And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
And Judah said, 'Let her keep what she has, so we won't be embarrassed. Look, I sent the young goat as promised, but you couldn't find her.'
Judah tells his friend to let the woman keep his personal items rather than risk public shame by searching for her further.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, Genesis 38 describes an episode in the life of Judah, one of Jacob's sons, who engages in a deceptive encounter with his daughter-in-law Tamar amid family and cultural obligations. This chapter is set in the ancient Near East, where practices like levirate marriage required a man to marry his deceased brother's widow to preserve the family line and inheritance. Judah's concern about shame reflects the patriarchal society's emphasis on personal honor and the potential social consequences of public exposure.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.