Genesis 38:5

KJV

And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she yet again conceived {H3254}, and bare {H3205} a son {H1121}; and called {H7121} his name {H8034} Shelah {H7956}: and he was at Chezib {H3580}, when she bare {H3205} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then she conceived yet again and had a son whom she called Shelah; he was in K'ziv when she gave birth to him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Chezib that she gave birth to him.

American Standard Version

And she yet again bare a son, and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 38:5 records the birth of Shelah, the third son of Judah and his Canaanite wife, born at Chezib. This brief verse marks a pivotal moment in Judah's family line, ensuring its continuation after the tragic deaths of his first two sons, Er and Onan, thereby preserving a critical link in the lineage from which the Messiah would eventually come.

### CONTEXT
Chapter 38 of Genesis serves as a deliberate narrative interlude, shifting focus from Joseph's unfolding story (which resumes in [Genesis 39](/genesis/39-1 "Continue Joseph's story in Genesis 39:1")) to detail the family affairs of Judah, one of Jacob's prominent sons. This diversion is crucial for understanding the lineage of Judah, from whom the Messiah would ultimately descend. Prior to Shelah's birth, Judah had married a Canaanite woman and fathered two sons, Er and Onan, both of whom were struck down by God for their wickedness ([Genesis 38:7](/genesis/38-7 "Read about Er's wickedness in Genesis 38:7"); [Genesis 38:10](/genesis/38-10 "Read about Onan's wickedness in Genesis 38:10")). The birth of Shelah, therefore, represents the vital continuation of Judah's direct line, a necessary link in the patriarchal history that undergirds God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 38:5 provides a concise yet significant record of Shelah's birth, a seemingly simple event with profound implications for the unfolding biblical narrative. The verse states: "And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him."

* **The Birth of Shelah:** Shelah is Judah's third son, born after the divine judgment on his elder brothers, Er and Onan. His birth is crucial for the perpetuation of Judah's direct male lineage, which is foundational to the covenant promises and the future Messianic line. Without Shelah, Judah's immediate line would have faced extinction, jeopardizing the fulfillment of prophecy.
* **The Name "Shelah":** The Hebrew name *Shēlāh* (שֵׁלָה) is often interpreted to mean "petition" or "request," possibly reflecting a fervent desire for a surviving heir after the loss of the first two. Other proposed meanings include "sprout" or "growth," which would symbolically fit the idea of a new branch emerging from the family tree, bringing renewed hope and continuity.
* **The Location "Chezib":** The birthplace, Chezib (כְּזִיב, *Kĕzīḇ*), is noteworthy. Its Hebrew root means "to lie" or "to deceive." While this could be a mere geographical detail, its etymological meaning is intriguing in light of the deceptive events that later unfold in this very chapter involving Judah and Tamar ([Genesis 38:15](/genesis/38-15 "Read about Judah's deception with Tamar in Genesis 38:15")). This linguistic nuance might subtly foreshadow the moral complexities and human failings woven into the fabric of even the divinely guided lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence in Lineage:** The meticulous recording of Shelah's birth underscores God's active involvement in preserving and guiding the lineage of Judah, even amidst human sin and tragedy. It demonstrates that God's plan for redemption is not thwarted by human failures but is sovereignly maintained.
* **Continuity of Covenant Promises:** Shelah's birth ensures the continuation of the patriarchal line through which God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be fulfilled. This continuity is essential for the eventual emergence of the nation of Israel and the Messianic hope.
* **Messianic Lineage:** The preservation of Judah's line through Shelah is a critical link in the genealogical chain leading directly to Jesus Christ. The scepter was prophesied to not depart from Judah ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Learn about the scepter from Judah in Genesis 49:10")), and Shelah's existence is a testament to the faithfulness of God in maintaining this line.
* **Significance of Names and Places:** The biblical narrative often imbues names and geographical locations with symbolic or prophetic meaning. Shelah's name potentially signifying "new growth" and Chezib's root meaning "deception" highlight how even seemingly minor details can carry deeper theological or narrative weight, foreshadowing future events or reflecting underlying themes.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 38:5, though brief, serves as a profound reminder of the meticulous detail with which the Bible records family lines and events, underscoring their immense significance within God's overarching plan. It highlights the foundational importance of heritage and the continuity of generations, particularly in a society where family lineage was inextricable from identity, inheritance, and covenant promises. For believers today, this verse powerfully illustrates that God works through the seemingly ordinary and even challenging events of human history and family life to achieve His grand redemptive purposes. Every detail, from the birth of a child to their specific birthplace, contributes to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, culminating in the [lineage of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-1 "Explore the genealogy of Jesus Christ starting in Matthew 1:1"), who came from the tribe of Judah.

### FAQ
**Why is Genesis 38 presented as an interlude in the Joseph narrative?**

Answer: Genesis 38 is a deliberate narrative interlude that shifts focus from Joseph to Judah, one of Jacob's sons. Its purpose is to highlight the critical importance of Judah's lineage, which is essential for the future Messianic line, ensuring that the reader understands the preservation of this specific family branch before the story returns to Joseph's rise to power.

**What is the significance of Shelah's name and birthplace?**

Answer: The name Shelah (שֵׁלָה) is often interpreted as "petition" or "sprout," symbolizing a new beginning and hope for Judah's line after the loss of his first two sons. His birthplace, Chezib (כְּזִיב), is intriguing because its Hebrew root means "to lie" or "deceive," which could subtly foreshadow the deceptive events that unfold later in the chapter involving Judah and Tamar.

**How does Shelah's birth relate to God's covenant plan?**

Answer: After the deaths of Er and Onan, Shelah's birth ensures the continuation of Judah's direct lineage. This is vital for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, specifically the promise that the Messiah would come from Judah's tribe, thus preserving the genealogical thread leading to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Shelah's birth in [Genesis 38:5](/genesis/38-5 "The birth of Shelah") is far more than a simple genealogical record; it is a crucial link in the divinely orchestrated lineage leading to the Messiah. After the tragic deaths of Er and Onan, Shelah's survival and the continuation of Judah's line ensured the fulfillment of the promise that the scepter would not depart from Judah ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Learn about the scepter from Judah in Genesis 49:10")). This seemingly ordinary event underscores God's meticulous providence, preserving the very lineage through which Jesus Christ, the true King and Redeemer, would ultimately be born, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan unfolds precisely through the chosen family line, culminating in the incarnation of the Son.

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.