Er
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Er in the Bible?
Er was the eldest son of Judah and his Canaanite wife, Shua. According to the Genesis narrative, he married Tamar but died because Yahweh considered him wicked. He is listed as an ancestor of Jesus in the genealogy provided in the Gospel of Luke.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Er's brief narrative helps readers grasp the literary function of genealogies in establishing lineage and the thematic emphasis on divine judgment within the patriarchal accounts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Er reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Er in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Er clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Er." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/er/