Genesis 38:12-23 KJV,NLT

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 38:21

Then he asked the men of that place ,.... Or "of her place" F4 אנשי מקמה "viros loci ejus, scil mulieris", Piscator, Schimdt. , of the woman's place, supposing that she dwelt somewhere thereabout: saying, where is the harlot that was openly by the wayside ? that sat there very publicly some little time ago: the word for "harlot" F5 הקדשה comes from another, which signifies to sanctify or separate to holy uses; and harlots were so called, either by an antiphrasis, by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 38:22

And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her ,.... That is, the Adullamite returned to him, and informed him that he could not find the harlot to whom he was sent to deliver the kid and receive the pledge, after he had made the strictest inquiry for her he could: and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place ; by which it appears, that near the place where Tamar was, there was a town or city, and which was so free from such infamous persons, that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 38:23

And Judah said, let her take it to her ,.... The pledge, and make no further inquiry after her: lest we be shamed ; Judah for committing fornication, which even among Heathens, at least at that time of day, was reckoned a shameful action; and be laughed at also, for committing such a pledge to an whore, who had tricked him out of it; and his friend Hirah for conniving at the sin, and being employed on such an errand: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her : who could... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:12

In process of time - This phrase, which is in general use in the Bible, needs explanation; the original is הימים וירבו vaiyirbu haiyamim , and the days were multiplied. Though it implies an indefinite time, yet it generally embraces a pretty long period, and in this place may mean several years. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:15

Thought her to be a harlot - See the original of this term, Genesis 34:31 ; (note). The Hebrew is זונה zonah , and signifies generally a person who prostitutes herself to the public for hire, or one who lives by the public; and hence very likely applied to a publican, a tavern-keeper, or hostess, Joshua 2:1 ; translated by the Septuagint, and in the New Testament, πορνη , from περναω , to sell, which certainly may as well apply to her goods as to her person. It appears that in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:17

Wilt thou give me a pledge till thou send it? - The word ערבון erabon signifies an earnest of something promised, a part of the price agreed for between a buyer and seller, by giving and receiving of which the bargain was ratified; or a deposit, which was to be restored when the thing promised should be given. St. Paul uses the same word in Greek letters, αρῥαβων , 2 Corinthians 1:22 ; Ephesians 1:14 . From the use of the term in this history we may at once see what the apostle... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:21

Where is the harlot that was openly by the wayside? - Our translators often render different Hebrew words by the same term in English, and thus many important shades of meaning, which involve traits of character, are lost. In Genesis 38:15 , Tamar is called a harlot, זונה zonah , which, as we have already seen, signifies a person who prostitutes herself for money. In this verse she is called a harlot in our version; but the original is not זונה but קדשה kedeshah , a holy or... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:23

Lest we be shamed - Not of the act, for this he does not appear to have thought criminal; but lest he should fall under the raillery of his companions and neighbors, for having been tricked out of his signet, bracelets, and staff, by a prostitute. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:13

Verse 13 13.And it was told Tamar. Moses relates how Tamer avenged herself for the injury done her. She did not at first perceive the fraud, but discovered it after a long course of time. When Shelah had grown up, finding herself deceived, she turned her thoughts to revenge. And it is not to be doubted that she had long meditated, and, as it were, hatched this design. For the message respecting Judah’s departure was not brought to her accidentally; but, because she was intent upon her purpose,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:14

Verse 14 14.And sat in an open place (140) Interpreters expound this passage variously. Literally, it is “in the door of fountains, or of eyes.” Some suppose there was a fountain which branched into two streams; others think that a broad place is indicated, in which the eyes may look around in all directions. But a third exposition is more worthy of reception; namely, that by this expression is meant a way which is forked and divided into two; because then, as it were, a door is opened before... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 38:21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 38:22

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 38:23

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:12

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:15

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:21

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:23

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 38:14

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