Genesis 38:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 38:20 mean?

Genesis 38:20 describes how Judah sent a young goat with his friend, the Adullamite, to the woman he thought was a prostitute, in order to get back the items he had left with her as a pledge. However, Judah’s friend could not find the woman.

In this situation, Judah is trying to fulfill his promise by sending payment for services he believed he received, using his friend to deliver it and retrieve his personal items. The verse highlights the practical steps Judah took and sets up the tension that follows when the woman cannot be found.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 38:20

• The word for "pledge" is עֵרָבוֹן (ʿērāvon), which refers to a security deposit or guarantee. This detail shows Judah’s concern for reclaiming his personal items, which he had left as collateral.
• The word for "friend" is רֵעַ (rēaʿ), meaning a close companion or associate. This term emphasizes the trust Judah placed in his friend, the Adullamite, to handle this sensitive task.
• The word for "kid" is גְּדִי (gəḏî), specifically a young goat, which was a common form of payment or offering in ancient times. This detail grounds the story in its historical context and shows the seriousness of Judah’s intent to pay.

Why Genesis 38:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that Judah was not trying to cheat the woman; he made an honest effort to pay her and retrieve his pledge, which is important for understanding his character in the story.
• The inability to find the woman sets up the next part of the narrative, where Judah’s items remain with Tamar, leading to significant consequences later.
• The verse highlights the customs of pledges and payment in the ancient world, helping modern readers understand the social and economic practices at play in this passage.