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Genesis 38:25 - Judah's hidden righteousness revealed

Genesis 38:25 - בראשית 38:25

Hebrew Text

הִוא מוּצֵאת וְהִיא שָׁלְחָה אֶל־חָמִיהָ לֵאמֹר לְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־אֵלֶּה לּוֹ אָנֹכִי הָרָה וַתֹּאמֶר הַכֶּר־נָא לְמִי הַחֹתֶמֶת וְהַפְּתִילִים וְהַמַּטֶּה הָאֵלֶּה׃

English Translation

When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and the cord, and the staff.

Transliteration

Hi motzet vehi shalcha el-chamiha lemor le'ish asher-ele lo anochi hara vatomer haker-na lemi hachotemet vehapetilim vehamateh ha'ele.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִ֣וא מוּצֵ֗את וְהִ֨יא שָׁלְחָ֤ה אֶל־חָמִ֙יהָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לְאִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁר־אֵ֣לֶּה לּ֔וֹ אָנֹכִ֖י הָרָ֑ה וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ הַכֶּר־נָ֔א לְמִ֞י הַחֹתֶ֧מֶת וְהַפְּתִילִ֛ים וְהַמַּטֶּ֖ה הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
הִ֣וא מוּצֵ֗את וְהִ֨יא שָׁלְחָ֤ה אֶל־חָמִ֙יהָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לְאִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁר־אֵ֣לֶּה לּ֔וֹ אָנֹכִ֖י הָרָ֑ה וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ הַכֶּר־נָ֔א לְמִ֞י הַחֹתֶ֧מֶת וְהַפְּתִילִ֛ים וְהַמַּטֶּ֖ה הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 38:25) describes the dramatic moment when Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Yehuda (Judah), is about to be executed for alleged adultery after becoming pregnant. She sends Yehuda's personal items—the signet, cord, and staff—back to him with a message revealing that he is the father. This occurs after Yehuda had unknowingly been with her when she disguised herself as a prostitute.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Tamar acted with wisdom and discretion. Rather than publicly shaming Yehuda by declaring his identity outright, she sent the items with the message "By the man whose these are, am I with child." Rashi notes that she could have exposed him directly but chose a more dignified approach, saying, "Let him confess on his own." This reflects the principle of preserving human dignity (כבוד הבריות), even in difficult circumstances.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (85:11): The Midrash praises Tamar's righteousness, stating that she risked her life rather than publicly embarrass Yehuda. It compares her actions to those who sanctify Hashem's name through self-sacrifice.
  • Symbolism of the Items: The signet (חותמת), cord (פתילים), and staff (מטה) represent Yehuda's identity and authority. The Midrash teaches that these items were later passed down to his descendants, including King David.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:8) derives from this episode the importance of avoiding public humiliation. Even when justified, one should seek the most discreet way to resolve a conflict. Additionally, the Talmud (Sotah 10b) highlights Tamar's righteousness, noting that she acted לשם שמים (for the sake of Heaven) to ensure the continuity of Yehuda's lineage, which would lead to the Davidic dynasty and ultimately Mashiach.

Yehuda's Admission

Yehuda's response—"She is more righteous than I" (Bereshit 38:26)—demonstrates his integrity in admitting wrongdoing. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) cites this as a model of repentance (תשובה), showing that true leaders acknowledge their mistakes. This moment marks a turning point in Yehuda’s character, leading to his later role as the leader of the brothers.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10a
The verse is discussed in the context of the story of Tamar and Judah, illustrating themes of righteousness and divine providence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 38:25?
A: In Genesis 38:25, Tamar, who was accused of improper behavior, sends proof to her father-in-law Yehuda (Judah) that he is the father of her unborn child. She sends his personal items—his signet, cord, and staff—which he had left with her as a pledge. This verse shows her wisdom in revealing the truth discreetly and upholding justice.
Q: Why did Tamar send Yehuda's personal items back to him?
A: Tamar sent Yehuda's signet, cord, and staff back to him as proof that he was the father of her child. According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, she did this to avoid publicly shaming him while still proving her innocence. This act demonstrated her righteousness and wisdom in handling a delicate situation.
Q: What is the significance of the signet, cord, and staff in this verse?
A: The signet (used for sealing documents), cord (possibly a belt or identifying thread), and staff (a walking stick) were personal items that served as proof of Yehuda's identity. In ancient times, these items were unique to a person, much like identification today. The Talmud and Midrash explain that these objects symbolized authority and ownership, making them undeniable evidence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Tamar's actions in this verse?
A: Tamar teaches us the importance of seeking justice while preserving dignity. Instead of publicly accusing Yehuda, she discreetly presented the truth, allowing him to admit his role without humiliation. The Midrash praises her righteousness, and Jewish tradition views her as an ancestor of King David, showing how her actions had lasting significance.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish law (Halacha)?
A: This story highlights principles of justice and repentance in Jewish law. Yehuda admits his mistake (Genesis 38:26), demonstrating the importance of taking responsibility. The Talmud (Sotah 10b) discusses this episode as an example of proper conduct in difficult situations, showing how truth and teshuvah (repentance) are central to Jewish ethics.