Genesis 38:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Judah {H3063} sent {H7971} the kid {H1423}{H5795} by the hand {H3027} of his friend {H7453} the Adullamite {H5726}, to receive {H3947} his pledge {H6162} from the woman's {H802} hand {H3027}: but he found her {H4672} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hudah sent the kid with his friend the 'Adulami to receive the guarantee items back from the woman, but he couldn't find her.

Berean Standard Bible

Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judah's immediate effort to fulfill his promise to the woman he encountered, sending his trusted friend, Hirah the Adullamite, with a young goat to retrieve his personal pledge. This verse marks a pivotal moment of failed retrieval, as Hirah "found her not," thereby ensuring the pledge remained with Tamar and setting the stage for the dramatic revelation of her identity and Judah's subsequent public accountability in the unfolding narrative of divine providence amidst human imperfection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "The Story of Judah and Tamar") serves as a significant narrative interlude, purposefully interrupting the main storyline of Joseph's life to focus on Judah, Jacob's fourth son. This chapter provides a stark contrast to Joseph's integrity in Egypt, highlighting the moral failings within Jacob's family. Specifically, [Genesis 38:20](/genesis/38-20 "Judah Sends Hirah to Retrieve His Pledge") follows Judah's illicit encounter with Tamar, whom he mistook for a prostitute, and his giving of a personal pledge—his signet, cord, and staff—as security for a promised payment ([Genesis 38:16-18](/genesis/38-16-18 "Judah's Encounter with Tamar")). The failure to retrieve this pledge, as stated in this verse, is crucial for the subsequent plot development, leading directly to Tamar's public accusation and Judah's forced confession in [Genesis 38:24-26](/genesis/38-24-26 "Tamar's Revelation and Judah's Confession"). This interlude ultimately underscores the complex and often flawed human instruments through whom God works to preserve the messianic lineage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of giving a "pledge" (Hebrew: _'erabon_) was a common and legally binding custom in the ancient Near East, serving as a guarantee or security deposit for a future transaction or obligation. Judah's pledge of his signet, staff, and cord were not merely trinkets but highly personal and authoritative items, akin to a signature or identification. The sending of a "friend" or trusted associate like Hirah the Adullamite was also a customary way to conduct sensitive or discreet business, allowing Judah to maintain a degree of separation and avoid personal embarrassment in retrieving his pledge from someone he believed to be a cultic prostitute. Furthermore, the societal emphasis on male lineage and the levirate marriage custom (as seen in [Genesis 38:8](/genesis/38-8 "Onan's Refusal to Raise Up Offspring")) provides the backdrop for Tamar's desperate and unconventional actions to secure her rightful place and ensure the continuation of her deceased husband's line.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 38:20](/genesis/38-20 "Judah's Failed Attempt to Retrieve His Pledge") contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the **consequences of sin and moral compromise**, showing how Judah's attempt to cover up his illicit encounter immediately unravels. The verse also highlights **divine sovereignty and providence**, demonstrating God's ability to work through human imperfection and even sin to accomplish His ultimate purposes, particularly in preserving the **messianic lineage** through Judah, from whom the Messiah would eventually come ([Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Tamar in the Messiah's Genealogy")). Furthermore, the unretrieved pledge underscores the theme of **integrity and accountability**, as Judah's inability to reclaim his identifying items ensures his undeniable responsibility for Tamar's pregnancy, forcing him into public confession and acknowledging her greater righteousness ([Genesis 38:26](/genesis/38-26 "Judah's Confession")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 38:20](/genesis/38-20 "Judah Sends Hirah to Retrieve His Pledge") succinctly describes Judah's failed attempt to discreetly conclude his illicit affair, a failure that becomes instrumental in the unfolding of divine providence. The verse details his delegation of the task to a trusted friend, the promised payment, and the crucial outcome of not finding the woman.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_ H7971):** This verb signifies "to send away, for, or out," indicating Judah's deliberate act of delegating the task to Hirah. It implies an attempt to distance himself from the direct retrieval, perhaps to maintain discretion or avoid personal embarrassment. The act of sending rather than going himself underscores Judah's desire for a quick, quiet resolution to his moral lapse.
* **kid (Hebrew, _gᵉdîy'_ H1423 / _ʻêz'_ H5795):** The term refers to a "young goat," specifically a "she-goat." This was the agreed-upon payment for the sexual encounter, representing a valuable commodity in ancient society. The sending of the kid signifies Judah's intention to fulfill his part of the illicit agreement, a testament to the binding nature of even informal pledges in that culture.
* **pledge (Hebrew, _ʻărâbôwn'_ H6162):** Derived from a root meaning "to exchange" or "to be security," this word denotes a "pawn" or "security deposit." In this context, it refers to Judah's signet, cord, and staff, which he gave to Tamar as a guarantee. The pledge is the central object of the verse's purpose, and its unretrieved status becomes the irrefutable evidence that exposes Judah's actions.
* **found her not (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_ H4672):** This crucial phrase, using a verb meaning "to attain, find, or acquire," highlights the immediate and decisive failure of Hirah's mission. The inability to "find" Tamar is not accidental but part of her deliberate plan, ensuring Judah's identifying pledge remains in her possession. This failure is the narrative's turning point, preventing Judah from quietly erasing his tracks and setting the stage for his public confrontation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite":** This clause establishes Judah's initiative to fulfill his obligation. He dispatches Hirah, a trusted companion from Adullam, a city near Judah's residence, to deliver the promised payment—a young goat. This action reveals Judah's immediate concern with upholding his word, even in a morally compromised situation, while also seeking to maintain a degree of separation from the direct transaction.
* **"to receive his pledge from the woman's hand":** The purpose of Hirah's mission is explicitly stated: to retrieve the personal items Judah had given as security. This highlights the significance of the pledge as a binding guarantee in ancient Near Eastern culture. Judah's desire to reclaim these items underscores their value as symbols of his identity and authority, which he would not want to leave in the possession of a perceived harlot.
* **"but he found her not":** This concluding phrase is the dramatic pivot of the verse. Despite Hirah's efforts, the woman (Tamar) is nowhere to be found. This failure to locate her is not a mere inconvenience; it is a divinely orchestrated absence that ensures Judah's pledge remains with Tamar, setting the stage for his inescapable accountability and the preservation of the messianic lineage through unconventional means.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [Genesis 38:20](/genesis/38-20 "Judah's Failed Attempt to Retrieve His Pledge") employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Judah's attempt to discreetly cover up his sin by sending a friend to retrieve his pledge ultimately leads to greater exposure and public humiliation. His desire for secrecy is thwarted by Tamar's calculated disappearance, ensuring his identifying items remain as irrefutable evidence. The unretrieved pledge also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the inevitable revelation of Judah's paternity and his later confession. Furthermore, the "pledge" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only a legal guarantee in the immediate context but also foreshadowing the concept of a divine guarantee, particularly the Holy Spirit as the "earnest" of our inheritance in the New Testament. The entire episode is a masterful display of narrative tension, building towards Judah's confrontation and the unexpected means by which God's redemptive plan unfolds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 38:20](/genesis/38-20 "Judah's Failed Attempt to Retrieve His Pledge") powerfully illustrates the theological truth that human attempts to conceal sin or circumvent divine purposes are ultimately futile. Judah's inability to retrieve his pledge ensures his accountability, demonstrating that God's sovereign plan will prevail even through the moral failings and unconventional actions of individuals. This narrative underscores God's commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the preservation of the messianic lineage, by working through complex and often messy human circumstances to achieve His redemptive ends. It serves as a profound reminder that while sin has consequences, God's grace and providential hand can redeem and redirect even the darkest human choices for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Numbers 32:23](/numbers/32-23 "Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Ephesians 1:14](/ephesians/1-14 "The Spirit as a Guarantee")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 38:20](/genesis/38-20 "Judah's Failed Attempt to Retrieve His Pledge") offers a potent lesson on the futility of attempting to hide or discreetly manage moral compromises. Judah's immediate, yet unsuccessful, effort to retrieve his pledge highlights a common human tendency to avoid accountability for wrongdoing. His actions remind us that sin, particularly that which involves deception or impurity, often leads to greater entanglement and eventual exposure rather than quiet resolution. For believers, this narrative underscores the importance of living with integrity and transparency, understanding that true peace comes not from covering up our faults but from confessing them and seeking God's forgiveness and transformation. It also encourages us to trust in God's overarching sovereignty, recognizing that even when human choices are flawed, His purposes will ultimately prevail, and He can redeem any situation for His glory. We are called to live in a manner that honors God, knowing that our actions, both good and bad, have consequences and are seen by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like Judah, sometimes attempt to discreetly cover up my mistakes or moral compromises instead of facing them directly?**
* **How does the principle that "your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23) apply to my own life and choices?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater commitment to integrity and transparency in all areas of my life, even when it is difficult or inconvenient?**
* **How does the narrative of God working through imperfect people, like Judah and Tamar, strengthen my faith in His ability to accomplish His purposes despite human flaws?**

### FAQ
**Why did Judah send a friend instead of going himself?**

Answer: Judah likely sent Hirah the Adullamite, his trusted friend, for several pragmatic and social reasons. Primarily, it allowed him to maintain discretion and distance himself from the illicit encounter, thus avoiding personal embarrassment and public association with a perceived harlot. In ancient societies, it was common practice to send a trusted servant or friend for such errands, especially those of a sensitive or potentially disreputable nature. His desire to avoid direct involvement underscores his attempt to quickly and quietly resolve the situation without further personal exposure, though this attempt ultimately failed.

**What is the significance of the "pledge" in this narrative?**

Answer: The "pledge"—Judah's signet, cord, and staff—is of paramount significance because it serves as irrefutable, tangible evidence of Judah's identity and, crucially, his paternity of Tamar's child. In ancient Near Eastern law, such personal items functioned as a binding guarantee, akin to a modern signature or collateral. Its unretrieved status ensures that Judah cannot deny his responsibility when Tamar later reveals her pregnancy. This forces him to acknowledge his fault and, remarkably, to declare Tamar more righteous than himself ([Genesis 38:26](/genesis/38-26 "Judah's Confession")), as she was seeking to preserve the family line, a duty Judah had neglected.

**How does this chapter, particularly this verse, contribute to the larger narrative of Genesis?**

Answer: [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "The Story of Judah and Tamar"), including [Genesis 38:20](/genesis/38-20 "Judah's Attempt to Retrieve His Pledge"), is a vital narrative interlude that highlights the moral decline within Jacob's family, particularly Judah's personal failings, while simultaneously demonstrating God's sovereign preservation of the messianic lineage. It contrasts sharply with Joseph's faithfulness in Egypt, showing that God's plan progresses despite human sin and moral compromise. This chapter ensures the continuation of the line through which the Messiah would eventually come, emphasizing God's remarkable ability to work through flawed individuals and unconventional circumstances to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 38:20](/genesis/38-20 "Judah's Failed Attempt to Retrieve His Pledge") and the broader, complex narrative of Judah and Tamar, despite its moral ambiguities, profoundly points towards Christ by illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan through the lineage of Judah. Even Judah's sin and Tamar's unconventional actions are divinely woven into the tapestry that leads to the birth of Jesus, the Messiah ([Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Tamar in the Messiah's Genealogy")). This episode underscores that God's grace and sovereignty can redeem and work through human brokenness and imperfection, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises. Just as Judah's pledge served as a guarantee, so Christ himself is the ultimate "pledge" or "earnest" of God's covenant promises to humanity, guaranteeing our salvation and future inheritance ([2 Corinthians 1:22](/2_corinthians/1-22 "The Spirit as a Pledge"); [Ephesians 1:14](/ephesians/1-14 "The Spirit as a Guarantee")). Through this messy human story, we see God's faithfulness in preserving the line of the "Lion of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), who would ultimately take away the sin of the world and perfectly embody the ultimate guarantee of God's love and faithfulness.

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

2 Samuel 13:3

But Amnon had a friend, whose name [was] Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab [was] a very subtil man.

Leviticus 19:17

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Luke 23:12

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

Genesis 20:9

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

Judges 14:20

But Samson's wife was [given] to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.