Genesis 38:7-10

Listen to Genesis 38:7-10
7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, 1was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death.
8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to 2your brother’s wife and 3perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother. ”
9 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.
10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also.

Genesis 38:7-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 38

This chapter is wholly taken up with matters relating to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, from whom the Jews have their name, and from whom Christ sprung: it treats of his marriage with a Canaanitess, his children by her, their character and end, Ge 38:1-11; of his incest with his daughter-in-law, though unknown by him, Ge 38:12-23; of his resentment against her, when he heard she was with child, and his confusion when he found it was by himself, Ge 38:24-26; and of the birth of twins by her, named Pharez and Zarah, Ge 38:27-30.

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Cross References 3

  • 1. 38:7 1 Chr. 2:3
  • 2. 38:8 Matt. 22:24; Mark 12:19; Luke 20:28
  • 3. 38:8 See Deut. 25:5-10
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025