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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 38:9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother's wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/38-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/01_Gen_38_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 38:9 - Judah and Tamar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother's wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/38-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/38-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/38.htm">Chapter 38</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/38-8.htm" title="Genesis 38:8">◄</a> Genesis 38:9 <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm" title="Genesis 38:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/38.htm">New International Version</a> But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother&#8217s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother. <a href="/nlt/genesis/38.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Onan was not willing to have a child who would not be his own heir. So whenever he had intercourse with his brother’s wife, he spilled the semen on the ground. This prevented her from having a child who would belong to his brother. <a href="/esv/genesis/38.htm">English Standard Version</a> But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother’s wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. <a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. <a href="/kjv/genesis/38.htm">King James Bible</a> And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/38.htm">New King James Version</a> But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Onan knew that the child would not be his; so when he had relations with his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground so that he would not give a child to his brother. <a href="/nasb/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1995</a> Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so when he went in to his brother&#8217s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground in order not to give offspring to his brother. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so it came about that when he went in to his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground, in order not to give offspring to his brother. <a href="/lsb/genesis/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Onan knew that the seed would not be his; and it happened that when he went in to his brother’s wife, he wasted it on the ground in order not to give seed to his brother. <a href="/amp/genesis/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Onan knew that the child (heir) would not be his [but his dead brother’s]; so whenever he lay with his brother’s widow, he spilled his seed on the ground [to prevent conception], so that he would not give a child to his brother. <a href="/csb/genesis/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his, so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he released his semen on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his, so whenever he slept with his brother&#8217s wife, he released his semen on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. <a href="/asv/genesis/38.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Onan knew that the seed would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give seed to his brother. <a href="/cev/genesis/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Onan knew the child would not be his, and when he had sex with Tamar, he made sure that she would not get pregnant. <a href="/erv/genesis/38.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give seed to his brother. <a href="/gwt/genesis/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But Onan knew that the descendant wouldn't belong to him, so whenever he slept with his brother's widow, he wasted his semen on the ground to avoid giving his brother a descendant. <a href="/gnt/genesis/38.htm">Good News Translation</a> But Onan knew that the children would not belong to him, so when he had intercourse with his brother's widow, he let the semen spill on the ground, so that there would be no children for his brother. <a href="/isv/genesis/38.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Onan knew that the offspring wouldn't be his own heir, so whenever he had sexual relations with his brother's wife, he would spill his semen on the ground to avoid fathering offspring for his brother. <a href="/msb/genesis/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother?s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. <a href="/net/genesis/38.htm">NET Bible</a> But Onan knew that the child would not be considered his. So whenever he had sexual relations with his brother's wife, he withdrew prematurely so as not to give his brother a descendant. <a href="/nheb/genesis/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But Onan knew that the offspring wouldn?t be his. So it happened when he slept with his brother?s wife that he released his semen on the ground, so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. <a href="/wbt/genesis/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Onan knew that the seed would not be his: and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother's wife, that he frustrated the purpose, lest he should give seed to his brother. <a href="/web/genesis/38.htm">World English Bible</a> Onan knew that the offspring wouldn’t be his; and when he went in to his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground, lest he should give offspring to his brother. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Onan knows that the seed is not [reckoned] his; and it has come to pass, if he has gone in to his brother’s wife, that he has destroyed [it] to the earth, so as not to give seed to his brother; <a href="/ylt/genesis/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Onan knoweth that the seed is not reckoned his; and it hath come to pass, if he hath gone in unto his brother's wife, that he hath destroyed it to the earth, so as not to give seed to his brother; <a href="/slt/genesis/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Onan will know that not to him will be the seed; and it was when he went in to his brother's wife, he destroyed upon the earth, not to give seed to his brother.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He knowing that the children should not be his, when he went in to his brother's wife, spilled his seed upon the ground, lest children should be born in his brother's name. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> He, knowing that the sons to be born would not be his, when he entered to the wife of his brother, he spilled his seed on the ground, lest children should be born in his brother’s name. <a href="/nabre/genesis/38.htm">New American Bible</a> Onan, however, knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he had intercourse with his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground, to avoid giving offspring to his brother. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But since Onan knew that the offspring would not be his, he spilled his semen on the ground whenever he went in to his brother’s wife, so that he would not give offspring to his brother.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; and it came to pass when he went in unto his brother's wife that he spilled the semen on the ground, lest that he should raise an offspring to his brother. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Unan knew that the seed was not his, and when he entered on the wife of his brother he destroyed it on the ground, so that he would not raise up seed to his brother.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Onan knew that the seed would not be his; and it came to pass when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give seed to his brother. <a href="/sep/genesis/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Aunan, knowing that the seed should not be his - it came to pass when he went in to his brother's wife, that he spilled it upon the ground, so that he should not give seed to his brother's wife. <a href="/parallel/genesis/38-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9684" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/38.htm">Judah and Tamar</a> …8Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.” 9<a href="/hebrew/209.htm" title="209: ’ō·w·nān (N-proper-ms) -- Vigorous, a son of Judah. A variation of 'Ownow; strong; Onan, a son of Judah.">But Onan</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: way·yê·ḏa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knew</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/2233.htm" title="2233: haz·zā·ra‘ (Art:: N-ms) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">the offspring</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">belong</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him;</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">so whenever</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">he would sleep with</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brother’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’ê·šeṯ (N-fsc) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">wife,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7843.htm" title="7843: wə·ši·ḥêṯ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- Perhaps to go to ruin. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. ruin.">he would spill his seed</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">on the ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: lə·ḇil·tî (Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">so that he would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nə·ṯān- (V-Qal-Inf) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">produce</a> <a href="/hebrew/2233.htm" title="2233: ze·ra‘ (N-ms) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">offspring</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: lə·’ā·ḥîw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">for his brother.</a> 10What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-10</a> When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. / But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” ... <a href="/ruth/4-5.htm">Ruth 4:5-10</a> Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” / The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.” / Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel. ... <a href="/matthew/22-24.htm">Matthew 22:24-28</a> “Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. / The same thing happened to the second and third brothers, down to the seventh. ... <a href="/mark/12-19.htm">Mark 12:19-23</a> “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. / Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise. ... <a href="/luke/20-28.htm">Luke 20:28-33</a> “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife but died childless. / Then the second ... <a href="/1_chronicles/2-3.htm">1 Chronicles 2:3</a> The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah. These three were born to him by Bath-shua the Canaanite. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death. <a href="/numbers/26-19.htm">Numbers 26:19</a> The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan. <a href="/leviticus/20-21.htm">Leviticus 20:21</a> If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless. <a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1</a> It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9</a> But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. <a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Romans 1:24-27</a> Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. / They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen. / For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. ... <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a> The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3-5</a> But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. / Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. / For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5-6</a> Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5</a> For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.he is.<a href="/deuteronomy/25-6.htm">Deuteronomy 25:6</a> And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.<a href="/ruth/1-11.htm">Ruth 1:11</a> And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?<a href="/ruth/4-10.htm">Ruth 4:10</a> Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.lest that.<a href="/job/5-2.htm">Job 5:2</a> For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.<a href="/proverbs/27-4.htm">Proverbs 27:4</a> Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?<a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Titus 3:3</a> For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/genesis/34-30.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/genesis/37-10.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Frustrated</a> <a href="/genesis/37-10.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Onan</a> <a href="/genesis/36-30.htm">Order</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/genesis/31-15.htm">Reckoned</a> <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-32.htm">Semen</a> <a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Spilled</a> <a href="/genesis/31-40.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/genesis/30-41.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/revelation/15-4.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/18-16.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/exodus/8-9.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/genesis/41-47.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-2.htm">Frustrated</a> <a href="/genesis/42-6.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/genesis/46-6.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/genesis/46-12.htm">Onan</a> <a href="/genesis/38-20.htm">Order</a> <a href="/genesis/42-11.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/genesis/48-5.htm">Reckoned</a> <a href="/genesis/46-6.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-16.htm">Semen</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-14.htm">Spilled</a> <a href="/genesis/41-6.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/exodus/17-11.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/genesis/38-26.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 38</div>1. <a href="/genesis/38-1.htm">Judah begets Er, Onan, and Shelah.</a> 6. <a href="/genesis/38-6.htm">Er's marriage with Tamar, and death.</a> 8. <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">The trespass of Onan.</a> 11. <a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Tamar is reserved for Shelah.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/38-12.htm">Judah's wife dies.</a> 13. <a href="/genesis/38-13.htm">Tamar deceives Judah.</a> 27. <a href="/genesis/38-27.htm">She bears twins, Pharez and Zarah.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/38.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/38.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; In the context of ancient Israelite culture, the practice of levirate marriage was established to ensure the continuation of a deceased brother's lineage. This is outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-6</a>, where a brother is expected to marry the widow of his deceased brother to produce offspring in his name. Onan's awareness that the offspring would not be considered his own reflects his understanding of this cultural and legal obligation. This practice was crucial for maintaining family inheritance and lineage, which were vital in the tribal structure of Israel.so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, Onan's actions are set against the backdrop of familial duty and covenantal responsibility. The act of sleeping with his brother's wife, Tamar, was not merely a personal choice but a fulfillment of a societal and religious duty. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's laws and the importance of family loyalty and honor.he would spill his seed on the ground This deliberate act of contraception was a direct violation of the levirate marriage duty. In the biblical narrative, this act is seen as a willful disobedience to God's command and a selfish refusal to honor his brother's memory. The spilling of seed is symbolic of Onan's rejection of God's provision and plan for family and inheritance, which is a recurring theme in the Bible where disobedience leads to divine displeasure.so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. Onan's refusal to produce offspring for his brother highlights his self-interest and disregard for familial obligations. This act is condemned in the narrative as it goes against the divine order and the preservation of the family line, which is a significant theme throughout the Old Testament. The importance of lineage is seen in the genealogies that lead to the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises through specific family lines. Onan's actions are a stark contrast to the faithfulness expected of God's people, and his story serves as a warning against selfishness and disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/o/onan.htm">Onan</a> The second son of Judah, who was instructed to perform the duty of a brother-in-law to Tamar, his deceased brother Er's widow, by providing offspring for his brother. 2. <a href="/topical/t/tamar.htm">Tamar</a> The widow of Er, Onan's brother, who was to be given offspring through Onan according to the custom of levirate marriage. 3. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The father of Er and Onan, who instructed Onan to fulfill his duty to Tamar. 4. <a href="/topical/l/levirate_marriage.htm">Levirate Marriage</a> A cultural practice where a man is required to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in the brother's name. 5. <a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a> The region where these events took place, highlighting the cultural and familial obligations of the time.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_duty_and_responsibility.htm">Understanding Duty and Responsibility</a> Onan's actions reflect a failure to fulfill his familial and cultural responsibilities. As Christians, we are called to honor our commitments and responsibilities to others. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_selfishness.htm">The Consequences of Selfishness</a> Onan's decision was driven by self-interest, leading to his downfall. This serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of selfishness and the importance of selflessness in our relationships. <a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_sexual_relations.htm">The Sanctity of Sexual Relations</a> Onan's misuse of his sexual relationship with Tamar highlights the importance of respecting the sanctity of sexual relations as designed by God. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_justice.htm">God's Sovereignty and Justice</a> Despite human actions, God's plans and justice prevail. Onan's account reminds us that God sees and judges the intentions of the heart. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_practices_and_god's_law.htm">Cultural Practices and God's Law</a> While cultural practices like levirate marriage were significant, they must be understood in light of God's overarching moral law and intentions.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 9, 10. - And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when - literally, and it was if, i.e. whenever (cf. Ewald, Hebrews Synt., § 3456) - he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground (literally, destroyed to the ground), lest that he should (or, so as not to) give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased (literally, was evil in the eyes of) the Lord: - the word Jehovah is employed not because the writer was a late interpolator, but because the sin of Onan was an offence against the sanctity and prosperity of the theocratic family (Hengstenberg) - wherefore he (i.e. Jehovah) slew him also (vide supra). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/38-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Onan אוֹנָ֔ן (’ō·w·nān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_209.htm">Strong's 209: </a> Onan -- 'vigorous', a son of Judah knew וַיֵּ֣דַע (way·yê·ḏa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the offspring הַזָּ֑רַע (haz·zā·ra‘) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity would not לֹּ֥א‪‬ (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no belong יִהְיֶ֣ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be to him; ל֖וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> so whenever אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not he would sleep with בָּ֨א (bā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go his brother’s אָחִיו֙ (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) wife, אֵ֤שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female he would spill his seed וְשִׁחֵ֣ת (wə·ši·ḥêṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7843.htm">Strong's 7843: </a> Perhaps to go to ruin on the ground אַ֔רְצָה (’ar·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land so that he would not לְבִלְתִּ֥י (lə·ḇil·tî) Preposition-l <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until produce נְתָן־ (nə·ṯān-) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set offspring זֶ֖רַע (ze·ra‘) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity for his brother. לְאָחִֽיו׃ (lə·’ā·ḥîw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/38-9.htm">Genesis 38:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/38-9.htm">OT Law: Genesis 38:9 Onan knew that the seed wouldn't be (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/38-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 38:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/38-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 38:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>