King James Version

What Does Genesis 38:5 Mean?

Genesis 38:5 in the King James Version says “And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.”

Genesis 38:5 · KJV

Context

3

And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.

4

And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan.

5

And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.

6

And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.

7

And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.

Read Genesis 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when ... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַתֹּ֤סֶף1 of 12

“And she yet again conceived”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עוֹד֙2 of 12
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בְּלִדְתָּ֥הּ3 of 12

“and bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בֵּ֔ן4 of 12

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַתִּקְרָ֥א5 of 12

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת6 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁמ֖וֹ7 of 12

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שֵׁלָ֑ה8 of 12

“Shelah”

H7956

shelah, the name of a postdiluvian patriarch and of an israelite

וְהָיָ֥ה9 of 12
H1961

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

בִכְזִ֖יב10 of 12

“and he was at Chezib”

H3580

kezib, a place in palestine

בְּלִדְתָּ֥הּ11 of 12

“and bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֹתֽוֹ׃12 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 38:5 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 38:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:201 Chronicles 4:21Genesis 38:26Genesis 38:11Genesis 46:12

Places in This Verse

ChezibSettlement · Modern: Tel el Beida · 31.64°N, 34.95°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 38 →

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Genesis 38 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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