Tamar תָּמָר
Judah's daughter-in-law who bore Perez and Zerah
Who is Tamar in the Bible?
Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah, first married to his son Er and then to Onan according to the custom of levirate marriage (Genesis 38:6-11). After being wronged by Judah, who failed to give her his youngest son Shelah as required, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and conceived twins by Judah himself (Genesis 38:13-24). She gave birth to Perez and Zerah, who became important ancestors of the tribe of Judah (Ruth 4:12; 1 Chronicles 2:4). Judah acknowledged her righteousness, declaring that she was more just than he was (Genesis 38:26), and her lineage proved significant as Perez is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3). Tamar's story demonstrates how God works through unexpected circumstances to accomplish His purposes and preserve the line leading to the Messiah.
Biography
Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah, married first to his son Er and then to Onan (Gen.38.6-11). After being wronged by Judah, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and conceived twins by him (Gen.38.13-24). She gave birth to Perez and Zerah, who became ancestors of the tribe of Judah (Gen.38.29-30; Rut.4.12; 1Ch.2.4). Tamar is praised for her righteousness in contrast to Judah (Gen.38.26). She is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Mat.1.3).
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In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 2 with study contentGenesis 4 verses
- Genesis 38:6
"Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 38:11
"Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 38:13
"When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,”"
Study Genesis → - Genesis 38:24
"About three months later, Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has prostituted herself, and now she is pregnant.” “Bring her out!” Judah replied. “Let her be burned to death!”"
Study Genesis →
Ruth 1 verse
- Ruth 4:12
"And may your house become like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the LORD will give you by this young woman.”"
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 2:4
"Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, bore to him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all."
Matthew 1 verse
- Matthew 1:3
"Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram."
Study Matthew →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | תָּמָר |
| Greek | Greek | Θάμαρ |