Genesis 38:17

KJV

And he said, I will send [thee] a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give [me] a pledge, till thou send [it]?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, I will send {H7971} thee a kid {H5795}{H1423} from the flock {H6629}. And she said {H559}, Wilt thou give {H5414} me a pledge {H6162}, till thou send {H7971} it?

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "I will send you a kid from the flock of goats." She said, "Will you also give me something as a guarantee until you send it"

Berean Standard Bible

“I will send you a young goat from my flock,” Judah answered. But she replied, “Only if you leave me something as a pledge until you send it.”

American Standard Version

And he said, I will send thee a kid of the goats from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 38:17 captures a pivotal moment in the complex narrative of Judah and Tamar, where Judah, believing Tamar to be a cultic prostitute, promises to send a young goat as payment. Tamar, however, shrewdly demands a "pledge" or guarantee in advance, a strategic move that not only highlights her agency and foresight but also sets the stage for her later vindication and the revelation of Judah's moral failures. This exchange is central to Tamar's plan to secure her rightful lineage within the covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the standalone narrative of Judah and Tamar in [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Genesis 38 - Judah and Tamar"). This chapter interrupts the main narrative flow of Joseph's story (which resumes in [Genesis 39](/genesis/39 "Genesis 39 - Joseph and Potiphar's Wife")), serving as a stark moral counterpoint to Joseph's integrity. Immediately preceding Genesis 38:17, Judah has encountered Tamar, disguised as a harlot, by the roadside. He has propositioned her, and she has agreed, but not without securing a guarantee. The following verses ([Genesis 38:18-26](/genesis/38-18-26 "Genesis 38:18-26 - Tamar's Deception and Vindication")) detail Judah's giving of his signet, cord, and staff as collateral, and Tamar's subsequent pregnancy and the dramatic confrontation that reveals her righteousness over Judah's.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern societal norms, particularly concerning lineage, inheritance, and the levirate marriage custom (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Tamar's desperate actions stem from Judah's failure to uphold his patriarchal responsibility to provide his youngest son, Shelah, as a husband for her, thereby denying her the opportunity to bear children and secure her place within the family (as seen in [Genesis 38:11](/genesis/38-11 "Judah's unfulfilled promise to Tamar in Genesis 38:11")). The concept of a "pledge" or "earnest money" (Hebrew: *'eravon*) was a well-established practice in ancient commercial and personal transactions, serving as a security deposit to ensure the fulfillment of a promise or contract, especially when immediate payment was not feasible. This practice underscores the importance of accountability and trust in a society where written contracts were less common.
* **Key Themes:** The chapter, and this verse within it, contributes significantly to several key themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty** working through flawed human actions and even sin to achieve God's redemptive purposes, particularly in the preservation of the messianic lineage. It powerfully addresses **justice and righteousness**, as Tamar, through her unconventional means, seeks to secure what was rightfully hers according to custom, ultimately being declared "more righteous" than Judah ([Genesis 38:26](/genesis/38-26 "Tamar declared more righteous than Judah")). The theme of **accountability** is also prominent, as the "pledge" serves as a tangible reminder of Judah's unfulfilled promise and his subsequent moral lapse. This narrative also underscores the importance of **lineage and inheritance** within the patriarchal society, showing the lengths to which individuals would go to ensure the continuation of their family line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The brevity of Genesis 38:17 belies its profound significance, revealing the motivations of the characters and the cultural underpinnings of their exchange.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kid (Hebrew, _gᵉdîy'_):** From the same root as גָּדָה, this term refers to "a young goat (from browsing)." In this context, it signifies a common and valuable animal, often used for food, sacrifice, or as a form of payment in agrarian societies. Judah's offer of a kid from his flock indicates his intent to provide a standard, albeit delayed, form of remuneration for the illicit encounter.
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** A primitive root meaning "to give," used with great latitude of application, including to put, make, bestow, grant, or deliver. In Tamar's question, "Wilt thou give [me] a pledge," it emphasizes her active demand for a tangible item of security, shifting the dynamic from a simple transaction to one requiring immediate collateral.
* **pledge (Hebrew, _ʻărâbôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to exchange," this word denotes "a pawn (given as security)." It is a crucial term, signifying a security deposit, guarantee, or earnest money. Tamar's insistence on this pledge reveals her profound shrewdness and determination to secure tangible proof that would later identify Judah and validate her claims, ensuring that he could not renege on his word without consequence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, I will send [thee] a kid from the flock."**: Judah, having propositioned Tamar (whom he perceives as a prostitute), states his intention to provide payment. The "kid from the flock" is a common and valuable commodity, indicating a standard form of payment in that society. His promise to "send" it later suggests he does not have it immediately available, setting the stage for Tamar's demand for a guarantee.
* **"And she said, Wilt thou give [me] a pledge, till thou send [it]?"**: Tamar's response is the pivotal moment. Her question is a direct and shrewd demand for collateral. The term "pledge" (Hebrew: *'eravon*) is critical, signifying a security deposit or guarantee. This demand reveals her foresight and determination, as she understands that without such a pledge, Judah could easily default on his word, leaving her without recourse and without the means to achieve her deeper objective of securing her lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The exchange in Genesis 38:17 employs several significant literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is central, as Judah is completely unaware that the woman he is propositioning is his daughter-in-law, Tamar. His blindness to her true identity and intentions creates a tension that culminates in his later humiliation and Tamar's vindication. The "pledge" itself serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at its crucial role in the unfolding drama, as these items will later become undeniable proof of Judah's involvement. Furthermore, the dialogue itself contributes to **Characterization**: Judah's casual proposition and willingness to provide a delayed payment highlight his moral laxity and lack of discernment, while Tamar's immediate and shrewd demand for a pledge underscores her intelligence, agency, and resolute determination to secure justice and her lineage, even through unconventional means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The exchange in Genesis 38:17, though arising from a morally compromised situation, is deeply intertwined with profound theological and thematic truths. It illustrates God's sovereign hand at work amidst human sin and deceit, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive purposes, particularly in the preservation of the messianic line. Tamar's demand for a pledge, while pragmatic, also reflects a deeper desire for accountability and justice, echoing the biblical emphasis on integrity in agreements and the keeping of promises. This concept of a guarantee, given to ensure future fulfillment, subtly foreshadows God's own faithfulness and the ultimate "pledge" He provides to His people.

* [Genesis 43:9](/genesis/43-9 "Judah's pledge for Benjamin") - Judah himself later offers to be "surety" or a pledge for Benjamin, demonstrating the cultural significance of such guarantees.
* [Ephesians 1:14](/ephesians/1-14 "The Holy Spirit as a pledge of inheritance") - The Holy Spirit is described as the "earnest" or "down payment" of our inheritance, a divine pledge guaranteeing the full redemption of God's people.
* [2 Corinthians 1:22](/2_corinthians/1-22 "God's pledge of the Spirit") - God has "given us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge," highlighting His faithfulness and the certainty of His promises.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative surrounding Genesis 38:17, while morally complex, offers valuable insights for reflection and application today. It challenges us to consider the importance of integrity and accountability in all our dealings, whether personal or professional. Judah's willingness to make a promise without immediate fulfillment, and Tamar's insistence on a guarantee, underscore the timeless human need for trustworthiness and the consequences of its absence. For believers, this story serves as a powerful reminder that God's redemptive plan is not contingent upon human perfection but often works through flawed individuals and challenging circumstances. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign ability to bring about His purposes even amidst the brokenness of the world, and to live lives that reflect the reliability and faithfulness of God Himself, who always keeps His promises and has given us the ultimate pledge in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Tamar's insistence on a pledge highlight the importance of accountability in relationships, even in morally compromised situations?**
* **In what ways do we, like Judah, sometimes make promises or commitments without fully considering the implications or ensuring our ability to fulfill them?**
* **How does the concept of a "pledge" in this ancient narrative connect to the certainty of God's promises and the "earnest" of the Holy Spirit in our lives today?**
* **What does this story teach us about God's ability to work through imperfect people and difficult circumstances to achieve His divine purposes?**

### FAQ

**What is a "pledge" in the context of Genesis 38:17?**

Answer: In [Genesis 38:17](/genesis/38-17 "Genesis 38:17 KJV"), a "pledge" (Hebrew: *'eravon*) refers to a security deposit or guarantee. It was an item of value given as collateral to ensure that a promised payment or action would be delivered later. Tamar demanded it from Judah to ensure he would send the young goat he promised, but her deeper intention was to obtain identifying items from him that would later prove his paternity.

**Why did Tamar insist on a pledge from Judah?**

Answer: Tamar insisted on a pledge for two primary, interconnected reasons: first, to ensure Judah would fulfill his promise to send the young goat, as she had no immediate payment for the perceived illicit encounter; and second, and more importantly, to obtain tangible items (his signet, cord, and staff, as revealed in [Genesis 38:18](/genesis/38-18 "Tamar takes Judah's pledge in Genesis 38:18")) that would later serve as undeniable proof of Judah's identity and involvement. This proof was crucial for her to validate her claims, secure her lineage, and expose Judah's hypocrisy, ultimately allowing her to bear children and fulfill the levirate custom he had denied her.

**What does "a kid from the flock" signify in this passage?**

Answer: "A kid from the flock" (Hebrew: *gᵉdîy*) refers to a young goat. In ancient Israelite society and the broader ancient Near East, young goats were common and valuable animals. They were used for various purposes, including food, sacrificial offerings, and as a standard form of payment or exchange in transactions. Judah's offer of a kid was a typical, albeit delayed, form of payment for the services he believed he was receiving.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Judah and Tamar, including the pivotal exchange in Genesis 38:17, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the surprising and often scandalous ways God works through human brokenness and sin to bring about His perfect plan of redemption. Tamar, despite her unconventional and morally ambiguous actions, is remarkably listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ ([Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Tamar in the lineage of Christ in Matthew 1:3")). This inclusion powerfully demonstrates that God's grace transcends human sin, societal norms, and even moral failings, choosing to incorporate the most flawed and unexpected individuals into the lineage of the Messiah. It highlights that salvation is by grace, not by human merit or perfect lineage, underscoring the radical nature of God's redemptive love. Furthermore, the "pledge" Tamar received, though for a sinful act, serves as a faint but profound foreshadowing of God's faithful promises and the ultimate "pledge" of the Holy Spirit given to believers as a guarantee of their inheritance in Christ ([Ephesians 1:14](/ephesians/1-14 "The Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance")). Just as Tamar's pledge secured her future, the Holy Spirit is God's divine guarantee, ensuring the believer's eternal inheritance and the certainty of Christ's return and the full redemption of His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 16:33

They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom.

Genesis 38:20

And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive [his] pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not.

Genesis 38:24

¶ And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she [is] with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.

Genesis 38:25

When she [was] brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these [are, am] I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose [are] these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.

Luke 16:8

And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Proverbs 20:16

¶ Take his garment that is surety [for] a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.