Genesis 38:10 (KJV)

What does Genesis 38:10 mean?

Genesis 38:10 says that what Onan did was evil in the LORD’s sight, so God caused him to die as a result. The verse makes clear that God directly responded to Onan’s actions with judgment.

In the story, Judah’s son Onan refused to fulfill his duty to provide offspring for his deceased brother by Tamar, his brother’s widow. The verse shows that God was displeased with Onan’s deliberate choice, and the language emphasizes that this was not just a personal or family issue, but something that mattered to God.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 38:10

• “Displeased” (רַע bְּעֵינֵי, transliterated raʿ bə-ʿênê): This phrase means “evil in the eyes of.” It highlights that the wrongdoing was not just a human opinion but was measured by God’s standard.
• “LORD” (יְהוָה, transliterated YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that it was the God of Israel who judged Onan’s actions.
• “Slew” (מוּת, transliterated mût): This word means “to kill” or “cause to die.” The verse is clear that Onan’s death was a direct act of God, not a natural event or accident.

Why Genesis 38:10 matters

• Genesis 38:10 clarifies that God’s standards for right and wrong applied to personal and family matters, not just public or religious actions.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that both of Judah’s older sons died because of their actions, setting up the later story of Tamar and Judah.
• This verse helps readers see that the story is not just about human relationships but about how God is involved in the lives and choices of individuals.