Onan’s disregard for his responsibility invites us to reflect on our own readiness to serve in ways that do not immediately benefit us.
In the middle of this family narrative, the text states, “Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so when he went in to his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground in order not to give offspring to his brother.” (Genesis 38:9). Historically, Onan was the second son of Judah, who lived during the second millennium BC as one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Judah’s lineage held significance for God’s covenant people, an importance culminating centuries later in the lineage of Jesus (Luke 3:33). The story takes place in the land of Canaan, likely near Adullam—a site in the region southwest of Jerusalem known for its fertile valleys and strategic location. In disobeying the custom of levirate marriage, Onan disregarded his duty to honor his late brother Er by helping produce an heir, thereby disrespecting both His family obligations and God’s wider plan.
When the verse says, “he wasted his seed on the ground” (Genesis 38:9), it shows Onan consciously preventing the continuation of his brother’s name. In ancient times, ensuring a deceased man’s inheritance and lineage through his widow was a common practice that guarded the family’s land rights and posterity. By refusing to comply, Onan not only betrayed Tamar’s right to motherhood, but also threatened the larger redemptive thread that would eventually connect Judah’s lineage to the promised Messiah (Matthew 1:3). This act served as a warning that personal motives, disguised as self-preservation, can undermine God’s chosen purposes.
Set to dark mode
Genesis 38:9 meaning
In the middle of this family narrative, the text states, “Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so when he went in to his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground in order not to give offspring to his brother.” (Genesis 38:9). Historically, Onan was the second son of Judah, who lived during the second millennium BC as one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Judah’s lineage held significance for God’s covenant people, an importance culminating centuries later in the lineage of Jesus (Luke 3:33). The story takes place in the land of Canaan, likely near Adullam—a site in the region southwest of Jerusalem known for its fertile valleys and strategic location. In disobeying the custom of levirate marriage, Onan disregarded his duty to honor his late brother Er by helping produce an heir, thereby disrespecting both His family obligations and God’s wider plan.
When the verse says, “he wasted his seed on the ground” (Genesis 38:9), it shows Onan consciously preventing the continuation of his brother’s name. In ancient times, ensuring a deceased man’s inheritance and lineage through his widow was a common practice that guarded the family’s land rights and posterity. By refusing to comply, Onan not only betrayed Tamar’s right to motherhood, but also threatened the larger redemptive thread that would eventually connect Judah’s lineage to the promised Messiah (Matthew 1:3). This act served as a warning that personal motives, disguised as self-preservation, can undermine God’s chosen purposes.