Genesis 38:23-26

38:23 Judah said, “Let her keep the things ¹  for herself. Otherwise we will appear to be dishonest. ²  I did indeed send this young goat, but you couldn’t find her.”

38:24 After three months Judah was told, ³  “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has turned to prostitution, ⁴  and as a result she has become pregnant.” ⁵  Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!” 38:25 While they were bringing her out, she sent word ⁶  to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these belong.” ⁷  Then she said, “Identify ⁸  the one to whom the seal, cord, and staff belong.” 38:26 Judah recognized them and said, “She is more upright ⁹  than I am, because I wouldn’t give her to Shelah my son.” He did not have sexual relations with her ¹⁰  again.

[38:23]  ¹ tn The words “the things” have been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[38:23]  ² tn Heb “we will become contemptible.” The Hebrew word בּוּז (buz) describes the contempt that a respectable person would have for someone who is worthless, foolish, or disreputable.

[38:24]  ³ tn Heb “it was told to Judah, saying.”

[38:24]  ⁴ tn Or “has been sexually promiscuous.” The verb may refer here to loose or promiscuous activity, not necessarily prostitution.

[38:24]  ⁵ tn Heb “and also look, she is with child by prostitution.”

[38:25]  ⁵ tn Heb “she was being brought out and she sent.” The juxtaposition of two clauses, both of which place the subject before the predicate, indicates synchronic action.

[38:25]  ⁶ tn Heb “who these to him.”

[38:25]  ⁷ tn Or “ recognize; note.” This same Hebrew verb (נָכַר, nakhar) is used at the beginning of v. 26, where it is translated “recognized.”

[38:26]  ⁷ tn Traditionally “more righteous”; cf. NCV, NRSV, NLT “more in the right.”

[38:26]  ⁸ tn Heb “and he did not add again to know her.” Here “know” is a euphemism for sexual intercourse.