Genesis 38:2

And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּרְא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שָׁ֧ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יְהוּדָ֛ה

H3063

And Judah

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

בַּת

H1323

there a daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

of 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)

כְּנַֽעֲנִ֖י

H3669

Canaanite

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

וּשְׁמ֣וֹ

H8034

whose name

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

שׁ֑וּעַ

H7770

was Shuah

shua, a canaanite

וַיִּקָּחֶ֖הָ

H3947

and he took her

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#10

וַיָּבֹ֥א

H935

and went in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

אֵלֶֽיהָ׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
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?

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