Genesis 38:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Judah sends Tamar to her father's house, promising she will marry Shelah when he is grown.
The Context of Genesis 38:11
Judah postpones Tamar's obligation, ostensibly for practical reasons but likely from fear that his third son will also die.
What Does Genesis 38:11 Mean?
Judah tells Tamar to return to her father's house as a widow and wait until his youngest son Shelah is grown. He frames this as a temporary arrangement, assuring her that he will then give her to Shelah to marry.
Beneath Judah's explanation lies an unspoken fear: two sons have died in connection with Tamar, and Judah privately suspects that the same fate awaits Shelah. He delays rather than immediately fulfills his duty, effectively abandoning Tamar's claim while preserving his youngest son's life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 38:11
What does Genesis 38:11 mean?
Judah sends Tamar to her father's house, promising she will marry Shelah when he is grown.
What is the context of Genesis 38:11?
Judah postpones Tamar's obligation, ostensibly for practical reasons but likely from fear that his third son will also die.