Genesis 38:26

Authorized King James Version

And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּכֵּ֣ר
H5234
acknowledged
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#2
יְהוּדָ֗ה
H3063
And Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#3
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
H559
them and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
צָֽדְקָ֣ה
H6663
She hath been more righteous
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
#5
מִמֶּ֔נִּי
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
כֵּ֥ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
נְתַתִּ֖יהָ
H5414
than I because that I gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לְשֵׁלָ֣ה
H7956
her not to Shelah
shelah, the name of a postdiluvian patriarch and of an israelite
#12
בְנִ֑י
H1121
my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יָסַ֥ף
H3254
again
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#15
ע֖וֹד
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#16
לְדַעְתָּֽה׃
H3045
And he knew her
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 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

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