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Genesis 38:17 - Pledge before promise?

Genesis 38:17 - בראשית 38:17

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אָנֹכִי אֲשַׁלַּח גְּדִי־עִזִּים מִן־הַצֹּאן וַתֹּאמֶר אִם־תִּתֵּן עֵרָבוֹן עַד שָׁלְחֶךָ׃

English Translation

And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it?

Transliteration

Va'yomer anochi ashalach gedi-izim min-hatzon va'tomer im-titen eravon ad sholchecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אָנֹכִ֛י אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח גְּדִֽי־עִזִּ֖ים מִן־הַצֹּ֑אן וַתֹּ֕אמֶר אִם־תִּתֵּ֥ן עֵרָב֖וֹן עַ֥ד שׇׁלְחֶֽךָ׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אָנֹכִ֛י אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח גְּדִֽי־עִזִּ֖ים מִן־הַצֹּ֑אן וַתֹּ֕אמֶר אִם־תִּתֵּ֥ן עֵרָב֖וֹן עַ֥ד שׇׁלְחֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Bereshit (Genesis) 38:17, within the narrative of Yehuda (Judah) and Tamar. Tamar, disguised as a harlot, negotiates with Yehuda for a pledge until he sends her a kid from his flock as payment.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yehuda initially offered a kid from the flock as payment, but Tamar, recognizing the potential for deception, insisted on a pledge (eravon) to ensure Yehuda would fulfill his promise. Rashi notes that Tamar acted wisely, as Yehuda later attempted to send the kid but could not find her (Bereshit 38:20). The pledge—his signet, cord, and staff—became critical evidence later in the story.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (85:8) highlights Tamar's righteousness and wisdom in securing the pledge, as she foresaw that Yehuda might not recognize her later and could deny the transaction.
  • The Midrash also connects this episode to the broader theme of tikkun (rectification), as Tamar's actions ultimately preserved the lineage of Yehuda, leading to the Davidic dynasty.

Halachic Perspective (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchos Mechira 7:1-2) discusses the legal validity of a pledge (eravon) in Jewish law. A pledge serves as a binding commitment, ensuring the fulfillment of an agreement. Here, Tamar's insistence on a pledge reflects a halachic principle that tangible collateral strengthens a transaction's enforceability.

Symbolism and Moral Lessons

  • The Malbim emphasizes that Tamar's request for a pledge teaches the importance of trustworthiness in business dealings, a recurring theme in Torah and Mishlei (Proverbs).
  • The items given as a pledge (signet, cord, and staff) symbolize Yehuda's identity and authority, hinting at the gravity of his commitment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 38:17?
A: In Genesis 38:17, Yehuda (Judah) promises to send a young goat (גְּדִי־עִזִּים) as payment to Tamar, who is disguised. Tamar asks for a pledge (עֵרָבוֹן) until he sends it. This interaction sets up the events that follow in the story. Rashi explains that Tamar acted wisely to ensure Yehuda would keep his word.
Q: Why did Tamar ask for a pledge in this verse?
A: Tamar asked for a pledge (עֵרָבוֹן) to ensure Yehuda would fulfill his promise to send the goat. According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:8), this shows her wisdom—she understood that taking something of value would guarantee Yehuda’s return. The pledge later becomes crucial in revealing Yehuda’s role in the story.
Q: What is the significance of the 'young goat' in this verse?
A: The young goat (גְּדִי־עִזִּים) symbolizes the payment Yehuda intended to give. The Talmud (Sotah 10a) notes that this story teaches about divine providence—Yehuda’s actions lead to the lineage of King David and ultimately the Messiah. The goat also connects to later Torah laws about offerings and restitution.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish ethics?
A: This verse highlights honesty and accountability in agreements. Yehuda makes a promise, and Tamar ensures it is secured with a pledge. The Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 7) discusses the importance of keeping one’s word in business dealings, a principle rooted in this biblical interaction.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 38:17 today?
A: We learn the importance of trust and responsibility in commitments. Yehuda’s initial promise and Tamar’s request for a pledge teach that agreements should be honored. Jewish tradition (as seen in Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat) emphasizes fair dealings and keeping one’s word, just as this verse demonstrates.