Genesis 38:22

Authorized King James Version

And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֙שָׁב֙

H7725

And he returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

to Judah

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

אָֽמְר֔וּ

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא

H3808

I cannot

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מְצָאתִ֑יהָ

H4672

find

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

וְגַ֨ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַנְשֵׁ֤י

H376

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)

הַמָּקוֹם֙

H4725

of the place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#10

אָֽמְר֔וּ

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

לֹֽא

H3808

I cannot

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

הָיְתָ֥ה

H1961

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

#13

בָזֶ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#14

קְדֵשָֽׁה׃

H6948

that there was no harlot

a female devotee (i.e., prostitute)

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

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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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