AI illustration: Tamar - Judah's daughter-in-law
AI illustration

Who was Tamar?

Biblical figure: Tamar Role: Judah's daughter-in-law

Tamar was a biblical figure from the book of Genesis. She was the daughter of King David's son, Judah, and his wife, Shua.

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The story of Tamar

Tamar was the sister of Er, Onan, and Shelah. She is best known for her role in the story of Judah and Tamar, which is found in Genesis 38. Tamar's story begins when her brother Er dies without having any children.

According to the law of the time, Onan, Tamar's other brother, was to marry Tamar and have a child in Er's name. Onan refused to do this, so Judah had him killed. Judah then promised to give Tamar to his youngest son, Shelah, when he was of age.

However, Judah never kept his promise. Tamar, feeling betrayed, decided to take matters into her own hands. She disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced Judah.

After their encounter, Judah gave her his signet, cord, and staff as a pledge of payment. Tamar then revealed her identity and Judah acknowledged his wrongdoing. Tamar later gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah.

Perez was the ancestor of King David and Jesus. Tamar is remembered for her courage and resourcefulness in a time when women had few rights. She is an example of how God can use even the most difficult of circumstances to bring about his will.

Name meaning
Palm tree
Name origin
Hebrew
Role
Judah's daughter-in-law
First mention
Genesis 38:6
Appearances in the Bible
22 mentions

Family of Tamar

Spouse
Children
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Questions about Tamar

Who was Tamar in the Bible?

Tamar was a biblical figure from the book of Genesis. She was the daughter of King David's son, Judah, and his wife, Shua. Tamar was the sister of Er, Onan, and Shelah. She is best known for her role in the story of Judah and Tamar, which is found in Genesis 38. Tamar's story begins when her brother Er dies without having any children. According to the law of the time, Onan, Tamar's other brother, was to marry Tamar and have a child in Er's name. Onan refused to do this, so Judah had him killed. Judah then promised to give Tamar to his youngest son, Shelah, when he was of age. However, Judah never kept his promise. Tamar, feeling betrayed, decided to take matters into her own hands. She disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced Judah. After their encounter, Judah gave her his signet, cord, and staff as a pledge of payment. Tamar then revealed her identity and Judah acknowledged his wrongdoing. Tamar later gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. Perez was the ancestor of King David and Jesus. Tamar is remembered for her courage and resourcefulness in a time when women had few rights. She is an example of how God can use even the most difficult of circumstances to bring about his will.

What does the name Tamar mean?

The name Tamar means “Palm tree”. Origin: Hebrew.

Where is Tamar first mentioned in the Bible?

Tamar is first mentioned in Genesis 38:6.

How many times is Tamar mentioned in the Bible?

Number of mentions in the Bible: 22.

Who were the parents of Tamar?

Parents: Judah.

Who was the spouse of Tamar?

Spouse: Judah and Er.

Who were the children of Tamar?

Children: Perez and Zerah.

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