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Genesis 38:21

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Then he asked the local men, 'Where is the prostitute who was sitting openly by the roadside?' And they replied, 'There hasn't been any prostitute here.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse shows Judah's friend asking locals about a woman Judah thought was a prostitute, but they say no such woman was there.

📚 Historical Context

In the biblical narrative of Genesis, chapter 38, the story focuses on Judah, one of Jacob's sons, and his complicated family dynamics involving his daughter-in-law Tamar. This verse occurs after Judah has unknowingly been with Tamar, whom he mistook for a prostitute, and he is now inquiring about her in the local area, revealing the societal norms of ancient Canaan. It highlights the moral and cultural tensions in a patriarchal society where issues like inheritance and deception played significant roles.

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