Overview
The Bible addresses shelah across 8 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis, 1 Chronicles and Numbers. Closely related themes include Onan, Pharez, Zarah and Achzib. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Shelah, Judah, Onan and Tamar.
Key Bible verses about shelah
Old Testament
Genesis
And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.
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.
And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. an open: Heb. the door of eyes, or, of Enajim
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.
And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.
1 Chronicles
The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: which three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him.
The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,
People in the Bible and shelah
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying shelah for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 38:5, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Genesis, 1 Chronicles and Numbers each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Shelah, Judah and Onan and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Onan, Pharez, Zarah and Achzib.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about shelah?
The Bible addresses shelah across 8 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis, 1 Chronicles and Numbers. Closely related themes include Onan, Pharez, Zarah and Achzib. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Shelah, Judah, Onan and Tamar.
How many Bible verses are about shelah?
The Bible references shelah in 8 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention shelah?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 38:5: “And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with shelah?
Shelah, Judah, Onan, Tamar and Perez.
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