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] Shuah; and he took her, and went in to 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 conceived, and 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, whose 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 to Onan, Go in to thy brother's wife, and marry 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 to his brother's wife, that he frustrated the purpose, lest he should give seed to his brother.

Genesis 38:1-9 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.