Discovery BoxGenesis 38:22-24 
Context38:22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I couldn’t find her. Moreover, the men of the place said, ‘There has been no cult prostitute here.’” 38:23 Judah said, “Let her keep the things 1 for herself. Otherwise we will appear to be dishonest. 2 I did indeed send this young goat, but you couldn’t find her.”
38:24 After three months Judah was told, 3 “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has turned to prostitution, 4 and as a result she has become pregnant.” 5 Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”
1 tn The words “the things” have been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
2 tn Heb “we will become contemptible.” The Hebrew word בּוּז (buz) describes the contempt that a respectable person would have for someone who is worthless, foolish, or disreputable.
3 tn Heb “it was told to Judah, saying.”
4 tn Or “has been sexually promiscuous.” The verb may refer here to loose or promiscuous activity, not necessarily prostitution.
5 tn Heb “and also look, she is with child by prostitution.”
