Genesis 38:10
Genesis 38:10 in Multiple Translations
What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well.
And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.
And the thing which he did was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and he slew him also.
And what he did was evil in the eyes of the Lord, so that he put him to death, like his brother.
But what he did was evil in the Lord's sight, so he also put Onan to death.
And it was wicked in the eyes of the Lord, which he did: wherefore he slewe him also.
and that which he hath done is evil in the eyes of Jehovah, and He putteth him also to death.
The thing which he did was evil in the LORD’s sight, and he killed him also.
And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.
And therefore the Lord slew him, because he did a detestable thing.
Yahweh considered that what he did was wicked, so he caused him to die also.
But God was angry with Onan for doing that bad thing, so God finished up Onan too.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:10
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 38:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֛רַע
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עָשָׂ֑ה
וַ/יָּ֖מֶת
גַּם
אֹתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֵּ֛רַע
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשָׂ֑ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יָּ֖מֶת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:10
וַ/יֵּ֛רַע
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָשָׂ֑ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וַ/יָּ֖מֶת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֹתֽ/וֹ
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 38:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:10
- Sermons on Genesis 38:10
Context — Judah and Tamar
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.
11Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. 12After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 46:12 | The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. |
| 2 | Numbers 11:1 | Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 21:7 | This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He struck Israel. |
| 4 | Numbers 26:19 | The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan. |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:32 | The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. |
| 6 | Haggai 1:13 | Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people: “I am with you,” declares the LORD. |
| 7 | Proverbs 24:18 | or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 11:27 | And when the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 44:4 | Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets again and again, saying: ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate.’ |
| 10 | Numbers 22:34 | “I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.” |
Genesis 38:10 Summary
[This verse, Genesis 38:10, tells us that Onan did something very wrong in God's eyes, and as a result, God put him to death. Onan's sin was not just about his actions, but about his heart and his refusal to obey God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. We can learn from Onan's example the importance of obeying God and fulfilling our responsibilities, as seen in Genesis 38:8-10. By studying this verse and others like it, such as Proverbs 28:13 and Romans 6:23, we can gain a better understanding of God's character and His expectations for our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God put Onan to death?
According to Genesis 38:10, God put Onan to death because his actions were wicked in the sight of the LORD, specifically his refusal to fulfill his duty as a brother-in-law and raise up offspring for his brother, as instructed in Deuteronomy 25:5-6.
What was Onan's sin?
Onan's sin was his deliberate attempt to avoid fulfilling his duty to his brother's widow, Tamar, by spilling his seed on the ground, as seen in Genesis 38:9, which was a selfish and disobedient act against God's command.
Is this verse teaching that God condemns birth control?
No, this verse is not about condemning birth control, but rather about Onan's specific act of disobedience and selfishness in refusing to fulfill his duty as a brother-in-law, as seen in Genesis 38:8-10, which is distinct from the issue of birth control, which is not directly addressed in Scripture.
What can we learn from Onan's example?
We can learn from Onan's example the importance of obeying God's commands and fulfilling our responsibilities, as seen in Genesis 38:10, and the consequences of disobedience, as warned in Proverbs 28:13 and Romans 6:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be disobeying God's commands or avoiding my responsibilities, like Onan?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience and responsibility in my own life, as seen in Genesis 38:8-10?
- What are some potential consequences of my disobedience, and how can I avoid them, as warned in Proverbs 28:13 and Romans 6:23?
- How can I balance my own desires with my duties to others, as seen in the example of Onan's failure to do so in Genesis 38:9?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character and His expectations for my life, as seen in Genesis 38:10 and Deuteronomy 25:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:10
And the thing which he did displeased the Lord,.... Being done out of envy to his brother, and through want of affection to the memory of his name; and it may be out of covetousness to get his estate
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:10
And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 38:10
Displeased the Lord; an expression noting a more than ordinary offence against God, as . This just but dreadful severity of God is noted both for the terror of such-like transgressors, and to provoke love and thankfulness to God in those whom he useth more indulgently.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:10
Genesis 38:10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.Ver. 10. Wherefore he slew him.] God oft punisheth the abuse of the marriage bed, either with untimely death - it was well said of one, that Venus provides not for those that are already born, but for those that shall be born - or else with no children, misshapen children, idiots, or prodigiously wicked children, &c. Cavete let this consideration be as the angel standing with a drawn sword over Balaam’ s shoulders. Cuffe’ s Differ. of Ages, 106.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 38:10
Verse 10. Wherefore he slew him also.] The sin of Onan has generally been supposed to be self-pollution; but this is certainly a mistake; his crime was his refusal to raise up seed to his brother, and rather than do it, by the act mentioned above, he rendered himself incapable of it. We find from this history that long be fore the Mosaic law it was an established custom, probably founded on a Divine precept, that if a man died childless his brother was to take his wife, and the children produced by this second marriage were considered as the children of the first husband, and in consequence inherited his possessions.
Sermons on Genesis 38:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 38:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Judah from the book of Genesis, specifically chapter 38. Judah, a member of the kingly line, goes down to do business and encou |
|
Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1 by Keith Green | Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old an |
|
Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos |
|
Giant Joshua by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a young man waiting for the director of a company for several hours. The director asks the young man some simple questions, testing |
|
The Graves of Lust by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for God's mercy and anointing to set people free from lust and discontent. The sermon focuses on the story of the Israel |
|
Desert Survival Series Pt 28- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of durability in our lives. He starts by highlighting how in today's society, we are concerned about the longevity of the thin |
|
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 5 by Dan Biser | This sermon delves into the biblical theme of God's response to the wickedness of men through various calamities and weather phenomena. It explores how the children of Israel faced |