Genesis 38:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בָּעֵ֣ת

H6256

And it came to pass at that time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֔וא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיֵּ֥רֶד

H3381

went down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

יְהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

that Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

מֵאֵ֣ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶחָ֑יו

H251

from his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וַיֵּ֛ט

H5186

and turned

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#10

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

in to a certain

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#11

עֲדֻלָּמִ֖י

H5726

Adullamite

an adullamite or native of adullam

#12

וּשְׁמ֥וֹ

H8034

whose name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#13

חִירָֽה׃

H2437

was Hirah

chirah, an adullamite

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 38 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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