Genesis 38:4 - She conceived again, and bore a son; and she named him Onan.
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What does "Genesis 38:4" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:4 simply states that Tamar conceived a second time and gave birth to a son whom she named Onan. It's a straightforward statement of fact within the narrative of Judah and his family.
The significance of this verse, and of Onan's name, comes later in the chapter, as Onan's actions after the death of his brother Er become the focus. He is obligated under the Levirate marriage custom to have children with Tamar to continue Er's lineage. However, Onan refuses to do so properly:
Levirate Marriage: The custom stated that if a man died without children, his brother should marry the widow and produce an heir for the deceased brother. This was seen as a way to preserve the deceased man's name and inheritance.
Onan's Disobedience: The following verses in Genesis 38 explain that Onan had intercourse with Tamar but "spilled his seed on the ground" (Genesis 38:9) to avoid having a child that would be considered his brother's heir. He wanted any children to be considered his own.
Divine Displeasure: God was displeased with Onan's actions because they defied the purpose of the Levirate marriage and were seen as selfish and disrespectful to his brother and to the lineage. The text states that God struck him dead for this.
Therefore, while the verse itself is simple, it's important because it introduces Onan, whose actions become central to the narrative and whose name becomes associated with the concept of refusing to fulfill one's obligations in the context of procreation. The term "onanism" (historically, though somewhat inaccurately, used to refer to male masturbation) is derived from this biblical figure. It is important to note that contemporary rabbinic and protestant views differ from the historical context.
Genesis 38:4 - She conceived again, and bore a son; and she named him Onan.
What does "Genesis 38:4" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:4 simply states that Tamar conceived a second time and gave birth to a son whom she named Onan. It's a straightforward statement of fact within the narrative of Judah and his family.
The significance of this verse, and of Onan's name, comes later in the chapter, as Onan's actions after the death of his brother Er become the focus. He is obligated under the Levirate marriage custom to have children with Tamar to continue Er's lineage. However, Onan refuses to do so properly:
Levirate Marriage: The custom stated that if a man died without children, his brother should marry the widow and produce an heir for the deceased brother. This was seen as a way to preserve the deceased man's name and inheritance.
Onan's Disobedience: The following verses in Genesis 38 explain that Onan had intercourse with Tamar but "spilled his seed on the ground" (Genesis 38:9) to avoid having a child that would be considered his brother's heir. He wanted any children to be considered his own.
Divine Displeasure: God was displeased with Onan's actions because they defied the purpose of the Levirate marriage and were seen as selfish and disrespectful to his brother and to the lineage. The text states that God struck him dead for this.
Therefore, while the verse itself is simple, it's important because it introduces Onan, whose actions become central to the narrative and whose name becomes associated with the concept of refusing to fulfill one's obligations in the context of procreation. The term "onanism" (historically, though somewhat inaccurately, used to refer to male masturbation) is derived from this biblical figure. It is important to note that contemporary rabbinic and protestant views differ from the historical context.