Genesis 38:9 - Onan knew that the offspring wouldn’t be his; and when he went in to his brother’s wife, he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give offspring to his brother.
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What does "Genesis 38:9" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:9 describes Onan's act of coitus interruptus, or withdrawing before ejaculation. The reason given is that he did not want to father a child with his deceased brother's wife, Tamar.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means and its context:
Background: The story begins with Judah and his family. Judah's eldest son, Er, married Tamar. Er was wicked, and God killed him. Under the levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10, although it is practiced before it is codified) prevalent in that time, it was the duty of Er's brother (Onan in this case) to marry Tamar and father a child with her. This child would be considered the heir of the deceased brother, Er, and would continue his lineage and inheritance.
"Onan knew that the offspring wouldn’t be his": Onan understood that any child born to Tamar would not be considered his own heir. The child would legally be Er's heir, continuing Er's line. This meant Onan would not benefit from the child in terms of inheritance or legacy.
"he spilled it on the ground": This refers to the act of coitus interruptus. Onan engaged in sexual relations with Tamar but prevented conception by withdrawing before ejaculation.
"lest he should give offspring to his brother": This is the motivation behind Onan's actions. He didn't want to fulfill his levirate duty and provide an heir for his deceased brother. He was trying to avoid the obligation of raising a child that wouldn't be considered his own.
Interpretations and Significance:
Condemnation of Selfishness: The text implies that Onan's actions were wrong because they were motivated by selfishness. He was prioritizing his own interests over his familial and social responsibilities. He was unwilling to fulfill his duty to his brother and provide for Tamar.
Historically: Some interpret this passage as condemning the practice of contraception (coitus interruptus being the most common method in that era). However, the verse's primary focus seems to be on Onan's motive of avoiding his levirate duty, rather than the specific act itself. Others disagree, pointing out that the only reason he spilled his seed was to avoid providing an heir to his brother. Had this situation not involved the responsibility of providing an heir for his dead brother, Onan would have had no reason to spill his seed in this way.
Modern relevance: The story raises questions about duty, responsibility, and the consequences of selfish actions.
In summary, the verse depicts Onan deliberately avoiding his levirate duty to provide an heir for his deceased brother. He did this by using coitus interruptus, and his actions are generally interpreted as stemming from selfishness.
Genesis 38:9 - Onan knew that the offspring wouldn’t be his; and when he went in to his brother’s wife, he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give offspring to his brother.
What does "Genesis 38:9" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:9 describes Onan's act of coitus interruptus, or withdrawing before ejaculation. The reason given is that he did not want to father a child with his deceased brother's wife, Tamar.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means and its context:
Background: The story begins with Judah and his family. Judah's eldest son, Er, married Tamar. Er was wicked, and God killed him. Under the levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10, although it is practiced before it is codified) prevalent in that time, it was the duty of Er's brother (Onan in this case) to marry Tamar and father a child with her. This child would be considered the heir of the deceased brother, Er, and would continue his lineage and inheritance.
"Onan knew that the offspring wouldn’t be his": Onan understood that any child born to Tamar would not be considered his own heir. The child would legally be Er's heir, continuing Er's line. This meant Onan would not benefit from the child in terms of inheritance or legacy.
"he spilled it on the ground": This refers to the act of coitus interruptus. Onan engaged in sexual relations with Tamar but prevented conception by withdrawing before ejaculation.
"lest he should give offspring to his brother": This is the motivation behind Onan's actions. He didn't want to fulfill his levirate duty and provide an heir for his deceased brother. He was trying to avoid the obligation of raising a child that wouldn't be considered his own.
Interpretations and Significance:
Condemnation of Selfishness: The text implies that Onan's actions were wrong because they were motivated by selfishness. He was prioritizing his own interests over his familial and social responsibilities. He was unwilling to fulfill his duty to his brother and provide for Tamar.
Historically: Some interpret this passage as condemning the practice of contraception (coitus interruptus being the most common method in that era). However, the verse's primary focus seems to be on Onan's motive of avoiding his levirate duty, rather than the specific act itself. Others disagree, pointing out that the only reason he spilled his seed was to avoid providing an heir to his brother. Had this situation not involved the responsibility of providing an heir for his dead brother, Onan would have had no reason to spill his seed in this way.
Modern relevance: The story raises questions about duty, responsibility, and the consequences of selfish actions.
In summary, the verse depicts Onan deliberately avoiding his levirate duty to provide an heir for his deceased brother. He did this by using coitus interruptus, and his actions are generally interpreted as stemming from selfishness.