Tamar
femalePatriarchalMeaning: “Palm tree”
The daughter-in-law of Judah who, denied her levirate rights, secured justice through a bold ruse and bore Perez — an ancestor of David and of Jesus.
Biography
Tamar — distinct from David's daughter of the same name — was the daughter-in-law of Judah. Her account in Genesis 38 is a difficult but important story of justice withheld and then secured, placing her among the four women named in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus.
Widowed and wronged
Tamar married Judah's firstborn, Er, who died; then his brother Onan, who also died. Judah, fearing for his third son, sent Tamar away as a widow and failed to give her the levirate marriage that custom and duty required (Genesis 38:6–11).
Securing her right
When Judah would not act, Tamar disguised herself and, unrecognized, conceived by Judah himself, keeping his signet, bracelets, and staff as proof. When she was condemned for the pregnancy, she produced the tokens, and Judah confessed, "She hath been more righteous than I" (Genesis 38:26).
Mother of the royal line
Tamar bore twins, Perez and Zerah. Through Perez ran the line to Boaz, Jesse, and David (Ruth 4:18–22), and on to Christ — and so Matthew names "Thamar" in the opening genealogy of his Gospel (Matthew 1:3).
Life Timeline
Widowed by Er and Onan; denied levirate marriage
Secures justice and is judged "more righteous" by Judah
Bears Perez, an ancestor of David and Christ
On the Bible timeline
Tamar belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Tamar
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Tamar appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
5 verses in 2 booksGenesis4 verses
Genesis 38:6
And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.
Genesis 38:11
Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
Genesis 38:13
And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.
Genesis 38:24
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.
Ruth1 verse
Ruth 4:12
And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.
Frequently asked about Tamar
Who was Tamar in the Bible?
The daughter-in-law of Judah who, denied her levirate rights, secured justice through a bold ruse and bore Perez — an ancestor of David and of Jesus.
What does the name Tamar mean?
The name Tamar means “Palm tree”.
Who were Tamar's children?
Tamar's children include Perez, Zerah.
Where does Tamar appear in the Bible?
Tamar is mentioned 5 times across 2 books: Genesis, Ruth.
What can we learn from Tamar?
The story of Tamar touches on themes of inheritance, adultery, heir, patriarchal government — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Tamar's life.
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