Genesis 38:11

Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren [did]. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.

Then said {H559} Judah {H3063} to Tamar {H8559} his daughter in law {H3618}, Remain {H3427} a widow {H490} at thy father's {H1} house {H1004}, till Shelah {H7956} my son {H1121} be grown {H1431}: for he said {H559}, Lest peradventure he die {H4191} also, as his brethren {H251} did. And Tamar {H8559} went {H3212} and dwelt {H3427} in her father's {H1} house {H1004}.

Then Y'hudah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, "Stay a widow in your father's house until my son Shelah grows up"; for he thought, "I don't want him to die too, like his brothers." So Tamar went and lived at home with her father.

Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house.

Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter-in-law, Remain a widow in thy father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown up; for he said, Lest he also die, like his brethren. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 38:11

Genesis chapter 38 is a significant interlude in the larger narrative of Joseph, focusing instead on Judah, one of Jacob's sons. This chapter highlights Judah's personal life and moral failings, serving as a stark contrast to Joseph's integrity. Verse 11 specifically addresses the predicament of Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, who had successively been married to Judah's eldest sons, Er and Onan. Both died without providing an heir. According to the ancient custom of levirate marriage, the surviving brother was obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow to raise up offspring for the deceased.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Judah's Deception and Fear: Judah tells Tamar to "Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown." His stated reason, "Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did," reveals a superstitious fear or, more likely, a dishonest excuse to avoid fulfilling his obligation. He suspected Tamar was cursed, or he simply wanted to protect his last son, effectively denying Tamar her rightful place and security within the family line. This highlights a theme of broken promises and moral failure within Judah's household.
  • Tamar's Vulnerability and Right to an Heir: As a widow without children, Tamar was in a precarious position in ancient society. Her future security and honor depended on having an heir to carry on her deceased husband's name and provide for her. Judah's instruction left her in limbo, effectively denying her the means to fulfill her societal role and secure her future. Her later actions, detailed in subsequent verses of Genesis 38, demonstrate her determination to secure her rights and lineage.
  • Divine Providence and Lineage: Despite Judah's failings and attempts to thwart the natural course, God's overarching plan for the lineage leading to the Messiah continues. This chapter, though seemingly a detour, is crucial for understanding the complexities of the line of Judah, from whom Christ would eventually come.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Remain a widow" (KJV) reflects Tamar's desolate status. In Hebrew, the word for widow, 'almanah (אַלְמָנָה), emphasizes her loneliness and vulnerability. Judah's instruction effectively condemned her to a state of perpetual widowhood, denying her the opportunity for a new family and security, which was contrary to the spirit of the levirate law intended to protect such women.

Practical Application

Genesis 38:11 serves as a reminder that even prominent figures in biblical history had significant moral flaws. Judah's actions demonstrate how fear, self-interest, or superstitious beliefs can lead to injustice and broken promises, especially towards the vulnerable. The story ultimately highlights the importance of integrity and fulfilling one's obligations, and how God can work through imperfect people and challenging circumstances to achieve His purposes. It also underscores the importance of protecting and caring for those who are marginalized or in vulnerable positions, echoing principles found throughout Scripture, such as in Isaiah 1:17, which calls for seeking justice for the oppressed and defending the cause of the widow.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 22:13 (4 votes)

    But if the priest's daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father's meat: but there shall no stranger eat thereof.

  • Ruth 1:11 (2 votes)

    And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? [are] there yet [any more] sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

  • Ruth 1:13 (2 votes)

    Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.