King James Version

What Does Genesis 38:12 Mean?

Genesis 38:12 in the King James Version says “And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshear...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. in process: Heb. the days were multiplied”

Genesis 38:12 · KJV

Context

10

And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also. displeased: Heb. was evil in the eyes of the Lord

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.

12

And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. in process: Heb. the days were multiplied

13

And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.

14

And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. an open: Heb. the door of eyes, or, of Enajim

Read Genesis 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How should this truth about Messianic Line shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּרְבּוּ֙1 of 18

“And in process”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

הַיָּמִ֔ים2 of 18

“of time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וַתָּ֖מָת3 of 18

“died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בַּת4 of 18

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שׁ֣וּעַ5 of 18

“of Shuah”

H7770

shua, a canaanite

אֵֽשֶׁת6 of 18

“wife”

H802

a woman

יְהוּדָ֗ה7 of 18

“Judah's”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיִּנָּ֣חֶם8 of 18

“was comforted”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

יְהוּדָ֗ה9 of 18

“Judah's”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיַּ֜עַל10 of 18

“and went up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל11 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גֹּֽזֲזֵ֤י12 of 18

“unto his sheepshearers”

H1494

to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy

צֹאנוֹ֙13 of 18
H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

ה֗וּא14 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְחִירָ֛ה15 of 18

“Hirah”

H2437

chirah, an adullamite

רֵעֵ֥הוּ16 of 18

“he and his friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

הָֽעֲדֻלָּמִ֖י17 of 18

“the Adullamite”

H5726

an adullamite or native of adullam

תִּמְנָֽתָה׃18 of 18

“to Timnath”

H8553

timnah, the name of two places in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 38:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 38:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 15:10Judges 14:1Genesis 24:672 Samuel 13:39Joshua 15:37Joshua 19:43

Places in This Verse

Timnah 3Settlement · Modern: Tel Main · 31.41°N, 35.13°E3 verses across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 38 →

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