Bible Strands
Genesis 38:25
As she was being brought out, Tamar sent a message to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these items belong.” And she added, “Please examine them. Whose seal and cord and staff are these?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Tamar addresses her father-in-law Judah while being led out for execution after three months of reported pregnancy. She interrupts the procession to present physical proof of her condition and the identity of the child's father.
The words — The Hebrew word שָׁלְחָ֤ה (shal.Chah) literally means "she sent," describing Tamar's deliberate dispatch of a message to Judah. The participle מוּצֵ֗את (mu.Tzet) translates to "[was being] brought out," marking the exact moment of her public condemnation.
The thread — The presentation of personal items to expose hidden truth parallels the delivery of Joseph's coat in Genesis 37:32. The movement from concealed sin to public reckoning aligns with the structure of judgment in Psalms 50:21.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to weigh direct evidence over secondhand accusations. It demands that accountability be measured by concrete actions and admitted responsibility rather than social reputation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.
Cross-references
- Genesis 37:32 They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.”
- Genesis 38:18 “What pledge should I give you?” he asked. She answered, “Your seal and your cord, and the staff in your hand.” So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him.
- Psalms 50:21 You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face.
- Jeremiah 2:26 As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
- Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.
- Romans 2:16 on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.