עֵר (er)
er
Er
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Er, meaning "awake," identifies a figure in the genealogies of Judah found primarily in Genesis and Chronicles. He appears as the eldest son of Judah and his Canaanite wife Bath-shua, making him the half-brother of Perez and Zerah. The narrative in Genesis 38 introduces him as the first husband of Tamar, a detail that anchors his brief presence in the biblical record.
Er’s significance lies not in his actions but in his role within Judah’s lineage. Scripture records that he was put to death by the Lord for being wicked, an event that triggers the subsequent levirate marriage customs involving his brothers Onan and Shelah. This incident highlights the gravity of familial duty and divine judgment in the patriarchal era.
Though he occupies only seven verses, Er serves as a crucial link in the ancestry of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. His name’s association with wakefulness contrasts with his sudden removal from the scene, underscoring the theme that God’s plan for redemption proceeds through complex human histories rather than simple moral success stories.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Er means "awake," yet his story ends abruptly with death. This contrast reminds us that human plans often fall short, but God’s purposes continue regardless of our failures. In Genesis 38, we see that Er was Judah’s firstborn, a position that carried great responsibility. His wickedness led to his removal, which in turn set the stage for the levirate marriage customs involving his brothers.
Though Er appears only briefly, he is a crucial link in the genealogy of King David and Jesus Christ. This shows that God’s redemptive plan proceeds through complex human histories, not just simple moral success stories. Even when individuals fail or are removed, the lineage continues, pointing to a larger narrative of grace and faithfulness.
For your faith, this offers comfort. You do not need to be perfect for God to use you or to continue His work. The Bible records failures honestly, showing that God’s plan is not thwarted by human weakness. Instead, He weaves even difficult moments into a greater story of hope and redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Er8×
- for/ Er1×
- [were] Er1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֵ֤ר2×
- עֵ֚ר2×
- עֵֽר\׃1×
- עֵ֧ר1×
- עֵ֣ר\׀1×
- עֵ֣ר1×
- עֵ֛ר1×
- לְ/עֵ֣ר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 38:7
Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in Yahweh’s sight. So Yahweh killed him.
This verse explicitly states that Er was wicked in Yahweh’s sight and was killed, establishing the divine judgment that drives the subsequent narrative of Tamar and Judah.
-
Genesis 38:6
Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.
Here Er is introduced as Judah’s firstborn with a wife named Tamar, setting up the familial relationships central to the chapter's events.
-
I Chronicles 2:3
The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah, which three were born to him of Shua’s daughter the Canaanitess. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in Yahweh’s sight; and he killed him.
This genealogical record confirms Er’s status as Judah’s firstborn and reiterates his death due to wickedness, linking him directly to the lineage of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Er in the Bible?
Why was Er killed?
What is the meaning of the name Er?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 3 books)
Genesis 4 verses
She conceived, and bore a son; and he named him Er.
Genesis 38:6Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.
Genesis 38:7Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in Yahweh’s sight. So Yahweh killed him.
Genesis 46:12The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez…