the narrative focus to Judah, highlighting his separation from his brothers and his integration into a different social context. It introduces themes of familial loyalty, moral choices, and the unforeseen consequences of personal decisions, all of which will play out in the ensuing chapters and have lasting implications for the lineage of Judah and the nation of Israel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6256
   There are 258 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֵת
   Transliteration: ʻêth
   Pronunciation: ayth
   Description: from עַד; time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.; [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3063
   There are 754 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהוּדָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhûwdâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-hoo-daw'
   Description: from יָדָה; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory; Judah.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3381
   There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָרַד
   Transliteration: yârad
   Pronunciation: yaw-rad'
   Description: a primitive root; to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); causatively, to bring down (in all the above applications); [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down.
   
4. Strong's Number: H251
   There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָח
   Transliteration: ʼâch
   Pronunciation: awkh
   Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5186
   There are 207 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָטָה
   Transliteration: nâṭâh
   Pronunciation: naw-taw'
   Description: a primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application; [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield.
   
6. Strong's Number: H376
   There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִישׁ
   Transliteration: ʼîysh
   Pronunciation: eesh
   Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); 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 אִשָּׁה.
   
7. Strong's Number: H5726
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֲדֻלָּמִי
   Transliteration: ʻĂdullâmîy
   Pronunciation: ad-ool-law-mee'
   Description: patrial from עֲדֻלָּם; an Adullamite or native of Adullam; Adullamite.
   
8. Strong's Number: H8034
   There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁם
   Transliteration: shêm
   Pronunciation: shame
   Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
   
9. Strong's Number: H2437
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חִירָה
   Transliteration: Chîyrâh
   Pronunciation: khee-raw'
   Description: from חָוַר in the sense of splendor; Chirah, an Adullamite; Hirah.