Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Meanwhile Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get his pledge back from the woman, but he did not find her. New Living Translation Later Judah asked his friend Hirah the Adullamite to take the young goat to the woman and to pick up the things he had given her as his guarantee. But Hirah couldn’t find her. English Standard Version When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to take back the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her. Berean Standard Bible Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. Berean Literal Bible And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the hand of the woman, and he did not find her. King James Bible And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. New King James Version And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. New American Standard Bible When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her. NASB 1995 When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her. NASB 1977 When Judah sent the kid by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her. Legacy Standard Bible Then Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to take the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. Amplified Bible When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to get his pledge [back] from the woman, he was unable to find her. Berean Annotated Bible Now when Judah (praised) sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. Christian Standard Bible When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get back the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. Holman Christian Standard Bible When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get back the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. American Standard Version And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. Contemporary English Version Judah asked his friend Hirah take a goat to the woman, so he could get back the ring and walking stick, but she wasn't there. English Revised Version And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. GOD'S WORD® Translation Judah sent his friend Hirah to deliver the young goat so that he could get back his deposit from the woman, but his friend couldn't find her. Good News Translation Judah sent his friend Hirah to take the goat and get back from the woman the articles he had pledged, but Hirah could not find her. International Standard Version Later on, Judah sent his Adullamite friend to take her a young goat, intending to retrieve what he had put up as security from the woman, but he could not find her. NET Bible Then Judah had his friend Hirah the Adullamite take a young goat to get back from the woman the items he had given in pledge, but Hirah could not find her. New Heart English Bible Judah sent the young goat by his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the guarantee back from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. Webster's Bible Translation And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. World English Bible Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he didn’t find her. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Judah sends the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the hand of the woman, and he has not found her. Berean Literal Bible And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the hand of the woman, and he did not find her. Young's Literal Translation And Judah sendeth the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the hand of the woman, and he hath not found her. Smith's Literal Translation And Judah will send the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to take the pledge from the hand of the woman; and he found her not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Juda sent a kid by his shepherd, the Odollamite, that he might receive the pledge again, which he had given to the woman: but he, not finding her, Catholic Public Domain Version Then Judah sent a young goat by his shepherd, the Adullamite, so that he might receive the pledge that he had given to the woman. But, when he had not found her, New American Bible Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to recover the pledge from the woman; but he did not find her. New Revised Standard Version When Judah sent the kid by his friend the Adullamite, to recover the pledge from the woman, he could not find her. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Arlemite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand; but he could not find her. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yehuda sent the kid of goats by his friend, the Arlemite, to take the pledge from the hands of the woman, and he did not find her. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand; but he found her not. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Judas sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his shepherd the Odollamite, to receive the pledge from the woman; and he found her not. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judah and Tamar…19Then Tamar got up and departed. And she removed her veil and put on her widow’s garments again. 20Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. 21He asked the men of that place, “Where is the shrine prostitute who was beside the road at Enaim?” “No shrine prostitute has been here,” they answered.… Cross References Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite 1 Samuel 22:1 So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 Samuel 15:37 So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city. Proverbs 27:10 Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. with the young goat 1 Samuel 16:20 And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat and sent them to Saul with his son David. Judges 13:15 “Please stay here,” Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “and we will prepare a young goat for you.” Judges 6:19 So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread and an ephah of flour. He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and brought them out to present to Him under the oak. to collect the items he had left with the woman, Deuteronomy 24:10-13 When you lend anything to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect security. / You are to stand outside while the man to whom you are lending brings the security out to you. / If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession; … Exodus 22:26-27 If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, / because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. Ezekiel 18:7 He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. he could not find her. Songs 5:6 I opened for my beloved, but he had turned and gone. My heart sank at his departure. I sought him but did not find him. I called, but he did not answer. Luke 2:45 When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. Proverbs 1:28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. Genesis 37:25-28 And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt. / Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? / Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. … Genesis 34:12 Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!” Genesis 24:53 Then he brought out jewels of silver and gold, and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother. Genesis 29:18-20 Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. Treasury of Scripture And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. his friend. Genesis 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. Leviticus 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Judges 14:20 But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend. Jump to Previous Adullamite Find Found Friend Goat Goats Hand Hirah Judah Kid Meanwhile Order Pledge Receive Sign Woman's YoungJump to Next Adullamite Find Found Friend Goat Goats Hand Hirah Judah Kid Meanwhile Order Pledge Receive Sign Woman's YoungGenesis 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. Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, plays a significant role in the narrative of Genesis. His actions in this chapter are pivotal in the lineage of the Messiah. Hirah the Adullamite is mentioned as Judah's friend, indicating a close relationship. Adullam was a Canaanite city, suggesting Judah's integration into local society, which was common for Israelites during this period. This friendship highlights the cultural exchanges and alliances between the Israelites and Canaanites. with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman he could not find her Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahOne of the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah plays a significant role in the lineage of Jesus Christ. In this chapter, he is involved in a morally complex situation with Tamar. 2. Adullamite A friend of Judah, who is sent to retrieve the pledge from Tamar. His role highlights the cultural practices of the time regarding pledges and transactions. 3. Tamar The widow of Judah's son, who disguises herself to secure her rights and future. Her actions are pivotal in the account of Judah's family line. 4. The Pledge The items given by Judah to Tamar as a guarantee of payment. This includes his seal, cord, and staff, which are significant personal identifiers. 5. The Woman (Tamar in disguise) Tamar's disguise as a prostitute is central to the unfolding of events, leading to Judah's eventual recognition of his responsibilities. Teaching Points The Complexity of Human ActionsJudah's actions remind us that even those chosen by God can make morally questionable decisions. This calls for self-reflection and humility in our own lives. God's Sovereignty in Imperfection Despite human failings, God's plan prevails. This encourages us to trust in God's overarching purpose, even when circumstances seem flawed. The Importance of Accountability Judah's eventual acknowledgment of his actions with Tamar highlights the need for personal responsibility and integrity. Cultural Context and God's Law Understanding the cultural practices of the time, such as pledges and Levirate marriage, helps us appreciate the depth of biblical accounts and their application today. Redemption and Restoration The inclusion of Tamar in the lineage of Christ illustrates God's grace and the possibility of redemption, regardless of past actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 38:20?2. How does Genesis 38:20 illustrate the importance of keeping one's promises? 3. What can we learn about integrity from Judah's actions in Genesis 38:20? 4. How does Genesis 38:20 connect to the theme of accountability in Scripture? 5. How can we apply the lesson of responsibility from Genesis 38:20 today? 6. What does Genesis 38:20 teach about the consequences of neglecting one's word? 7. Why did Judah send his friend to retrieve the pledge from the woman in Genesis 38:20? 8. What does Genesis 38:20 reveal about the cultural practices of ancient Israel? 9. How does Genesis 38:20 fit into the broader narrative of Judah and Tamar? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 38? 11. In Genesis 38 overall, how does this morally complex story align with the broader biblical narrative on sexual ethics and lineage preservation? 12. How does 1 Chronicles 2:3-4 align with Genesis 38 regarding Judah and Tamar's lineage, and does it create inconsistencies? 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 38:1-11, why would God punish Onan's refusal to father children for Tamar so severely, yet no comparable punishment is shown for Judah's neglect of her? What Does Genesis 38:20 Mean Now when Judah sentGenesis 38 sets Judah on a course of hidden compromise. Earlier he had promised the disguised Tamar, “I will send you a young goat from my flock” (v. 17). By “sending,” Judah tries to settle a debt quietly, hoping to keep his sin unseen. Scripture repeatedly shows that secrecy never nullifies responsibility—see Numbers 32:23 (“be sure your sin will find you out”), and Proverbs 28:13 (“He who conceals his sins will not prosper”). Judah’s initiative displays a conscience stirred but not yet repentant: he wants the matter closed, not cleansed. his friend Hirah the Adullamite Rather than go himself, Judah enlists Hirah. Friends can either strengthen righteousness or enable wrongdoing (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33). Hirah’s willingness to act as courier underscores Judah’s social standing and influence; yet his presence also shields Judah from immediate exposure. Earlier, Hirah is linked to Judah during the sheep-shearing feast (v. 12), so this friendship has become a channel for both fellowship and compromise. with the young goat The goat is the agreed wage for the presumed prostitute. Ironically, goats are later specified for sin offerings (Leviticus 4:23–24), hinting at the need for atonement Judah doesn’t yet acknowledge. The animal also recalls Jacob’s goat-skin deception (Genesis 27:9–16) and the goat’s blood used to fake Joseph’s death (Genesis 37:31). Layers of familial deceit echo through the narrative, emphasizing how sin’s patterns repeat until confronted by grace. to collect the items Judah had left his seal, cord, and staff (v. 18). These personal markers function like modern identification and guarantee. Scripture treats pledges seriously: Deuteronomy 24:10–13 guards the poor from exploitation, and Proverbs 22:26–27 warns against rash pledging. Judah’s treasured items now sit in unknown hands, symbolizing how his integrity hangs in the balance. he had left with the woman The woman is Tamar, but Judah still sees her only as “the prostitute” (v. 21). His misperception blinds him to God’s larger plan. Job 34:21 reminds us, “His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He observes all his steps.” Even when humans mislabel or misunderstand, the Lord remains fully aware of every detail. he could not find her Hirah’s fruitless search (vv. 21–22) highlights divine intervention. God protects Tamar’s identity and ensures the pledge items stay hidden until the appointed moment of exposure (v. 25). Jeremiah 23:24 asks, “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” The answer echoes here: neither Judah’s sin nor Tamar’s righteous claim can remain concealed forever. summary Genesis 38:20 portrays the uneasy moment when Judah attempts to cover his moral tracks. By sending a friend with payment, he hopes to retrieve compromising evidence and keep his failure private. Yet the search fails, showing that God governs even the smallest details to bring sin to light, preserve covenant purposes, and move His redemptive plan forward. Verse 20. - And Judah sent the kid - literally, the kid of the goats, which he had promised (ver. 17) - by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but (literally, and) he (i.e. Hirah) found her not.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now when Judahיְהוּדָ֜ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out his friend [Hirah] רֵעֵ֣הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow the Adullamite הָֽעֲדֻלָּמִ֔י (hā·‘ă·ḏul·lā·mî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5726: Adullamite -- inhabitant of Adullam with בְּיַד֙ (bə·yaḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand the young goat גְּדִ֣י (gə·ḏî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1423: A kid (a young goat) to collect לָקַ֥חַת (lā·qa·ḥaṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3947: To take the items he had left with הָעֵרָב֖וֹן (hā·‘ê·rā·ḇō·wn) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6162: A pledge the woman, הָאִשָּׁ֑ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female he could not וְלֹ֖א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no find her. מְצָאָֽהּ׃ (mə·ṣā·’āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present Links Genesis 38:20 NIVGenesis 38:20 NLT Genesis 38:20 ESV Genesis 38:20 NASB Genesis 38:20 KJV Genesis 38:20 BibleApps.com Genesis 38:20 Biblia Paralela Genesis 38:20 Chinese Bible Genesis 38:20 French Bible Genesis 38:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 38:20 Judah sent the kid of the goats (Gen. 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