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Genesis 38:2 - Yehuda's forbidden marriage choice?

Genesis 38:2 - בראשית 38:2

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא־שָׁם יְהוּדָה בַּת־אִישׁ כְּנַעֲנִי וּשְׁמוֹ שׁוּעַ וַיִּקָּחֶהָ וַיָּבֹא אֵלֶיהָ׃

English Translation

And Yehuda saw there a daughter of a certain Kena῾anite, whose name was Shu῾a; and he took her, and went in to her.

Transliteration

Va'yar-sham Yehuda bat-ish Kena'ani ushmo Shua vayikacheha vayavo eleha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּרְא־שָׁ֧ם יְהוּדָ֛ה בַּת־אִ֥ישׁ כְּנַעֲנִ֖י וּשְׁמ֣וֹ שׁ֑וּעַ וַיִּקָּחֶ֖הָ וַיָּבֹ֥א אֵלֶֽיהָ׃
וַיַּרְא־שָׁ֧ם יְהוּדָ֛ה בַּת־אִ֥ישׁ כְּנַעֲנִ֖י וּשְׁמ֣וֹ שׁ֑וּעַ וַיִּקָּחֶ֖הָ וַיָּבֹ֥א אֵלֶֽיהָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding Yehuda's Marriage to the Daughter of a Kena'ani

The verse (Bereishit 38:2) states that Yehuda married the daughter of a Kena'ani named Shu'a. This raises several questions, as the Kena'anim were known for their immoral behavior, and Avraham had instructed his servant not to take a wife for Yitzchak from them (Bereishit 24:3). Rashi addresses this by citing the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:2) that explains "Bat Ish Kena'ani" does not mean she was literally a Kena'ani, but rather the daughter of a merchant (from the root "kana," meaning to trade). Alternatively, Rashi suggests she may have been from the family of Er, Onan, and Shela, who were known for their contentious behavior ("keni'ut").

The Name "Shu'a" and Its Significance

The name "Shu'a" is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:4) as an allusion to her father's wealth and status, as the term can mean "noble" or "distinguished." Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the Torah mentions her name to emphasize that Yehuda married into a prominent family, which may have influenced his later actions and leadership role among the brothers.

Yehuda's Separation from His Brothers

The Talmud (Sotah 10b) notes that Yehuda's descent from his brothers (implied by "וַיֵּרֶד מֵאֵת אֶחָיו" in the previous verse) led to this marriage. Rashi explains that his brothers demoted him from his leadership position after the sale of Yosef, which occurred due to his suggestion (Bereishit 37:26-27). This separation may have weakened his spiritual vigilance, leading him to marry outside the family's preferred lineage.

Moral Lessons from the Episode

  • Leadership and Accountability: Yehuda's lapse highlights how leadership failures can lead to personal moral challenges (Malbim).
  • Marriage Choices: The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of choosing a spouse aligned with spiritual values (Kli Yakar).
  • Repentance and Growth: Despite this misstep, Yehuda later demonstrates teshuvah (repentance) in the Tamar narrative, showing his capacity for moral recovery (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Judah's actions and his marriage to the daughter of a Canaanite, highlighting the consequences of his decisions.
📖 Pesachim 50a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the lineage and marriages of the patriarchs, particularly Judah's choice to marry a Canaanite woman.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yehuda marry a Kena'anite woman if Avraham and Yitzchak avoided this?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 38:2), the term 'Kena'anite' here doesn't necessarily mean she was from the idolatrous Kena'anite nation. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:2) explains she was actually the daughter of a merchant (the word 'Kena'ani' can also mean merchant). Yehuda was careful to marry someone appropriate, despite the wording.
Q: What is the significance of Yehuda's wife being named Shu'a?
A: The name Shu'a (שׁוּעַ) means 'salvation' or 'cry for help.' The Talmud (Sotah 10b) connects this to the future redemption, as Yehuda's lineage would lead to kingship (through David) and ultimately the final redemption. Her name hints at Yehuda's important role in Jewish destiny.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Yehuda 'seeing' before taking a wife?
A: Rashi (Genesis 38:2) notes that the emphasis on 'seeing' teaches that Yehuda chose her based on her qualities, not just family ties. The Ramban adds that this contrasts with earlier generations who had arranged marriages. This shows Yehuda's independence in making proper choices.
Q: How does this verse connect to Yehuda's later role in Jewish leadership?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:1) links this marriage to Yehuda's future leadership. Just as he took initiative here in choosing a proper wife, he later takes responsibility in the story of Tamar (Genesis 38:26), showing the qualities needed for the royal line of David to descend from him.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehuda's marriage to Shu'a?
A: The Sforno teaches that this episode shows the importance of choosing a spouse carefully, even if it goes against family expectations (since Yehuda's brothers married within Avraham's family). It also teaches that righteous converts (if she was originally Kena'anite) can become part of Klal Yisrael and even the Davidic line.