tamar in the bible

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:24:05 +0000

# Who Was Tamar in the Bible? Exploring Her Role in Scripture Tamar is a powerful and pivotal figure in the Bible, referenced primarily in the Book of Genesis as a bold and courageous woman whose story reveals profound themes of justice, loyalty, and redemption. Though her narrative appears briefly, her actions resonate deeply within Scripture and offer valuable lessons for readers today. This article explores Tamar’s role, her bold defiance of societal norms, and the lasting significance of her presence in biblical history. ## Who Was Tamar in the Bible? Tamar, whose name means “fig” in Hebrew (תָּמָר), appears in Genesis 38, during the lineage of Judah and Tamar’s eventual link to the royal line of David and ultimately Jesus. She is introduced as the wife of Judah’s firstborn son, Er, whose death triggers a complex family crisis. When Er dies childless, Judah fears his youngest son Onan will follow the same course—deceiving Tamar while sexually engaging with her, thereby withholding lineage and inheritance.