Old Testament
Genesis 38:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Judah sends his friend Hirah to deliver a young goat as payment and to retrieve his personal items left with a woman.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Judah sent his friend the Adullamite to deliver the young goat and retrieve the items he had left as a guarantee, but Hirah could not locate the woman.
And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand: but he found her not.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Judah sends his friend Hirah to deliver a young goat as payment and to retrieve his personal items left with a woman. However, Hirah cannot find her. This situation highlights the complexities of relationships and the consequences of actions taken in secrecy. Judah's attempt to resolve the matter reflects a desire to uphold his responsibilities, yet it also reveals the challenges of communication and trust. The woman, who remains unnamed, represents the hidden aspects of our lives that can lead to unexpected complications. This moment serves as a reminder that our choices can have far-reaching effects, often beyond our immediate understanding. The search for the woman symbolizes our quest for resolution and clarity in our own lives, emphasizing the importance of honesty and transparency in our dealings with others. Ultimately, this story invites us to reflect on how we handle our commitments and the impact of our decisions on those around us, urging us to seek understanding and connection. Explore related responsibility.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 38:20 to your life
Consider how your actions affect others, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. Strive for open communication in your relationships to avoid misunderstandings. Reflect on your commitments and ensure you follow through on them, fostering trust and accountability in your interactions with others. This can lead to healthier connections and fewer complications in life. “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,”
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 38:20 mean?
Genesis 38:20 describes Judah sending his friend Hirah to deliver a goat and retrieve personal items from a woman he had dealings with. The verse highlights themes of responsibility and the complications that arise from secrecy in relationships.
What is the significance of the woman in Genesis 38:20?
The unnamed woman in Genesis 38:20 represents hidden aspects of life and the complexities of human relationships. Her absence emphasizes the challenges of trust and communication in personal interactions.
What does the young goat symbolize in Genesis 38:20?
In Genesis 38:20, the young goat symbolizes a form of payment or restitution for a commitment made by Judah. It reflects the importance of fulfilling obligations in relationships.
Why couldn't Hirah find the woman in Genesis 38:20?
Hirah could not find the woman in Genesis 38:20, which suggests the difficulties in resolving situations that involve secrecy and hidden identities. This reflects the broader theme of how actions taken in private can lead to complications.
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.
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