Fourth son of Jacob and Leah. He suggested selling Joseph to traders rather than killing him. He became a leader among his brothers and ancestor of the tribe of Judah, from which David, Solomon, and Jesus descended. Jacob's blessing predicted a ruler's scepter would remain in his family.
SpouseTamarDaughter-in-law, mother of his sons Perez and Zerah
SonPerezSon by Tamar, carrier of the royal line to David
Key Scripture AppearancesKJV
Genesis 29:35
And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.Genesis 29:35, KJV
Genesis 37:26
And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?Genesis 37:26, KJV
Genesis 44:16
And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.Genesis 44:16, KJV
Genesis 49:8
Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee.Genesis 49:8, KJV
Matthew 1:2
Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;Matthew 1:2, KJV
See how Judah connects to every other figure in Scripture.