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.

Study Bible

But Onan knew
The name "Onan" is derived from the Hebrew root "אוֹנָן" (Onan), meaning "vigorous" or "strong." This introduction to Onan's actions sets the stage for understanding his motivations and the consequences of his choices. In the context of ancient Hebrew culture, the knowledge that the offspring would not be his reflects a deep understanding of the levirate marriage custom, where a brother was expected to produce offspring for his deceased brother to preserve the family line.

that the offspring would not be his
The Hebrew word for "offspring" is "זֶרַע" (zera), which can also mean "seed" or "descendants." This highlights the importance of lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society. The phrase underscores Onan's awareness of the cultural and familial obligations he was expected to fulfill. His reluctance to provide offspring for his brother indicates a selfish prioritization of personal gain over familial duty.

so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife
The act of sleeping with his brother's wife, Tamar, was not merely a physical act but a fulfillment of a social and religious duty. The Hebrew term for "slept" is "שָׁכַב" (shakab), which often implies a deeper covenantal or relational aspect. This phrase emphasizes the repeated nature of Onan's actions, suggesting a willful and ongoing defiance of his responsibilities.

he spilled his seed on the ground
The act of spilling his seed, described by the Hebrew word "שָׁחַת" (shachat), meaning "to destroy" or "to waste," is a deliberate act of disobedience. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this act was seen as a grave violation of duty, as it thwarted the continuation of the family line. The imagery of seed being wasted on the ground symbolizes the loss of potential life and blessing.

to keep from providing offspring for his brother
This phrase highlights Onan's intentionality in preventing the birth of an heir for his brother. The Hebrew word "לְבִלְתִּי" (levilti) means "to not" or "in order not to," indicating a purposeful decision. Onan's actions reflect a deeper spiritual rebellion against God's design for family and community, as well as a disregard for the well-being of his brother's legacy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Onan
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. Tamar
The widow of Er, Onan's brother, who was to be given offspring through Onan according to the custom of levirate marriage.

3. Judah
The father of Er and Onan, who instructed Onan to fulfill his duty to Tamar.

4. Levirate Marriage
A cultural practice where a man is required to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in the brother's name.

5. Canaan
The region where these events took place, highlighting the cultural and familial obligations of the time.

Teaching Points

Understanding Duty and Responsibility
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.

The Consequences of Selfishness
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.

The Sanctity of Sexual Relations
Onan's misuse of his sexual relationship with Tamar highlights the importance of respecting the sanctity of sexual relations as designed by God.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human actions, God's plans and justice prevail. Onan's account reminds us that God sees and judges the intentions of the heart.

Cultural Practices and God's Law
While cultural practices like levirate marriage were significant, they must be understood in light of God's overarching moral law and intentions.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the cultural and familial obligations that Onan was expected to fulfill, and how do they compare to our responsibilities today?

2. How does Onan's account illustrate the consequences of acting out of selfish motives rather than fulfilling one's duty?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our actions align with God's intentions, especially in our relationships with others?

4. How does the concept of levirate marriage in Genesis 38 relate to the broader biblical theme of redemption and family?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult responsibility. How did your faith guide you in fulfilling it, and what can you learn from Onan's failure to do so?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
This passage outlines the law of levirate marriage, which provides context for Onan's obligation to Tamar.

Matthew 22:24-28
Jesus references the practice of levirate marriage when questioned by the Sadducees, showing its continued relevance in Jewish thought.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Paul speaks about the sanctity of the body and sexual purity, which can be related to Onan's misuse of his sexual relationship with Tamar.