Devine Scripture

Genesis 38:9

What does Genesis 38:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 38:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Onan knew that the seed would 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 he should give seed to his brother.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Onan knew that the seed would 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 he should give seed to his brother.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Onan, seeing that the offspring would not be his, went in to his brother's wife, but let his seed go on to the earth, so that he might not get offspring for his brother.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Onan knoweth that the seed is not <FI>reckoned<Fi> his; and it hath come to pass, if he hath gone in unto his brother's wife, that he hath destroyed <FI>it<Fi> to the earth, so as not to give seed to his brother;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He knowing that the children should not be his, when he went in to his brother's wife, he spilled his seed upon the ground, lest children should be born in his brother's name.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when Onan knew that the seed should not be his own, it came to pass when he went in to his brother's wife, that he spilled [it] on the ground, in order to give no seed to his brother.

Context

v.8And 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.

v.9This passage

v.10And the thing which he did was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and he slew him also.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Titus 3:3

    For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

  • Ruth 1:11

    And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

  • Proverbs 27:4

    Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?

  • Deuteronomy 25:6

    And it shall be, that the first-born that she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother that is dead, that his name be not blotted out of Israel.

  • Job 5:2

    For vexation killeth the foolish man, And jealousy slayeth the silly one.

  • James 3:14

    But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth.

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