Tamar in the Bible — Judah's Daughter-in-Law Who Secured Her Rights
Tamar was a Canaanite woman who married Judah's firstborn son Er. Er died; she was given to Onan (who also died); and Judah refused to give her his third son Shelah. Tamar took justice into her own hands — lying with Judah himself at a roadside, keeping his signet and cord as pledge. When her pregnancy was discovered, Judah ordered her burned — until she produced his signet. His response: 'She hath been more righteous than I.' She bore Perez, who is in the direct genealogical line to David and Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3). Below are 4 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.
What does the Bible say about tamar?
Who is Tamar in the Bible? The daughter-in-law of Judah who was twice widowed and denied her right to the third son — who dressed as a veiled woman to secure her inheritance and was declared by Judah himself: 'She is more righteous than I.' She is an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
4 Bible Verses About Tamar (KJV)
“And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.”
Genesis 38:6 KJV Read Genesis chapter 38 →
“And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.”
Genesis 38:24 KJV Read Genesis chapter 38 →
“And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.”
Genesis 38:26 KJV Read Genesis chapter 38 →
“And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.”
Matthew 1:3 KJV — The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus Read Matthew chapter 1 →
Read These Passages in Full Context
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamar in the Bible
- What does the Bible say about tamar?
- Tamar was a Canaanite woman who married Judah's firstborn son Er. Er died; she was given to Onan (who also died); and Judah refused to give her his third son Shelah. Tamar took justice into her own hands — lying with Judah himself at a roadside, keeping his signet and cord as pledge. When her pregnancy was discovered, Judah ordered her burned — until she produced his signet. His response: 'She hath been more righteous than I.' She bore Perez, who is in the direct genealogical line to David and Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3). Key KJV passages: Genesis 38:6, Genesis 38:24, Genesis 38:26, Matthew 1:3.
- What are the best Bible verses about tamar?
- The most important KJV passages on tamar include: Genesis 38:6, Genesis 38:24, Genesis 38:26, Matthew 1:3. Read all 4 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
- Where in the Bible does it talk about tamar?
- The Bible addresses tamar throughout both Testaments. Key references include Genesis 38:6, Genesis 38:24, Genesis 38:26, Matthew 1:3. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
- What does the New Testament say about tamar?
- New Testament scriptures on tamar: Matthew 1:3. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
- What does the Old Testament say about tamar?
- Old Testament scriptures on tamar: Genesis 38:6, Genesis 38:24, Genesis 38:26. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
- How do I study Bible verses about tamar?
- The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 4 passages on tamar at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.
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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.