Genesis 38:1-9 ▼

1 And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.

2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her, and went in unto her.

3 And she conceived, and bore a son; and he called his name Er.

4 And she conceived again, and bore a son; and she called his name Onan.

5 And she yet again bore a son, and called his name Shelah; and he was at Chezib, when she bore him.

6 And Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, and her name was Tamar.

7 And Er, Judah's first-born, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.

8 And Judah said unto Onan: 'Go in unto thy brother's wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother unto her, and raise up seed to thy brother.'

9 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.