Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Judah then said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s household until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, just like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s household. New Living Translation Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, “Go back to your parents’ home and remain a widow until my son Shelah is old enough to marry you.” (But Judah didn’t really intend to do this because he was afraid Shelah would also die, like his two brothers.) So Tamar went back to live in her father’s home. English Standard Version Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house, till Shelah my son grows up”—for he feared that he would die, like his brothers. So Tamar went and remained in her father’s house. Berean Standard Bible Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. Berean Literal Bible And Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in the house of your father until Shelah my son is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in the house of her father. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house. New American Standard Bible Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up”; for he thought, “I am afraid that he too may die like his brothers.” So Tamar went and lived in her father’s house. NASB 1995 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up"; for he thought, “I am afraid that he too may die like his brothers.” So Tamar went and lived in her father’s house. NASB 1977 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up”; for he thought, “I am afraid that he too may die like his brothers.” So Tamar went and lived in her father’s house. Legacy Standard Bible Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up”; for he thought, “I am afraid lest he also die like his brothers.” So Tamar went and lived in her father’s house. Amplified Bible Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow at your father’s house until Shelah my [youngest] son is grown”; [but he was deceiving her] for he thought that [if Shelah should marry her] he too might die like his brothers did. So Tamar went and lived in her father’s house. Berean Annotated Bible Then Judah (praised) said to his daughter-in-law Tamar (palm-tree), “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah (a petition) grows up. For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers. So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. Christian Standard Bible Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He might die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He might die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. American Standard Version Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter-in-law, Remain a widow in thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown up; for he said, Lest he also die, like his brethren. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. Contemporary English Version Judah did not want the same thing to happen to his son Shelah, and he told Tamar, "Go home to your father and live there as a widow until my son Shelah is grown." So Tamar went to live with her father. English Revised Version Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow in thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown up: for he said, Lest he also die, like his brethren. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, "Return to your father's home. Live as a widow until my son Shelah grows up." He thought that this son, too, might die like his brothers. So Tamar went to live in her father's home. Good News Translation Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, "Return to your father's house and remain a widow until my son Shelah grows up." He said this because he was afraid that Shelah would be killed, as his brothers had been. So Tamar went back home. International Standard Version After this, Judah told his daughter-in-law Tamar, "Go live as a widow in your father's house until my son Shelah grows up." But he was really thinking, "…otherwise, Shelah might die like his brothers." So Tamar left and lived in her father's house. NET Bible Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, "Live as a widow in your father's house until Shelah my son grows up." For he thought, "I don't want him to die like his brothers." So Tamar went and lived in her father's house. New Heart English Bible Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, "Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah is grown up." For he thought, "I do not want him to die too, like his brothers. "So Tamar went and lived in her father’s house. Webster's Bible Translation Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter-in-law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son shall be grown; (for he said, Lest perhaps he die also as his brethren did:) and Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. World English Bible Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house, until Shelah, my son, is grown up;” for he said, “Lest he also die, like his brothers.” Tamar went and lived in her father’s house. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Judah says to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Abide [as] a widow at your father’s house, until my son Shelah grows up”; for he said, “Lest he die—even he—like his brothers”; and Tamar goes and dwells at her father’s house. Berean Literal Bible And Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in the house of your father until Shelah my son is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in the house of her father. Young's Literal Translation And Judah saith to Tamar his daughter-in-law, 'Abide a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son groweth up;' for he said, 'Lest he die -- even he -- like his brethren;' and Tamar goeth and dwelleth at her father's house. Smith's Literal Translation And Judah will say to Tamar his daughter-in-law, Sit a widow in thy father's house, till Shelah my son shall be great; (for he said, Lest this also shall die as his brethren.) And Tamar will go and will sit in her father's house. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherefore Juda said to Thamar his daughter in law: Remain a widow in thy father's house, till Sela my son grow up: for he was afraid lest he also might die, as his brethren did. She went her way and dwelt in her father's house. Catholic Public Domain Version Because of this matter, Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Be a widow in your father’s house, until my son Shelah grows up.” For he was afraid, lest he also might die, just as his brothers did. She went away, and she lived in her father’s house. New American Bible Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up”—for he feared that Shelah also might die like his brothers. So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. New Revised Standard Version Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Remain a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up”—for he feared that he too would die, like his brothers. So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen said Judah to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, Remain a widow in your father's house, until my son Shelah grows up; for he said. Lest he die also, as his brothers did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yehuda said to Tamar his daughter in law, “Remain in widowhood in your father's house until Shela my son grows, because he said, “Lest he should die also as his brothers”, and Tamar went and she dwelt in her father's house. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter-in-law: 'Remain a widow in thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown up'; for he said: 'Lest he also die, like his brethren.' And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Judas said to Thamar, his daughter-in-law, Sit thou a widow in the house of thy father-in-law, until Selom my son be grown; for he said, lest he also die as his brethren; and Thamar departed, and sat in the house of her father. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judah and Tamar…10What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well. 11Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. 12After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah.… Cross References Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, Ruth 4:15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Ruth 1:8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me. “Live as a widow in your father’s house Leviticus 22:13 But if a priest’s daughter with no children becomes widowed or divorced and returns to her father’s house, she may share her father’s food as in her youth. But no outsider may share it. Psalm 45:10 Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house, Psalm 68:5 A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation. until my son Shelah grows up.” 1 Samuel 2:26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man. 1 Samuel 2:21 So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD. Genesis 21:8 So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned. For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” Genesis 42:38 But Jacob replied, “My son will not go down there with you, for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If any harm comes to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.” Genesis 44:29 Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’ Deuteronomy 25:5-6 When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. Judges 19:2 But she was unfaithful to him and left him to return to her father’s house in Bethlehem in Judah. After she had been there four months, Genesis 31:14-15 And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house? / Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. 2 Samuel 13:20 Her brother Absalom said to her, “Has your brother Amnon been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this thing to heart.” So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in the house of her brother Absalom. Ruth 1:11-13 But Naomi replied, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands? / Return home, my daughters. Go on, for I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me to have a husband tonight and to bear sons, / would you wait for them to grow up? Would you refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, it is much more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the LORD has gone out against me.” Treasury of Scripture Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at your father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brothers did. And Tamar went and dwelled in her father's house. till Shelah. Ruth 1:11,13 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? … in her. Leviticus 22:13 But if the priest's daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father's meat: but there shall no stranger eat thereof. Jump to Previous Afraid Daughter Daughter-In-Law Die Dwelt Father's Grown Grows House Judah Peradventure Perhaps Shelah Tamar Thought WidowJump to Next Afraid Daughter Daughter-In-Law Die Dwelt Father's Grown Grows House Judah Peradventure Perhaps Shelah Tamar Thought WidowGenesis 38 1. Judah begets Er, Onan, and Shelah.6. Er's marriage with Tamar, and death. 8. The trespass of Onan. 11. Tamar is reserved for Shelah. 12. Judah's wife dies. 13. Tamar deceives Judah. 27. She bears twins, Pharez and Zarah. Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, plays a significant role in the narrative of Genesis. His interaction with Tamar is pivotal in the lineage of the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would descend. This moment highlights Judah's responsibility towards his family and the Levirate marriage custom, which required a brother to marry the widow of a deceased brother to produce offspring in his name. “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahOne of the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah is a central figure in this account. He is the father-in-law of Tamar and is concerned about the potential death of his remaining son, Shelah. 2. Tamar The daughter-in-law of Judah, Tamar is widowed after the deaths of Judah's sons, Er and Onan. She is instructed to live as a widow in her father's house. 3. Shelah The youngest son of Judah, who is promised to Tamar as a husband when he grows up. Judah is hesitant to fulfill this promise due to fear for Shelah's life. 4. Er and Onan The deceased sons of Judah, whose deaths lead to Tamar's precarious situation. Their deaths are seen as divine judgment for their wickedness. 5. Tamar's Father's House The place where Tamar is sent to live as a widow, representing a return to her family and a temporary halt in her marital prospects. Teaching Points Faithfulness in UncertaintyTamar's situation teaches us about remaining faithful and patient in uncertain circumstances, trusting in God's timing and provision. The Consequences of Fear Judah's fear for Shelah's life leads to a delay in fulfilling his promise. Fear can hinder us from doing what is right and trusting God's protection. God's Sovereign Plan Despite human failings and fears, God's sovereign plan unfolds. Tamar's inclusion in the lineage of Christ demonstrates God's ability to work through imperfect situations. The Importance of Family Duty The account emphasizes the importance of family responsibilities and the cultural expectations of the time, which can be applied to our understanding of commitment and duty today. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 38:11?2. Why did Judah tell Tamar to "remain a widow" in Genesis 38:11? 3. How does Genesis 38:11 demonstrate Judah's responsibility towards family obligations? 4. What does Genesis 38:11 reveal about cultural practices regarding widows in Judah's time? 5. How can we apply Judah's protective intentions in Genesis 38:11 to modern family roles? 6. Compare Judah's actions in Genesis 38:11 with biblical teachings on caring for widows. 7. Why did Judah instruct Tamar to remain a widow in Genesis 38:11? 8. How does Genesis 38:11 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Israel? 9. What theological implications arise from Judah's actions in Genesis 38:11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 38? 11. Who was Perez in the Bible? 12. What happened to Tamar in the biblical narrative? 13. In Genesis 38:14–18, how credible is it historically that Judah would fail to recognize his own daughter-in-law simply because she covered her face? 14. In Genesis 38 overall, how does this morally complex story align with the broader biblical narrative on sexual ethics and lineage preservation? What Does Genesis 38:11 Mean Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar• In the flow of Genesis 38, Judah is acting as family head after the deaths of his first two sons, Er and Onan (Genesis 38:7, 10). • His words reveal that he accepts responsibility for Tamar’s future, an early glimpse of the later levirate principle clarified in Deuteronomy 25:5–6 and pictured again in Ruth 3:9–13. • Yet, unlike the faith-filled pledges of Boaz, Judah’s forthcoming instruction is hesitant and self-protective. “Live as a widow in your father’s house” • Widows normally remained with their husband’s clan (cf. Leviticus 22:13), so sending Tamar away signals a breach of custom. • Practical implications: – Tamar forfeits daily provision from Judah’s household. – She bears the cultural stigma of childlessness (Genesis 30:1). – She loses any immediate avenue to raise up an heir for Er, the very purpose of a brother-in-law marriage. • Spiritually, Judah’s decision distances her from the covenant family line that God is shaping through Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:3; 15:5). • Though painful, Tamar submits without recorded protest, resembling later faithful widows such as Naomi and Ruth (Ruth 1:8). “until my son Shelah grows up” • Judah’s promise sounds reasonable, yet Genesis 38:14 shows Shelah was already grown when Tamar later acted; Judah was postponing indefinitely. • His statement implies: – A partial acknowledgment of duty: “I still owe you a husband.” – A convenient delay tactic: “Not now.” • Contrast this procrastination with swift obedience modeled in Genesis 24:58-60, where Rebekah is promptly released for God’s plan. • The narrative invites readers to examine personal tendencies to delay what God commands (James 4:17). For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” • Scripture exposes Judah’s private reasoning, showing fear rather than faith (Proverbs 29:25). • Instead of recognizing that Er and Onan died “because they were wicked in the LORD’s sight” (Genesis 38:7, 10), Judah blames circumstantial “bad luck” tied to Tamar. • His silent fear leads to overt disobedience—neglecting to provide a redeemer for his daughter-in-law. Compare Saul’s hidden fear producing disobedience in 1 Samuel 15:24. • Judah’s attitude foreshadows his need for the transforming grace he later experiences when interceding for Benjamin (Genesis 44:33-34). So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. • Tamar’s action underscores: – Obedience: she honors Judah’s directive, paralleling the submissive spirit commended in 1 Peter 3:5-6. – Long-suffering hope: she waits for the fulfillment of Judah’s word, echoing Psalm 27:14, “Wait patiently for the LORD.” • Her return sets the stage for the bold initiative recorded in Genesis 38:14-19, through which God preserves the Messianic line (Matthew 1:3). • The verse closes with silence from Judah, highlighting Tamar’s faith against family neglect—a recurring biblical theme (Luke 18:1-8). summary Genesis 38:11 portrays Judah stalling his covenant duty, driven by fear that cost him faithfulness. He sends Tamar away, effectively sidelining her from the family through whom God plans to bring blessing. Tamar obeys and waits, demonstrating quiet endurance. The verse exposes human reluctance but also prepares the narrative moment when God will work through Tamar’s perseverance to advance His redemptive promise. (11) For he said, lest he also die.--It is evident from this that Judah, for reasons which, in Genesis 38:26, he acknowledged to be insufficient, wished to evade the duty of giving a third son to Tamar. It does not follow that he blamed her for their deaths; for the loss of two sons in succession might well frighten him. Philippsohn says that it became the rule, that if a woman lost two husbands, the third brother was not bound to marry her, and she was even called Katlannith. the murderess. (But see St. Matthew 22:25-26, where no such custom is acknowledged.)Verse 11. - Then said Judah to Tamer his daughter-in-law, Remain a widow - alma-nah, from alam, to be solitary, forsaken, signifies one bereft of a husband, hence a widow (cf. Exodus 22:21) - at thy father's house (cf. Leviticus 22:13), till Shelah my son be grown. It is implied that this was merely a pretext on the part of Judah, and that he did not really intend to give his third son to Tamar, considering her an unlucky woman (Delitzsch, Keil, Kalisch), or, at least, not at present, under the impression that the deaths of Er and Onan had been occasioned by their too early marriages (Lange). The reason of his failure to release Tamar from her widowhood is added in the ensuing clause. For he said (sc. in his heart), Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamer went and dwelt in her father's house.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Judahיְהוּדָה֩ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to his daughter-in-law כַּלָּת֜וֹ (kal·lā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3618: Daughter-in-law, bride Tamar, לְתָמָ֨ר (lə·ṯā·mār) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8559: Tamar -- daughter-in-law of Judah, also two Israelite women, also a place South of the Dead Sea “Live שְׁבִ֧י (šə·ḇî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry as a widow אַלְמָנָ֣ה (’al·mā·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 490: A widow, a desolate place in your father’s אָבִ֗יךְ (’ā·ḇîḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 1: Father house בֵית־ (ḇêṯ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while my son בְנִ֔י (ḇə·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1121: A son Shelah שֵׁלָ֣ה (šê·lāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7956: Shelah -- a son of Judah grows up.” יִגְדַּל֙ (yiḡ·dal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great For כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he thought, אָמַ֔ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “He ה֖וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are may פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction Strong's 6435: Removal, lest die יָמ֥וּת (yā·mūṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill too, גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and like his brothers.” כְּאֶחָ֑יו (kə·’e·ḥāw) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) So Tamar תָּמָ֔ר (tā·mār) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8559: Tamar -- daughter-in-law of Judah, also two Israelite women, also a place South of the Dead Sea went וַתֵּ֣לֶךְ (wat·tê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to live וַתֵּ֖שֶׁב (wat·tê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in her father’s אָבִֽיהָ׃ (’ā·ḇî·hā) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 1: Father house. בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house Links Genesis 38:11 NIVGenesis 38:11 NLT Genesis 38:11 ESV Genesis 38:11 NASB Genesis 38:11 KJV Genesis 38:11 BibleApps.com Genesis 38:11 Biblia Paralela Genesis 38:11 Chinese Bible Genesis 38:11 French Bible Genesis 38:11 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 38:11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law (Gen. 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