Genesis 38:9

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.

And Onan {H209} knew {H3045} that the seed {H2233} should not be his; and it came to pass, when {H518} he went in {H935} unto his brother's {H251} wife {H802}, that he spilled {H7843} it on the ground {H776}, lest {H1115} that he should give {H5414} seed {H2233} to his brother {H251}.

However, Onan knew that the child would not count as his; so whenever he had intercourse with his brother's wife, he spilled the semen on the ground, so as not to give his brother offspring.

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.

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.

Commentary

Genesis 38:9 describes Onan's actions in the context of the levirate marriage custom, a significant tradition in ancient Israelite society. This verse is pivotal to understanding the complex narrative of Judah and Tamar.

Context of Genesis 38:9

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah, one of Jacob's sons, and his family. After Judah's firstborn son, Er, died without offspring, it was customary for the next brother, Onan, to marry Er's widow, Tamar. This practice, known as levirate marriage (from the Latin levir, meaning "brother-in-law"), was designed to ensure the deceased brother's name and lineage continued, and his inheritance remained within the family. Onan's duty was clear: to raise up an heir for his deceased brother, Er.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Disobedience to Custom: Onan understood his obligation but deliberately chose to circumvent it. He "knew that the seed should not be his," meaning he recognized that any child born from this union would legally belong to his deceased brother, Er, not himself.
  • Selfishness and Greed: Onan's primary motivation was self-interest. By preventing conception, he sought to avoid diminishing his own future inheritance, as an heir born to Er through Tamar would have a claim. This highlights a profound disregard for family duty and the welfare of his brother's widow.
  • Importance of Lineage: The narrative underscores the critical importance of preserving family lines and ensuring heirs in ancient cultures. The failure to do so was considered a grave matter.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "he spilled [it] on the ground" is a euphemism describing coitus interruptus, a deliberate act to prevent conception. The term "seed" (Hebrew: זֶרַע, zera') here refers specifically to offspring or descendants, emphasizing the continuity of the family line. Onan’s action was not merely a physical act but a symbolic and deliberate refusal to fulfill his societal and familial responsibility.

Significance and Application

Onan's actions were seen as evil in the sight of the Lord, leading to divine judgment as recounted in Genesis 38:10. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of selfishness and the refusal to fulfill one's duties and obligations, especially when they are meant to uphold justice or support others. It speaks to the importance of integrity, responsibility, and considering the well-being of others above personal gain, principles that remain relevant in all eras.

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Cross-References

  • James 3:16 (3 votes)

    For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

  • James 4:5 (3 votes)

    Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

  • Titus 3:3 (3 votes)

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • Ruth 4:10 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Deuteronomy 25:6 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Job 5:2 (2 votes)

    For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

  • James 3:14 (2 votes)

    But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.