King James Version

What Does Genesis 38:6 Mean?

Genesis 38:6 in the King James Version says “And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 38:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.

Read Genesis 38 full chapter

Commentary

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

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיִּקַּ֧ח1 of 7

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

יְהוּדָ֛ה2 of 7

“And Judah”

H3063

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

אִשָּׁ֖ה3 of 7

“a wife”

H802

a woman

לְעֵ֣ר4 of 7

“for Er”

H6147

er, the name of two israelites

בְּכוֹר֑וֹ5 of 7

“his firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

וּשְׁמָ֖הּ6 of 7

“whose name”

H8034

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

תָּמָֽר׃7 of 7

“was Tamar”

H8559

tamar, the name of three women and a place

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 38:6 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 38:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 1:3Genesis 21:21Genesis 24:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 38 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes