Old Testament
Genesis 38:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, a man offers to send a young goat as payment for a service.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
He answered, "I'll send you a young goat from my flock." She asked, "Will you give me something as a guarantee until you send it?"
And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, a man offers to send a young goat as payment for a service. The woman, however, wants assurance that he will follow through. She asks for a guarantee, something tangible to hold onto until he delivers the goat. This exchange highlights the importance of trust and accountability in relationships. It shows that promises need backing, especially when there is a risk involved. The woman seeks security in a situation where her future is uncertain. This interaction reveals the complexities of human relationships, where intentions and actions must align. It reminds us that in our dealings with others, we should be clear and reliable, ensuring that our words are matched by our actions. Trust is built on the foundation of honesty and follow-through, making it essential in all our interactions, whether personal or professional. This story invites us to reflect on how we can be more trustworthy in our commitments to others, ensuring that we honor our promises and provide assurance when needed.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 38:17 to your life
In our daily lives, we often make promises to others. It's crucial to ensure that we can deliver on those promises. When we commit to something, we should provide assurance to those involved. This builds trust and strengthens our relationships. Always strive to be reliable and honest in your dealings with others, as it fosters deeper connections and mutual respect.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 38:17 teach about trust?
Genesis 38:17 illustrates the importance of trust in relationships. The woman asks for a guarantee before the man sends the goat, highlighting that promises need to be backed by something tangible. This teaches us that trust is built through accountability and reliability, reminding us to ensure our actions align with our words.
Why did the woman ask for a guarantee in Genesis 38:17?
The woman asked for a guarantee to secure her interests in a situation where her future was uncertain. By requesting something tangible, she sought assurance that the man would fulfill his promise of sending a goat. This reflects a common human need for security and trust in transactions and relationships.
How can we apply the lessons from Genesis 38:17 in our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Genesis 38:17 by being mindful of the promises we make to others. It’s important to provide assurance and follow through on commitments, as this builds trust and strengthens relationships. Being reliable and honest in our dealings fosters deeper connections and mutual respect.
What is the significance of the young goat in Genesis 38:17?
The young goat in Genesis 38:17 symbolizes a form of payment or compensation for a service. It represents the idea of fulfilling obligations and the importance of keeping promises. The exchange emphasizes that in relationships, especially those involving transactions, both parties should feel secure and respected.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.