Genesis 38:20 net — Then Judah had his friend Hirah the Adullamite take a young goat to get back from the woman the items he had given in p…

NET Bible

"Then Judah had his friend Hirah the Adullamite take a young goat to get back from the woman the items he had given in pledge, but Hirah could not find her."

— Genesis 38:20, NET Bible

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Genesis 38:20 in Other Translations

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Genesis 38 — Context

17

He replied,“I’ll send you a young goat from the flock.” She asked,“Will you give me a pledge until you send it?”

18

He said,“What pledge should I give you?” She replied,“Your seal, your cord, and the staff that’s in your hand.” So he gave them to her, then slept with her, and she became pregnant by him.

19

She left immediately, removed her veil, and put on her widow’s clothes.

20

Then Judah had his friend Hirah the Adullamite take a young goat to get back from the woman the items he had given in pledge, but Hirah could not find her.

21

He asked the men who were there,“Where is the cult prostitute who was at Enaim by the road?” But they replied,“There has been no cult prostitute here.”

22

So he returned to Judah and said,“I couldn’t find her. Moreover, the men of the place said,‘There has been no cult prostitute here.’”

23

Judah said,“Let her keep the things for herself. Otherwise we will appear to be dishonest. I did indeed send this young goat, but you couldn’t find her.”

Genesis 38:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 38:20 say?
Genesis 38:20 in the NET Bible reads: “Then Judah had his friend Hirah the Adullamite take a young goat to get back from the woman the items he had given in pledge, but Hirah could not find her.”
Where is Genesis 38:20 in the Bible?
Genesis 38:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 38, verse 20.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 38:20.
What translation should I read Genesis 38:20 in?
Genesis 38:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 38:20?
Genesis 38:20 reads (NET): “Then Judah had his friend Hirah the Adullamite take a young goat to get back from the woman the items he had given in pledge, but Hirah could not find her.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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