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Genesis 38:5 - Judah's third son born

Genesis 38:5 - בראשית 38:5

Hebrew Text

וַתֹּסֶף עוֹד וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַתִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ שֵׁלָה וְהָיָה בִכְזִיב בְּלִדְתָּהּ אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

And she yet again conceived, and bore a son; and called his name Shela: and he was at Keziv, when she bore him.

Transliteration

Vatosef od vateled ben vatikra et-shemo shela vehaya vichziv belidta oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֹּ֤סֶף עוֹד֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵׁלָ֑ה וְהָיָ֥ה בִכְזִ֖יב בְּלִדְתָּ֥הּ אֹתֽוֹ׃
וַתֹּ֤סֶף עוֹד֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵׁלָ֑ה וְהָיָ֥ה בִכְזִ֖יב בְּלִדְתָּ֥הּ אֹתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Bereishit (Genesis)

The verse (Bereishit 38:5) describes Yehudah's wife, the daughter of Shua, giving birth to their third son, Shela, in Keziv. This occurs after the births of Er and Onan, who later perish due to their sins (as recounted in subsequent verses). The naming and location hold significance in Jewish exegesis.

Meaning of the Name "Shela"

Rashi explains that the name Shela (שֵׁלָה) derives from the root שָׁלָה, meaning "to draw out" or "to extract." This alludes to Yehudah's wife feeling that she had "drawn out" or completed her childbearing, as she did not bear another child after Shela (Rashi on Bereishit 38:5). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:4) further connects this to Yehudah's future role in leadership, as Shela's lineage would later include kingship (through Peretz, born from Tamar).

Significance of Keziv (כְּזִיב)

The location Keziv is interpreted symbolically by Chazal. Rashi notes that the name implies "falsehood" (from כָּזַב, "to lie"), suggesting that Yehudah's wife ceased bearing children there—hence, the place "lied" in its expectation of further births (Rashi, ibid.). The Kli Yakar adds that Keziv represents a spiritual interruption, as Yehudah's household was meant to produce righteous offspring, but Shela's birth marked a pause in this process until the episode with Tamar.

Halachic and Moral Implications

  • Yibum (Levirate Marriage): Shela's role becomes critical later when Tamar is denied to him for yibum (Bereishit 38:11), leading to Yehudah's involvement. The Rambam (Hilchos Yibum 1:1) discusses this case as a foundation for the laws of yibum and chalitzah.
  • Divine Providence: The Radak emphasizes that Shela's birth in Keziv was part of Hashem's plan to bring forth Peretz (through Tamar), ancestor of David HaMelech, showing how seemingly minor events lead to redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Shela' mean in Genesis 38:5?
A: The name 'Shela' (שֵׁלָה) comes from the Hebrew root meaning 'to draw out' or 'to request.' Rashi explains that Yehudah named him Shela because he was 'drawn out' from his mother's womb safely. Alternatively, some Midrashic sources suggest it reflects Yehudah's hope that this child would survive (unlike his brothers Er and Onan).
Q: Why is the location 'Keziv' mentioned when Shela was born?
A: Keziv (כְּזִיב) is noted because it marks where Yehudah's wife, Bat-Shua, gave birth. Rashi comments that the name 'Keziv' hints at disappointment ('kezav' meaning 'falsehood'), as Yehudah later failed to fulfill his promise to give Shela to Tamar in marriage (Genesis 38:11). The location serves as a subtle foreshadowing of future events.
Q: Why is the birth of Shela important in the Torah's narrative?
A: Shela's birth is significant because he is part of Yehudah's lineage, which ultimately leads to King David and the Messianic line. Though Yehudah initially withheld Shela from Tamar (leading to the episode with Tamar and the birth of Peretz), Shela remained an ancestor of important tribes in Israel (see Chronicles 4:21-23). The Talmud (Sotah 10b) also discusses the righteousness that later emerged from Yehudah's family despite earlier challenges.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the story of Shela's birth?
A: This verse teaches about divine providence ('hashgacha pratis')—how seemingly minor events (like Shela's birth in Keziv) play a role in a larger plan. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva) emphasizes that every detail in the Torah carries wisdom. Here, even Yehudah's mistakes ultimately contribute to the fulfillment of Hashem's will, as his lineage continues through Peretz and later David.