Tamar is one of the boldest and most misunderstood women in the Bible. Her story, found in Genesis 38, reveals how God can work through brokenness, injustice, and bold action to fulfill His purposes. Tamar is also part of the lineage of Jesus, which makes her story even more important in the overall message of redemption.
1. Tamar Was the Daughter-in-Law of Judah
Tamar was married into the family of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Her first husband was Er, Judah's oldest son.
Genesis 38:6 (KJV) — "And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar."
2. Tamar’s First Husband Was Killed by God
Er, Tamar’s husband, was considered wicked. The Bible doesn’t say what he did, but it was bad enough that the Lord took his life.
Genesis 38:7 (KJV) — "And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord slew him."
3. She Was Given to Her Brother-in-Law
Following the custom of levirate marriage, Judah gave Tamar to his second son, Onan. His job was to give Tamar a child in his brother's name.
Genesis 38:8 (KJV) — "Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother."
4. Onan Refused to Fulfill His Duty
Onan disobeyed God's command by avoiding fathering a child with Tamar. His actions were selfish, and God judged him for it.
Genesis 38:10 (KJV) — "And the thing which he did displeased the Lord: wherefore he slew him also."
5. Judah Denied Her a Future Husband
Judah promised Tamar that she could marry his youngest son, Shelah, when he was older. But when the time came, he did not keep his word.
Genesis 38:11 (KJV) — "Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown."
6. Tamar Took Matters Into Her Own Hands
Seeing that Judah had no intention of fulfilling his promise, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and waited for Judah on the road to Timnath.
Genesis 38:14 (KJV) — "And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail... and sat in an open place."
7. Judah Unknowingly Slept with Her
Judah did not recognize Tamar and slept with her. She requested his signet, bracelet, and staff as a pledge for payment.
Genesis 38:18 (KJV) — "And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him."
8. Tamar Was Pregnant with Twins
Tamar gave birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah. This was seen as a blessing, especially after years of waiting and mistreatment.
Genesis 38:27 (KJV) — "And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb."
9. Judah Publicly Acknowledged Tamar’s Righteousness
When Judah found out Tamar was pregnant, he was ready to punish her. But when she revealed his items, he realized his wrong.
Genesis 38:26 (KJV) — "She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son."
10. Tamar Is in the Lineage of Jesus
Tamar is one of the few women mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy. Through her son Perez, she became part of the royal line that led to King David and Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:3 (KJV) — "And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar..."
Summary Table
| Fact | Key Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Married into Judah’s family | Genesis 38:6 | She became part of the royal line |
| 2. Husband Er was wicked | Genesis 38:7 | God judged Er for sin |
| 3. Given to Onan | Genesis 38:8 | Levirate marriage practice |
| 4. Onan disobeyed | Genesis 38:10 | Selfishness leads to judgment |
| 5. Judah withheld Shelah | Genesis 38:11 | Tamar was mistreated |
| 6. Disguised herself | Genesis 38:14 | Tamar took bold action |
| 7. Slept with Judah | Genesis 38:18 | Secured her family line |
| 8. Had twins | Genesis 38:27 | Double blessing |
| 9. Declared righteous | Genesis 38:26 | Judah repented |
| 10. In Jesus’ lineage | Matthew 1:3 | Part of God’s redemption story |
