King James Version
Genesis 38:13 in the King James Version says “And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.”
Genesis 38:13 · KJV
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.
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
And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.
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
When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And it was told”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
“goeth up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
“to shear”
H1494to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy
“his sheep”
H6629a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
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.
Genesis 38:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.