King James Version
Genesis 38:20 in the King James Version says “And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he fou...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Genesis 38:20 · KJV
And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
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.
Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place. openly: or, in Enajim
And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
“by the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
“by the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“but he found her”
H4672properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
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 38:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 38:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge