Genesis 38:7 Meaning Explained

Genesis 38:7

But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD put him to death.

English Standard Version (ESV)

While the verse states Er was "wicked," the Hebrew word used for wickedness is a reversal of his own name, emphasizing that his evil was so inherent it defined him. His death is presented not just as a consequence, but as a divine judgment swiftly enacted upon his deeply ingrained sin.

What Genesis 38:7 means

This passage marks a significant detour from the main story of Joseph, focusing instead on Judah's family and his problematic marriage to a Canaanite woman. After the death of his first two sons, Er and Onan, both for their wickedness, Judah tries to protect his youngest son, Shelah, from a similar fate by sending him to live elsewhere. However, Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, devises a plan to ensure she has an heir, leading to an encounter with Judah himself, disguised as a prostitute.

Wickedness That Draws God's Eye

The Bible doesn't shy away from God's judgment, even on seemingly minor characters. What does it mean to be 'wicked in the sight of the LORD'?

The verse states Er was 'wicked in the sight of the LORD.' This phrase isn't just about public perception or even personal guilt; it signifies a deep-seated rebellion against God's will and character that is acutely aware to Him.

A Sin Noticed By God

Beyond Common Sin: Commentators suggest this implies a wickedness beyond typical human failings – a profound and perhaps public defiance or a sin so grievous it was universally recognized. It was not hidden from God's view.
Direct Opposition: Being 'in the sight of the LORD' means the sin was in direct opposition to God’s nature and His commands, even those not yet formally codified as law. It's a sin that God, as the ultimate moral authority, cannot overlook.
The Purity of God: God’s holiness means He cannot tolerate sin. While His mercy is vast, His justice also demands a response to flagrant evil. Er’s actions, whatever their specific nature, clearly crossed a line that provoked divine judgment.

Judgment as a Divine Response

Er's story ends abruptly with God's direct action. What can this tell us about God's judgment and its purpose?

The phrase 'the LORD put him to death' is stark. It's not a passive observation but an active, divine intervention. This highlights that God is not merely a spectator but an active participant in history, responding to sin.

The Severity of Divine Judgment

A Sign of Displeasure: Er’s death is presented as a consequence of his wickedness. While the exact nature of the sin isn't detailed, the immediate and fatal divine response underscores its severity. It serves as a powerful, albeit grim, example.

Understand the original words

Original language

wickedרָע

ra' · Hebrew Adjective

A general term in the Old Testament for those who act contrary to God's character, moral laws, or covenantal expectations, often implying a state of being morally depraved or intentionally evil in God's eyes.

the LORDיְהוָה

YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun

The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, holiness, and active involvement in the lives of His people and the affairs of the world.

put him to deathמוּת

muwth · Hebrew Verb

To kill, execute, or bring an end to life; often used in Scripture to denote divine judgment or the administration of justice where life is taken as a consequence of transgression.

Historical context

Written: Likely compiled during the later Israelite monarchy, perhaps around the 8th century BC, though its origins are ancient.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses, but modern scholarship suggests multiple authors and editors over time.
Location: Written from the plains of Moab, shortly before the Israelites entered the Promised Land.
Genre: Narrative, featuring genealogies and etiology (explaining origins of names/customs).

Historical background

This passage reveals a period of deep moral compromise within Judah's family line, highlighting God's judgment even on His chosen people when they stray. The circumstances surrounding Er's death underscore that wickedness has severe consequences, and divine justice can intervene directly.

c. 1800 BC
Judah settles in Canaan
Judah, one of Jacob's sons, leaves his brothers and settles in Canaan, establishing his own household separate from his kinsmen.
c. 1800 BC
Judah marries a Canaanite
Judah takes a wife from the Canaanite people, contrary to the customs and divine commands given to Abraham's descendants, setting a precedent for his family.
c. 1799 BC
Birth of Er and Onan
Judah's wife bears him three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er is the firstborn, destined to carry on the family line.
c. 1790 BC— this verse
Er's wickedness and death
Er, Judah's firstborn son, lives a life that is 'wicked in the sight of the LORD.' The text does not specify the sin but implies it was severe, leading to God putting him to death.

Key themes

01God's justice on sin
02Wickedness provoking God
03Consequences of evil deeds

Cross-references

Deuteronomy 25:5

This passage establishes the law of the Levirate marriage, which directly relates to the reason Judah eventually gives Tamar to Shelah, and highlights the societal expectation regarding the continuation of a family line.

1 Corinthians 10:11

This verse uses the story of Judah and his sons as an example for the early church, cautioning them against the sins of idolatry and immorality, thus framing the Genesis narrative as a lesson for believers throughout history.

Matthew 1:3

This verse shows that Tamar, despite the circumstances of her union with Judah, is a crucial ancestor in the lineage of Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's ability to bring about His redemptive plan even through flawed individuals and situations.

Romans 6:23

The death of Er as a consequence of his wickedness directly illustrates the 'wages of sin,' which is death, a core biblical principle that resonates with the severity of God's judgment shown here.

Scholarly commentary

Genesis 38:1-30: "And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah."

Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.

Et dixit Jehudah ad Thamar nurum suam, Mane vidua in domo patris tui, donec crescat Selah filius meus: dicebat…

calvin

Genesis 38:7: "And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him."

Wicked in the sight of the Lord, i.e. notoriously wicked. Compare Genesis 10:9 13:13 . The Lord slew him, in some extraordinary and remarkable manner, as Genesis 38:10 .
poole

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What Genesis 38:7 means

Original language

wickedרָע

ra' · Hebrew Adjective

the LORDיְהוָה

YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun

The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, holiness, and active involvement in the lives of His people and the affairs of the world.

put him to deathמוּת

muwth · Hebrew Verb

To kill, execute, or bring an end to life; often used in Scripture to denote divine judgment or the administration of justice where life is taken as a consequence of transgression.

Historical context

Written: Likely compiled during the later Israelite monarchy, perhaps around the 8th century BC, though its origins are ancient.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses, but modern scholarship suggests multiple authors and editors over time.
Location: Written from the plains of Moab, shortly before the Israelites entered the Promised Land.
Genre: Narrative, featuring genealogies and etiology (explaining origins of names/customs).

Historical background

c. 1800 BC

Judah settles in Canaan

Judah, one of Jacob's sons, leaves his brothers and settles in Canaan, establishing his own household separate from his kinsmen.

c. 1800 BC

Judah marries a Canaanite

Judah takes a wife from the Canaanite people, contrary to the customs and divine commands given to Abraham's descendants, setting a precedent for his family.

c. 1799 BC

Birth of Er and Onan

Judah's wife bears him three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er is the firstborn, destined to carry on the family line.

c. 1790 BC— this verse

Er's wickedness and death

Er, Judah's firstborn son, lives a life that is 'wicked in the sight of the LORD.' The text does not specify the sin but implies it was severe, leading to God putting him to death.