Genesis 38:20
New International Version
Meanwhile Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get his pledge back from the woman, but he did not find her.

New Living Translation
Later Judah asked his friend Hirah the Adullamite to take the young goat to the woman and to pick up the things he had given her as his guarantee. But Hirah couldn’t find her.

English Standard Version
When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to take back the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her.

Berean Standard Bible
Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her.

New American Standard Bible
When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her.

NASB 1995
When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her.

NASB 1977
When Judah sent the kid by his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to take the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her.

Amplified Bible
When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite, to get his pledge [back] from the woman, he was unable to find her.

Christian Standard Bible
When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get back the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get back the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her.

American Standard Version
And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not.

Contemporary English Version
Judah asked his friend Hirah take a goat to the woman, so he could get back the ring and walking stick, but she wasn't there.

English Revised Version
And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Judah sent his friend Hirah to deliver the young goat so that he could get back his deposit from the woman, but his friend couldn't find her.

Good News Translation
Judah sent his friend Hirah to take the goat and get back from the woman the articles he had pledged, but Hirah could not find her.

International Standard Version
Later on, Judah sent his Adullamite friend to take her a young goat, intending to retrieve what he had put up as security from the woman, but he could not find her.

Majority Standard Bible
Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her.

NET Bible
Then Judah had his friend Hirah the Adullamite take a young goat to get back from the woman the items he had given in pledge, but Hirah could not find her.

New Heart English Bible
Judah sent the young goat by his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the guarantee back from the woman?s hand, but he did not find her.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he didn’t find her.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Judah sends the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the hand of the woman, and he has not found her.

Young's Literal Translation
And Judah sendeth the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the hand of the woman, and he hath not found her.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Judah will send the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to take the pledge from the hand of the woman; and he found her not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Juda sent a kid by his shepherd, the Odollamite, that he might receive the pledge again, which he had given to the woman: but he, not finding her,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Judah sent a young goat by his shepherd, the Adullamite, so that he might receive the pledge that he had given to the woman. But, when he had not found her,

New American Bible
Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to recover the pledge from the woman; but he did not find her.

New Revised Standard Version
When Judah sent the kid by his friend the Adullamite, to recover the pledge from the woman, he could not find her.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Arlemite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand; but he could not find her.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yehuda sent the kid of goats by his friend, the Arlemite, to take the pledge from the hands of the woman, and he did not find her.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman's hand; but he found her not.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Judas sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his shepherd the Odollamite, to receive the pledge from the woman; and he found her not.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Judah and Tamar
19Then Tamar got up and departed. And she removed her veil and put on her widow’s garments again. 20Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. 21He asked the men of that place, “Where is the shrine prostitute who was beside the road at Enaim?” “No shrine prostitute has been here,” they answered.…

Cross References
Genesis 37:25-28
And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt. / Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? / Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. ...

Genesis 34:12
Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!”

Genesis 24:53
Then he brought out jewels of silver and gold, and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother.

Genesis 29:18-20
Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” / Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” / So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her.

Genesis 31:41
Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!

Exodus 22:16-17
If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife. / If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, the man still must pay an amount comparable to the bridal price of a virgin.

Deuteronomy 22:28-29
If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, / then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives.

Judges 14:12-13
“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. / But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.”

Ruth 4:7-10
Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel. / So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” / At this, Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. ...

1 Samuel 18:25
Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines.

2 Samuel 3:14
Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”

Hosea 3:2
So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley.

Matthew 26:15
and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.

Matthew 27:3-5
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Mark 14:11
They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

his friend.

Genesis 20:9
Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

Leviticus 19:17
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Judges 14:20
But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.

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Adullamite Find Found Friend Goat Goats Hand Hirah Judah Kid Meanwhile Order Pledge Receive Sign Woman's Young
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Adullamite Find Found Friend Goat Goats Hand Hirah Judah Kid Meanwhile Order Pledge Receive Sign Woman's Young
Genesis 38
1. Judah begets Er, Onan, and Shelah.
6. Er's marriage with Tamar, and death.
8. The trespass of Onan.
11. Tamar is reserved for Shelah.
12. Judah's wife dies.
13. Tamar deceives Judah.
27. She bears twins, Pharez and Zarah.














Now Judah sent
The name "Judah" is derived from the Hebrew "Yehudah," meaning "praised." Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, is a central figure in this narrative. His actions here are pivotal, reflecting both his personal character and the broader themes of redemption and responsibility that run throughout the Bible. The act of sending indicates a delegation of responsibility, a common practice in ancient times, showing trust and reliance on others to fulfill one's obligations.

his friend Hirah the Adullamite
Hirah, whose name means "noble" or "splendid," is identified as an Adullamite, indicating his origin from Adullam, a city in the lowlands of Judah. This friendship highlights the social and political alliances of the time, which were often necessary for survival and prosperity. The mention of Hirah underscores the importance of community and the interconnectedness of individuals within the biblical narrative.

with the young goat
The young goat, or "kid," was a common form of payment or pledge in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It symbolizes wealth and sustenance, reflecting the agrarian society of the time. In this context, the goat represents Judah's attempt to fulfill his promise and maintain his honor, a theme that resonates with the biblical emphasis on integrity and faithfulness.

to find the woman
The woman in question is Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, who had disguised herself to secure her rights and future. This phrase highlights the search and the unfolding of God's providential plan, even through human deception and misunderstanding. It serves as a reminder of the complexity of human relationships and the divine orchestration behind them.

and recover his pledge from her
The pledge refers to the items Judah had given Tamar as a guarantee of future payment: his seal, cord, and staff. These items were personal and significant, symbolizing identity and authority. The recovery of the pledge is crucial for Judah to restore his honor and fulfill his obligations, illustrating the biblical principle of restitution and the importance of keeping one's word.

but he could not find her
This phrase introduces a turning point in the narrative, emphasizing the futility of human efforts without divine intervention. It reflects the hiddenness of God's plans and the unexpected ways in which they unfold. The inability to find Tamar sets the stage for the revelation of truth and the eventual redemption that follows, a recurring theme in Scripture where God's purposes prevail despite human limitations.

Verse 20. - And Judah sent the kid - literally, the kid of the goats, which he had promised (ver. 17) - by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but (literally, and) he (i.e. Hirah) found her not.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now when Judah
יְהוּדָ֜ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

his friend [Hirah]
רֵעֵ֣הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

the Adullamite
הָֽעֲדֻלָּמִ֔י (hā·‘ă·ḏul·lā·mî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5726: Adullamite -- inhabitant of Adullam

with
בְּיַד֙ (bə·yaḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

the young goat
גְּדִ֣י (gə·ḏî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1423: A kid (a young goat)

to collect
לָקַ֥חַת (lā·qa·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3947: To take

the items he had left with
הָעֵרָב֖וֹן (hā·‘ê·rā·ḇō·wn)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6162: A pledge

the woman,
הָאִשָּׁ֑ה (hā·’iš·šāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

he could not
וְלֹ֖א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

find her.
מְצָאָֽהּ׃ (mə·ṣā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present


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OT Law: Genesis 38:20 Judah sent the kid of the goats (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 38:19
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