Genesis 38:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah's wife dies, and after mourning, he travels to his sheepshearers at Timnath with his friend Hirah.
The Context of Genesis 38:12
Time passes, and Judah moves on from his wife's death, returning to his flocks and his itinerant life while Tamar remains in limbo.
What Does Genesis 38:12 Mean?
Shuah, Judah's Canaanite wife, dies, and after a period of mourning Judah is comforted. He then journeys to Timnath with Hirah to oversee the shearing of his sheep—a seasonal activity that suggests prosperity and normalcy.
Judah's life continues without apparent concern for Tamar's predicament. He has effectively left her as a permanent widow in her father's house, having promised marriage to Shelah but showing no sign of fulfilling that promise. The passage of time deepens her vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 38:12
What does Genesis 38:12 mean?
Judah's wife dies, and after mourning, he travels to his sheepshearers at Timnath with his friend Hirah.
What is the context of Genesis 38:12?
Time passes, and Judah moves on from his wife's death, returning to his flocks and his itinerant life while Tamar remains in limbo.