Genesis 38:19 - She arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
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What does "Genesis 38:19" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:19 describes Tamar's actions after Judah refuses to give her his youngest son, Shelah, in marriage as promised, following the deaths of his first two sons who were married to her. To understand the meaning, let's break it down:
"She arose, and went away..." This indicates Tamar's compliance, at least outwardly, with Judah's decision. She's leaving the situation, seemingly accepting her fate.
"...and put off her veil from her..." The veil here is likely a covering worn by women who were either engaged or considered potentially available for marriage. By removing it, Tamar is signaling that she is no longer actively seeking a husband and accepts her status as a widow.
"...and put on the garments of her widowhood." This is the key action. By changing into widow's clothing, Tamar is publicly and definitively declaring herself a widow. These garments would have been specific to that status, signaling to the community that she was mourning her husband and was not available for remarriage. She is outwardly conforming to the societal expectations and consequences of being a widow.
Underlying Significance
The meaning of this verse is multilayered, especially in the context of the entire story:
Appearances and Deception: It highlights Tamar's subsequent deception to get justice. By conforming to widowhood, she is setting the stage for her later actions. She is seemingly accepting her place in society, but inwardly she is planning her revenge and the fulfillment of her right to be part of Judah's lineage.
Judah's Breach of Promise: The verse underscores Judah's failure to uphold his responsibility to provide Tamar with a husband from his family line. He's condemning her to a life of childless widowhood, which was a precarious and often impoverished state in that society.
Tamar's Agency: Despite the social constraints, Tamar is not entirely passive. By choosing to remove the veil and don the widow's garb, she's controlling the narrative and setting up her next move. This signals her intention to take matters into her own hands.
Righteousness: Tamar's actions are portrayed to be more righteous than Judah's when he refuses to give her his last son, because it was his duty to give her an heir and he refused.
In conclusion, this verse isn't just about changing clothes. It's about Tamar outwardly conforming to social expectations while inwardly plotting to secure her future and ensure the continuation of her deceased husband's lineage, due to Judah's unwillingness to do so. It represents a turning point in the story, paving the way for Tamar's clever and daring plan to confront Judah and ultimately fulfill her right to bear children within his family.
Genesis 38:19 - She arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
What does "Genesis 38:19" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:19 describes Tamar's actions after Judah refuses to give her his youngest son, Shelah, in marriage as promised, following the deaths of his first two sons who were married to her. To understand the meaning, let's break it down:
"She arose, and went away..." This indicates Tamar's compliance, at least outwardly, with Judah's decision. She's leaving the situation, seemingly accepting her fate.
"...and put off her veil from her..." The veil here is likely a covering worn by women who were either engaged or considered potentially available for marriage. By removing it, Tamar is signaling that she is no longer actively seeking a husband and accepts her status as a widow.
"...and put on the garments of her widowhood." This is the key action. By changing into widow's clothing, Tamar is publicly and definitively declaring herself a widow. These garments would have been specific to that status, signaling to the community that she was mourning her husband and was not available for remarriage. She is outwardly conforming to the societal expectations and consequences of being a widow.
Underlying Significance
The meaning of this verse is multilayered, especially in the context of the entire story:
Appearances and Deception: It highlights Tamar's subsequent deception to get justice. By conforming to widowhood, she is setting the stage for her later actions. She is seemingly accepting her place in society, but inwardly she is planning her revenge and the fulfillment of her right to be part of Judah's lineage.
Judah's Breach of Promise: The verse underscores Judah's failure to uphold his responsibility to provide Tamar with a husband from his family line. He's condemning her to a life of childless widowhood, which was a precarious and often impoverished state in that society.
Tamar's Agency: Despite the social constraints, Tamar is not entirely passive. By choosing to remove the veil and don the widow's garb, she's controlling the narrative and setting up her next move. This signals her intention to take matters into her own hands.
Righteousness: Tamar's actions are portrayed to be more righteous than Judah's when he refuses to give her his last son, because it was his duty to give her an heir and he refused.
In conclusion, this verse isn't just about changing clothes. It's about Tamar outwardly conforming to social expectations while inwardly plotting to secure her future and ensure the continuation of her deceased husband's lineage, due to Judah's unwillingness to do so. It represents a turning point in the story, paving the way for Tamar's clever and daring plan to confront Judah and ultimately fulfill her right to bear children within his family.