Genesis 38:8
Genesis 38:8 in Multiple Translations
Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.”
And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.
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.
Then Judah said to Onan, Go in to your brother's wife and do what it is right for a husband's brother to do; make her your wife and get offspring for your brother.
Judah told Onan, “Go and sleep with your brother's wife to fulfill the requirements of a brother-in-law to have children on behalf of your brother.”
Then Iudah said to Onan, Goe in vnto thy brothers wife, and do the office of a kinsman vnto her, and raise vp seede vnto thy brother.
And Judah saith to Onan, 'Go in unto the wife of thy brother, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother;'
Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.”
And Judah said to Onan, Go in to thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.
Juda, therefore said to Onan his son: Go in to thy brother’s wife and marry her, that thou mayst raise seed to thy brother.
Then Judah said to Onan, “Your older brother died without having any sons. So marry his widow and have sex [EUP] with her. That is what our customs require that you should do.”
Then Judah talked to his 2nd son Onan. Judah said, “Your brother Er is dead, and he didn’t have any kids. So now, you have to marry Er’s wife and sleep with her, so that she will have kids. That’s the rule in our culture. And after those kids grow up, they will get everything that belonged to Er. It will be like they are his kids.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 38:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
יְהוּדָה֙
לְ/אוֹנָ֔ן
בֹּ֛א
אֶל
אֵ֥שֶׁת
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
וְ/יַבֵּ֣ם
אֹתָ֑/הּ
וְ/הָקֵ֥ם
זֶ֖רַע
לְ/אָחִֽי/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
לְ/אוֹנָ֔ן
ʼÔwnân
H209
Onan
Prep | N-proper
בֹּ֛א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
וְ/יַבֵּ֣ם
yâbam
H2992
be brother-in-law
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אֹתָ֑/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/הָקֵ֥ם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
זֶ֖רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms
לְ/אָחִֽי/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:8
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
לְ/אוֹנָ֔ן
ʼÔwnân
H209
"Onan"
Prep | N-proper
Onan was a son of Judah, mentioned in Genesis 38:4, who failed to fulfill a family duty and was slain by God. He was the brother of Er and Shelah. Onan means strong.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.38.4; son of: Judah (H3063) and Bath-shua (H1323I) ; brother of: Er (H6147) and Shelah (H7956); half-brother of: Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I) § Onan = "strong" second son of Judah, slain by God for not fulfilling the levitical requirement to beget a child with the wife of a dead, childless brother
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Onan. See also: Genesis 38:4; Genesis 46:12; 1 Chronicles 2:3.
בֹּ֛א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וְ/יַבֵּ֣ם
yâbam
H2992
"be brother-in-law"
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word refers to the act of marrying a brother's widow, a practice known as levirate marriage. It's described in the Bible as a duty to the deceased brother.
Definition: 1) (Piel) to perform levirate marriage, perform the duty of a brother-in-law 1a) the duty due to a brother who died childless - to marry his widow and have a son for his name
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: perform the duty of a husband's brother, marry. See also: Genesis 38:8; Deuteronomy 25:5; Deuteronomy 25:7.
אֹתָ֑/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וְ/הָקֵ֥ם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
זֶ֖רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
לְ/אָחִֽי/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 38:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:8
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:8
- Sermons on Genesis 38:8
Context — Judah and Tamar
6Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.
7But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death.
8Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.”
9But 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. 10What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 25:5–10 | When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, “I do not want to marry her,” his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal, spit in his face, and declare, “This is what is done to the man who will not maintain his brother’s line.” And his family name in Israel will be called “The House of the Unsandaled.” |
| 2 | Matthew 22:23–27 | That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brothers, down to the seventh. And last of all, the woman died. |
| 3 | Ruth 4:5–11 | Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.” Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel. So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” At this, Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.” “We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem. |
| 4 | Ruth 1:11 | But Naomi replied, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb to become your husbands? |
| 5 | Leviticus 18:16 | You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother. |
| 6 | Numbers 36:8–9 | Every daughter who possesses an inheritance from any Israelite tribe must marry within a clan of the tribe of her father, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. No inheritance may be transferred from one tribe to another, for each tribe of Israel must retain its inheritance.” |
Genesis 38:8 Summary
In Genesis 38:8, Judah tells his son Onan to marry his brother's widow, Tamar, to have children for his brother. This was a custom to ensure the family lineage continued. Judah wanted to follow this custom, but as we see in the next verses, Onan did not obey. This story teaches us about the importance of family and trusting in God's plan, even when things don't go as expected (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11). We can learn from Judah's actions and trust in God's sovereignty, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the custom being referred to in Genesis 38:8?
The custom is known as levirate marriage, where a brother is required to marry his brother's widow to produce an heir, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:5-6 and Ruth 4:5.
Why did Judah instruct Onan to sleep with his brother's wife?
Judah instructed Onan to sleep with Tamar, his brother's wife, to fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law and raise up offspring for his brother Er, who had died, as stated in Genesis 38:8.
Is this practice still relevant today?
No, this practice is not relevant today, as it was a part of the Old Testament law and is no longer applicable, as seen in Romans 7:1-4 and Galatians 3:23-25.
What can we learn from Judah's actions in this verse?
We can learn that Judah was trying to follow the customs of his time, but his actions were also influenced by a desire to protect his family's inheritance, as hinted at in Genesis 38:8-10, and ultimately, we see the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with difficult family situations, and what can I learn from Judah's actions in this verse?
- What are some customs or traditions in my own life that may be influencing my decisions, and are they aligned with God's will?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even in challenging circumstances, like Judah and his family faced?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of family and inheritance, and how can I apply these principles in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:8
And Judah said unto Onan,.... Some time after his brother's death: go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her; Moses here uses a word not common for marriage, but which was peculiar to the marrying
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:8
And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. Marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:8
This, as also divers other things, was now instituted and observed amongst God’ s people, and afterwards was expressed in a written law, ,6. See also ,7 Rth 1:11 . Raise up seed to thy brother; beget a child which may have thy brother’ s name and inheritance, and may be reputed as his child. So it was with the first child, but the rest were reputed his own.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:8
Genesis 38:8 And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’ s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.Ver. 8. And Judah said unto Onan.] At fourteen years of age likewise. For, from the birth of Judah to their going down to Egypt, were but forty-three years. And yet before that, Pharez had Hezron and Hamul, being married about the fourteenth year of his age; which was, doubtless, too soon. Childhood is counted and called the flower of age. And so long the apostle would have marriage forborne. While the flower of the plant sprouteth, the seed is green, unfit to be sown. Either it comes not up, or soon withereth. Too early marriages is one cause of our too short lives. Pursuit of sexual pleasure is death’ s best harbinger, saith one.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 38:8
(8) Go in unto thy brother’s wife.—We learn from this that the law of the Levirate, by which the brother of the dead husband was required to marry the widow, was of far more ancient date than the law of Moses. Its object, first of all, was to prevent the extinction of any line of descent, a matter of great importance in those genealogical days; and, secondly, it was an obstacle to the accumulation of landed property in few hands, as the son first born after the Levirate marriage inherited the property of his deceased uncle, while the second son was the representative of the real father. A similar custom existed in parts of India, Persia, &c, and prevails now among the Mongols. The Mosaic Law did not institute, but regulated the custom, confining such marriages to cases where the deceased brother had died without children, and permitting the brother to refuse to marry the widow, under a penalty, nevertheless, of disgrace. Onan, by refusing to take Tamar, may have been actuated by the selfish motive of obtaining for himself the rights of primogeniture, which would otherwise have gone to his eldest son, as the heir of his uncle ‘Er.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 38:8
8. perform] The first instance of the “levirate” (Lat. lêvir, “brother-in-law”) law which made it obligatory for a surviving brother to marry the widow of his brother, if the latter should die childless. See Deuteronomy 25:5; Matthew 22:24. The eldest son of a levirate marriage succeeded to the deceased’s name and inheritance.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 38:8
8. Seed to thy brother — Here is the first mention of levirate marriage. See our notes on Ruth, at the beginning of chapter 3.
Sermons on Genesis 38:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ruth by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the relationship between the Church and Israel from the perspective of the bride. He emphasizes the importance of the Church being a woman of |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 23 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the Book of Deuteronomy, focusing on Moses' sermons to the people of God before entering Canaan. It emphasizes responding to God's grace with obedience and |
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Ruth From "The Numerical Bible" by F.W. Grant | F. W. Grant preaches on the Book of Ruth, highlighting the historical context during the times of the judges and its connection to David and the kingdom. The story shows how God's |
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Day 156, Luke 20 by David Servant | David Servant discusses the spiritual insight of common folks in Jesus' time compared to the Jewish religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuine love for God and others |
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Eternally Fixed Sexual Identity for an Age of Plastic Sexuality by Daniel R. Heimbach | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the challenge of the attack on the family and its impact on Christians and their witness. The speaker discusses the transformation of intimacy |
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Pilgrims Problems No. 4 Divorce by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of companionship and the union between a man and a woman. He refers to the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2, where God reco |
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The Head of the Serpent Bruised by the Seed of the Woman. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on Genesis 3:15, emphasizing the profound implications of God's promise that the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent, symbolizing the ultimate |