Genesis 38:15

Authorized King James Version

PDF

When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּרְאֶ֣הָ saw her H7200
וַיִּרְאֶ֣הָ saw her
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוּדָ֔ה When Judah H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה When Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 2 of 7
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַֽיַּחְשְׁבֶ֖הָ he thought H2803
וַֽיַּחְשְׁבֶ֖הָ he thought
Strong's: H2803
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
לְזוֹנָ֑ה her to be an harlot H2181
לְזוֹנָ֑ה her to be an harlot
Strong's: H2181
Word #: 4 of 7
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כִסְּתָ֖ה because she had covered H3680
כִסְּתָ֖ה because she had covered
Strong's: H3680
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
פָּנֶֽיהָ׃ her face H6440
פָּנֶֽיהָ׃ her face
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 7 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis & Commentary

When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face.... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal:

  1. God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions
  2. suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment
  3. forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation
  4. God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people
  5. how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes.

Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

Historical Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources