Genesis 38:3

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.

Complete Jewish Bible:

She conceived and had a son, whom he named 'Er.

Berean Standard Bible:

So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er.

American Standard Version:

And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And she conceived^{H2029}, and bare^{H3205} a son^{H1121}; and he called^{H7121} his name^{H8034} Er^{H6147}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 38:3

Genesis 38:3 is a verse from the Old Testament that is part of a narrative interlude within the larger story of Joseph. This verse specifically introduces the birth of Er, the first son of Judah, who is one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). The chapter itself, Genesis 38, is often referred to as the "Judah and Tamar" narrative.

**Themes:**
1. **Family and Lineage:** The verse emphasizes the importance of lineage and the continuation of the family line, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Genesis.
2. **Naming:** The act of naming a child is significant in Hebrew culture, often reflecting circumstances surrounding the birth or the parents' hopes and dreams for the child.
3. **God's Promises:** Despite the later moral failings and complications in Judah's family, God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants into a great nation continues to unfold through the birth of Judah's offspring.

**Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** The events of Genesis 38 likely take place during the patriarchal period, which is roughly the second millennium BCE.
- **Cultural Practices:** The narrative reflects ancient Near Eastern customs regarding marriage, family, and inheritance. For instance, sons were crucial for carrying on the family name and inheritance.
- **Judah's Family:** Judah, the father of Er, is a key figure in the tribe of Judah, from which King David and later Jesus Christ are descended, according to biblical genealogies (Matthew 1:3; Luke 3:33).
- **Interruption in the Joseph Narrative:** Genesis 38 interrupts the story of Joseph to focus on Judah's line, which may serve to highlight the development of the tribe of Judah and its significance in the history of Israel.

In summary, Genesis 38:3 is a verse that introduces the birth of Er, Judah's firstborn, within a chapter that explores themes of family, lineage, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It also provides insight into the cultural and historical context of the patriarchal period, emphasizing the importance of progeny and the continuation of the family line in ancient Israelite society.

*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: H2029
   There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הָרָה
   Transliteration: hârâh
   Pronunciation: haw-raw'
   Description: a primitive root; to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively); been, be with child, conceive, progenitor.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3205
   There are 403 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָלַד
   Transliteration: yâlad
   Pronunciation: yaw-lad'
   Description: 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).
   
3. Strong's Number: H1121
   There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּן
   Transliteration: bên
   Pronunciation: bane
   Description: from בָּנָה; 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 father or brother), etc.); [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.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7121
   There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרָא
   Transliteration: qârâʼ
   Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
   Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא 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.
   
5. 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.
   
6. Strong's Number: H6147
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֵר
   Transliteration: ʻÊr
   Pronunciation: ayr
   Description: from עוּר; watchful; Er, the name of two Israelites; Er.