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Genesis 38:16 - Unrecognized family test

Genesis 38:16 - בראשית 38:16

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּט אֵלֶיהָ אֶל־הַדֶּרֶךְ וַיֹּאמֶר הָבָה־נָּא אָבוֹא אֵלַיִךְ כִּי לֹא יָדַע כִּי כַלָּתוֹ הִוא וַתֹּאמֶר מַה־תִּתֶּן־לִּי כִּי תָבוֹא אֵלָי׃

English Translation

And he turned to her by the way, and said, Come now, I pray thee, let me come in to thee (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayst come in to me?

Transliteration

Vayet eileha el-haderekh vayomer hava-na avo elayich ki lo yada ki khalato hi vatomer ma-titen-li ki tavo elai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֨ט אֵלֶ֜יהָ אֶל־הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ הָֽבָה־נָּא֙ אָב֣וֹא אֵלַ֔יִךְ כִּ֚י לֹ֣א יָדַ֔ע כִּ֥י כַלָּת֖וֹ הִ֑וא וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ מַה־תִּתֶּן־לִ֔י כִּ֥י תָב֖וֹא אֵלָֽי׃
וַיֵּ֨ט אֵלֶ֜יהָ אֶל־הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ הָֽבָה־נָּא֙ אָב֣וֹא אֵלַ֔יִךְ כִּ֚י לֹ֣א יָדַ֔ע כִּ֥י כַלָּת֖וֹ הִ֑וא וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ מַה־תִּתֶּן־לִ֔י כִּ֥י תָב֖וֹא אֵלָֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Background

The verse (Bereishit 38:16) describes the encounter between Yehuda and Tamar, where Yehuda, not recognizing Tamar as his daughter-in-law, propositions her. This episode occurs after Tamar was widowed twice (from Yehuda's sons, Er and Onan) and Yehuda failed to fulfill his obligation of yibbum (levirate marriage) by withholding his third son, Shelah.

Yehuda's Mistaken Identity

Rashi explains that Yehuda did not recognize Tamar because she had covered her face while living in her father's house, adhering to modesty (tzniut). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:8) adds that Yehuda was led to this encounter as part of Divine Providence to rectify his earlier failure in withholding Shelah.

Tamar's Response

Tamar's reply, "What will you give me?" is interpreted by the Talmud (Sotah 10a) as a test of Yehuda's integrity. Rather than immediately revealing her identity, she sought to ensure Yehuda would uphold his word, as seen when she later demanded his pledge (signet, cord, and staff). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:9) praises Tamar's wisdom in securing evidence to protect her righteousness.

Moral and Halachic Implications

  • Yehuda's Accountability: Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:1) cites this episode as a cautionary tale about the dangers of improper conduct, even when unintended.
  • Tamar's Righteousness: The Talmud (Sotah 10b) emphasizes Tamar's self-sacrifice to uphold the mitzvah of yibbum, risking her life to continue the lineage of Yehuda's family.
  • Divine Plan: The Zohar (Bereishit 1:188b) teaches that this encounter was orchestrated to bring forth the Davidic line, ultimately leading to Mashiach.

Lessons for Today

The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, as Yehuda later admits, "She is more righteous than I" (Bereishit 38:26). This episode underscores the Torah's emphasis on truth, repentance, and the hidden ways of Divine justice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 38:16?
A: In Genesis 38:16, Judah approaches a woman he believes to be a harlot (but is actually his daughter-in-law Tamar in disguise). He does not recognize her and asks to be with her. Tamar, who had a righteous motive (to fulfill the mitzvah of yibum, levirate marriage), asks what he will give her in return.
Q: Why didn't Judah recognize Tamar?
A: Rashi explains that Tamar had covered her face while living in her father's house, as was the modest custom of brides in those days. Therefore, Judah did not recognize her when he saw her by the roadside with her face uncovered (Rashi on Genesis 38:15).
Q: Was Tamar wrong to disguise herself as a harlot?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 10b) teaches that Tamar acted righteously because she was determined to fulfill the mitzvah of yibum (levirate marriage) and continue the family line after Judah failed to give her his remaining son as required by law. Her actions were for a holy purpose.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this story?
A: This episode teaches us about divine providence - how G-d orchestrates events to fulfill His plans (as Tamar ultimately became an ancestor of King David and Mashiach). It also shows the importance of taking responsibility for one's obligations, as Judah later admits his fault (Genesis 38:26).
Q: Why is this story included in the Torah?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 85) explains that this story is included to show how even difficult situations can lead to redemption. Despite the unusual circumstances, Tamar's righteous intentions led to the continuation of Judah's line, which was crucial for Jewish history.