King James Version

What Does Genesis 38:24 Mean?

Genesis 38:24 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 38:24 · KJV

Context

22

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.

23

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

24

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.

25

When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.

26

And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

Read Genesis 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in ... 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 can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּמִשְׁלֹ֣שׁ2 of 17

“And it came to pass about three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

חֳדָשִׁ֗ים3 of 17

“months”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וַיֻּגַּ֨ד4 of 17

“after that it was told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

יְהוּדָ֔ה5 of 17

“And Judah”

H3063

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר6 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

זָֽנְתָה֙7 of 17

“hath played the harlot”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

תָּמָ֣ר8 of 17

“Tamar”

H8559

tamar, the name of three women and a place

כַּלָּתֶ֔ךָ9 of 17

“thy daughter in law”

H3618

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

וְגַ֛ם10 of 17
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הִנֵּ֥ה11 of 17
H2009

lo!

הָרָ֖ה12 of 17

“and also behold she is with child”

H2030

pregnant

לִזְנוּנִ֑ים13 of 17

“by whoredom”

H2183

adultery; figuratively, idolatry

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר14 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוּדָ֔ה15 of 17

“And Judah”

H3063

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

הֽוֹצִיא֖וּהָ16 of 17

“Bring her forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְתִשָּׂרֵֽף׃17 of 17

“and let her be burnt”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

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 38:24 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 38:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 21:9Hosea 2:5Ezekiel 23:19Judges 19:2Ezekiel 23:5Ezekiel 23:44

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