King James Version
Genesis 38:22 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Genesis 38:22 · KJV
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.
And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. be shamed: Heb. become a contempt
And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And he returned”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
“to Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
“I cannot”
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“find”
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
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“of the place”
H4725properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
“I cannot”
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
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 38:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.