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Genesis 38:26 - Judah admits Tamar's righteousness

Genesis 38:26 - בראשית 38:26

Hebrew Text

וַיַּכֵּר יְהוּדָה וַיֹּאמֶר צָדְקָה מִמֶּנִּי כִּי־עַל־כֵּן לֹא־נְתַתִּיהָ לְשֵׁלָה בְנִי וְלֹא־יָסַף עוֹד לְדַעְתָּה׃

English Translation

And Yehuda acknowledged them, and said, She has been more righteous than I; because I gave her not to Shela my son. And he knew her again no more.

Transliteration

Va'yaker Yehuda va'yomer tzadka mimeni ki-al-ken lo-netatiha l'Shela b'ni v'lo-yasaf od l'da'ata.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּכֵּ֣ר יְהוּדָ֗ה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ צָֽדְקָ֣ה מִמֶּ֔נִּי כִּֽי־עַל־כֵּ֥ן לֹא־נְתַתִּ֖יהָ לְשֵׁלָ֣ה בְנִ֑י וְלֹֽא־יָסַ֥ף ע֖וֹד לְדַעְתָּֽהּ׃
וַיַּכֵּ֣ר יְהוּדָ֗ה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ צָֽדְקָ֣ה מִמֶּ֔נִּי כִּֽי־עַל־כֵּ֥ן לֹא־נְתַתִּ֖יהָ לְשֵׁלָ֣ה בְנִ֑י וְלֹֽא־יָסַ֥ף ע֖וֹד לְדַעְתָּֽהּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 38:26) occurs in the narrative of Yehuda and Tamar, where Tamar, Yehuda's daughter-in-law, disguises herself as a prostitute to secure her rightful offspring after Yehuda fails to give her to his youngest son, Shela, as required by the laws of yibum (levirate marriage). When Yehuda discovers Tamar's pregnancy and initially condemns her, she presents his personal items as proof that he is the father, leading to his public admission of her righteousness.

Yehuda's Admission of Righteousness

Rashi explains that Yehuda's declaration, "צָדְקָה מִמֶּנִּי" ("She has been more righteous than I"), signifies his acknowledgment that Tamar acted justly in seeking to uphold the mitzvah of yibum, whereas he had neglected his obligation by withholding Shela from her. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:11) elaborates that Yehuda admitted his error openly, demonstrating his integrity by not attempting to conceal the truth.

The Meaning of "כִּי־עַל־כֵּן לֹא־נְתַתִּיהָ לְשֵׁלָה בְנִי"

Yehuda confesses that his failure to give Tamar to Shela was unjust. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Yehuda's admission reveals his recognition that Tamar's actions were motivated by a higher purpose—ensuring the continuity of her deceased husband's line—whereas he had acted out of personal concern for Shela's welfare (fearing he might die like his brothers). This highlights the tension between human caution and divine commandments.

"וְלֹא־יָסַף עוֹד לְדַעְתָּה" – Yehuda's Abstinence

The phrase "וְלֹא־יָסַף עוֹד לְדַעְתָּה" ("And he knew her again no more") is interpreted by the Talmud (Sotah 10b) as Yehuda's commitment to avoid further relations with Tamar, recognizing that their union had fulfilled its purpose. The Malbim explains that this restraint reflects Yehuda's teshuvah (repentance) and his resolve not to repeat his earlier mistakes.

Lessons from the Narrative

  • Public Admission of Wrongdoing: Yehuda's willingness to admit fault publicly (as emphasized in Midrash Tanchuma) sets a model for sincere repentance.
  • Priority of Mitzvot: Tamar's actions underscore the importance of fulfilling Torah obligations even when faced with societal disapproval.
  • Divine Providence: The episode ultimately leads to the lineage of David and Moshiach, demonstrating how divine plan unfolds through human actions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10b
The verse is discussed in the context of Judah's admission of his wrongdoing and Tamar's righteousness, illustrating the importance of acknowledging one's mistakes.
📖 Sanhedrin 6b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the qualities of righteous judgment and the importance of admitting the truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 38:26 mean when it says Yehuda acknowledged Tamar was 'more righteous than I'?
A: In Genesis 38:26, Yehuda admits that Tamar acted righteously by disguising herself to ensure the continuation of the family line after he failed to give her to his son Shela as promised (as required by the laws of yibum). Rashi explains that Yehuda recognized his mistake in withholding Shela, while Tamar acted properly to uphold the mitzvah of continuing the lineage.
Q: Why is the story of Yehuda and Tamar important in Judaism?
A: This story is important because it demonstrates teshuvah (repentance) as Yehuda publicly admits his wrongdoing. Additionally, the Midrash teaches that King David and ultimately Mashiach descend from this union, showing how Hashem brings redemption even through complex situations when people take responsibility.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehuda admitting his mistake in Genesis 38:26?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 7b) derives from this verse the importance of publicly admitting one's mistakes when necessary. Yehuda's admission ('She has been more righteous than I') teaches that true leaders must have the humility to acknowledge errors, and doing so brings honor rather than shame.
Q: How does the principle 'she has been more righteous than I' apply to relationships today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 2:3) teaches that we must judge others favorably and be willing to admit when we're wrong, just as Yehuda did. In relationships, this means honestly evaluating situations where we may have treated someone unfairly and having the courage to make amends.
Q: Why didn't Yehuda give Tamar to his son Shela as promised?
A: Rashi explains that Yehuda feared Shela would die like his brothers (Er and Onan), so he withheld him. However, Yehuda later admits this was wrong, as Tamar was entitled to yibum (levirate marriage) according to Torah law. The Midrash adds that Yehuda's fear stemmed from not understanding Hashem's greater plan.