Genesis 38:16

French (BDS) 2015 (La Bible du Semeur 2015)

Il s’approcha d’elle au bord du chemin et lui dit : Permets-moi d’aller avec toi ! Car il n’avait pas reconnu sa belle-fille. Elle répondit : Que me donneras-tu pour venir avec moi ?

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Judah encounters Tamar, who is dressed as a prostitute, and asks to have sexual relations with her. He doesn't know that Tamar is actually his daughter-in-law. Tamar asks for payment before agreeing to his request.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're at a carnival and you see a fun ride, but you need to pay to get on it. This verse is like that, but for grown-ups. A man sees a lady and wants to do something with her, but she says he needs to pay first. They don't know each other really well, and that's a big problem.

Historical Background

This verse is from the book of Genesis, written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. The audience was the Israelites, and it describes a time when relationships and marriage customs were different from today. The verse highlights a significant event in the lineage of Jesus.

Living It Out Today

This verse reminds us of the importance of knowing who we're dealing with and the consequences of our actions. For example, if you're considering a business deal with someone, it's crucial to do your homework and understand the full context of the relationship.

Topics

• relationships
• consequences
• deception
• sexuality
• family dynamics
• morality

Related Verses

• Genesis 38:24
• Genesis 38:26
• 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
• Proverbs 5:3-6
• 1 Timothy 5:11-14

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Judah not recognize Tamar?

Judah did not recognize Tamar because she was dressed as a prostitute and veiled, which obscured her identity.

What does Tamar's response tell us about her character?

Tamar's request for payment shows her resourcefulness and hints at her intention to secure her future, as she knew she needed to conceive to maintain her family's line.

How does this event affect the lineage of Jesus?

Tamar's encounter with Judah led to the birth of Perez, an ancestor of Jesus, showing God's sovereignty over human mistakes and plans.

What lessons can we draw from Judah's mistake?

We learn the importance of being aware of the people we interact with and the consequences of our actions, especially in matters of intimacy and trust.