Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Onan is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 38. He is the second son of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and is known for his role in the narrative concerning the levirate marriage custom. Onan's actions and their consequences have been the subject of theological discussion and moral interpretation throughout Christian history. Biblical Account: Onan's account is found in Genesis 38:1-10. After the death of his older brother Er, who was struck down by the LORD for his wickedness, Onan was instructed by his father Judah to fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law by marrying Er's widow, Tamar, and producing offspring in his brother's name. This practice, known as levirate marriage, was a customary law intended to preserve the family line and inheritance. Genesis 38:8-10 states: "Then Judah said to Onan, 'Sleep with your brother’s wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother.' But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to avoid providing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death also." Theological Implications: Onan's refusal to fulfill his levirate duty is seen as an act of disobedience and selfishness. By deliberately preventing conception, Onan not only defied the cultural and familial expectations of his time but also acted against the divine command implicit in the levirate law. His actions were motivated by a desire to protect his own inheritance, as any offspring born to Tamar would be considered Er's and would receive Er's share of the family estate. The LORD's response to Onan's actions—striking him dead—underscores the seriousness of his offense. This divine judgment highlights the importance of obedience to God's laws and the moral responsibility to act selflessly for the benefit of others, particularly within the family structure. Moral and Ethical Considerations: Onan's account has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. Traditionally, it has been viewed as a cautionary tale about the consequences of selfishness and disobedience to God's commands. The act of "spilling seed" has also been discussed in the context of sexual ethics, with some interpretations extending the moral lesson to issues of contraception and the sanctity of procreation. Cultural Context: The practice of levirate marriage, as seen in Onan's account, was an important aspect of ancient Near Eastern culture. It served to protect the widow and ensure the continuation of the deceased husband's lineage. Onan's failure to comply with this custom not only jeopardized Tamar's future but also threatened the social and familial order. Legacy: Onan's legacy is one of infamy, as his name has become associated with the act of coitus interruptus and, more broadly, with the sin of failing to fulfill one's duties. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the consequences of placing personal desires above divine and familial obligations. Smith's Bible Dictionary Onan(strong), the second son of Judah by the Canaanitess, "the daughter of Shua." (Genesis 38:4; 1 Chronicles 2:3) "What he did was evil in the eyes of Jehovah and he slew him also, as he had slain his elder brother. (Genesis 38:9) His death took place before the family of Jacob went down into Egypt. (Genesis 46:12; Numbers 26:19) (B.C. 1706.) Easton's Bible Dictionary Strong, the second son of Judah (Genesis 38:4-10; Comp. Deuteronomy 25:5; Matthew 22:24). He died before the going down of Jacob and his family into Egypt. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ONANo'-nan ('onan, "vigorous"; compare ONAM, a "son" of Judah (Genesis 38:4, 8-10; Genesis 46:12 Numbers 26:19 1 Chronicles 2:3); "The story of the untimely death of Er and Onan implies that two of the ancient clans of Judah early disappeared" (Curtis, Chron, 84). See Skinner, Gen, 452, where it is pointed out that in Genesis 38:11 Judah plainly attributes the death of his sons in some way to Tamar herself. The name is allied to Onam. Strong's Hebrew 209. Onan -- "vigorous," a son of Judah... 208, 209. Onan. 210 . "vigorous," a son of Judah. Transliteration: Onan Phonetic Spelling: (o-nawn') Short Definition: Onan. Word ... /hebrew/209.htm - 6k Library Chapter xxxviii About this Same Time, Judah, the Son of Jacob... Chapter xlvi The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... Of the Origin and Character of Each of These Faults. The Name of the Place Where John Baptized is not Bethany, as in ... Index of Subjects. Against Jovinianus. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Thesaurus Onan (6 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ONAN. ... Multi-Version Concordance Onan (6 Occurrences). Genesis 38:4 She conceived again, and bore a son; and she named him Onan. ... /o/onan.htm - 9k Er (8 Occurrences) Onam (4 Occurrences) Zarah (3 Occurrences) Tamar (28 Occurrences) Pherez (11 Occurrences) Perez (19 Occurrences) Pharez (11 Occurrences) Hamul (3 Occurrences) Hezron (19 Occurrences) Resources What is onanism? Is onanism a sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about birth control / contraceptives? Should Christians use birth control? | GotQuestions.org What is a levirate marriage? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Onan (6 Occurrences)Genesis 38:4 Genesis 38:8 Genesis 38:9 Genesis 46:12 Numbers 26:19 1 Chronicles 2:3 Subtopics Onan: Killed for his Refusal to Raise Seed (Offspring) for his Deceased Brother Related Terms Brother-in-law (5 Occurrences) |
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