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Genesis 38:9 - Selfish act, divine consequence.

Genesis 38:9 - בראשית 38:9

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּדַע אוֹנָן כִּי לֹּא לוֹ יִהְיֶה הַזָּרַע וְהָיָה אִם־בָּא אֶל־אֵשֶׁת אָחִיו וְשִׁחֵת אַרְצָה לְבִלְתִּי נְתָן־זֶרַע לְאָחִיו׃

English Translation

And Onan knew that the seed would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give seed to his brother.

Transliteration

Va'yeda Onan ki lo lo yihyeh ha'zara ve'hayah im-ba el-eshet achiv ve'shichet artzah levilti netan-zera le'achiv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֣דַע אוֹנָ֔ן כִּ֛י לֹּ֥א ל֖וֹ יִהְיֶ֣ה הַזָּ֑רַע וְהָיָ֞ה אִם־בָּ֨א אֶל־אֵ֤שֶׁת אָחִיו֙ וְשִׁחֵ֣ת אַ֔רְצָה לְבִלְתִּ֥י נְתׇן־זֶ֖רַע לְאָחִֽיו׃
וַיֵּ֣דַע אוֹנָ֔ן כִּ֛י לֹּ֥א ל֖וֹ יִהְיֶ֣ה הַזָּ֑רַע וְהָיָ֞ה אִם־בָּ֨א אֶל־אֵ֤שֶׁת אָחִיו֙ וְשִׁחֵ֣ת אַ֔רְצָה לְבִלְתִּ֥י נְתׇן־זֶ֖רַע לְאָחִֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse describes the actions of Onan, the son of Judah, who was obligated to perform yibbum (levirate marriage) with his brother's widow, Tamar, as prescribed in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. However, instead of fulfilling this mitzvah, Onan deliberately "spilled his seed" to avoid fathering a child that would legally be considered his deceased brother's offspring.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Genesis 38:9) explains that Onan's sin was not merely an act of personal selfishness, but a direct violation of the mitzvah of yibbum. He notes that Onan understood that any child born from this union would be attributed to his deceased brother, Er, rather than to himself. By preventing conception, Onan denied his brother a legacy, which was a grave transgression.

The Severity of Onan's Sin

The Talmud (Yevamot 34b) discusses the severity of Onan's actions, emphasizing that his behavior was considered a form of hashchatat zera (wasting seed), a serious prohibition in Jewish law. Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 21:18) rules that such an act is forbidden, as it frustrates the divine commandment to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:5) elaborates that Onan's sin was not only against his brother but also against Hashem, as he deliberately thwarted the potential for life. The Midrash compares his actions to those of the generation of the Flood, who were punished for similar moral corruption.

Halachic Implications

  • Onan's act established a precedent in Jewish law for the prohibition of hashchatat zera, which is codified in the Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 23).
  • The mitzvah of yibbum is meant to ensure continuity for a deceased brother's name, and Onan's refusal undermined this sacred duty.
  • This incident also highlights the importance of sincerity in fulfilling mitzvot, as Onan's outward compliance (marrying Tamar) was negated by his hidden intentions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 34b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of levirate marriage (yibbum) and the prohibition of wasting seed (hashchatat zera). The Talmud analyzes Onan's actions and their implications for halakha.
📖 Niddah 13a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the gravity of wasting seed, with Onan's actions serving as a negative example of this prohibition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 38:9 mean?
A: Genesis 38:9 describes Onan's refusal to fulfill the mitzvah of yibum (levirate marriage), where a man is required to marry his deceased brother's widow to continue his brother's lineage. Onan knew any child born would not legally be considered his, so he deliberately avoided conception. This act was considered sinful because he shirked his familial and moral obligation (Rashi on Genesis 38:9, Talmud Yevamot 34b).
Q: Why is Onan's action considered wrong in Judaism?
A: Onan's action was wrong because he violated the Torah's commandment of yibum, which aims to perpetuate a deceased brother's name and legacy (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). Additionally, wasting seed (hashchatat zera) is considered a serious transgression in Jewish law (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Issurei Biah 21:18; Talmud Niddah 13a).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Onan's story?
A: Onan's story teaches the importance of fulfilling moral and familial responsibilities, even when inconvenient. It also highlights the Torah's emphasis on the sanctity of procreation and the gravity of avoiding one's duties (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 85:6).
Q: Does this verse apply to Jewish law today?
A: Yes, the principle of not wasting seed (hashchatat zera) remains a halachic prohibition. While yibum is rare today (with chalitzah being the preferred alternative), the ethical lesson of responsibility and the laws concerning proper marital relations still apply (Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer 23).
Q: What is the significance of yibum in Judaism?
A: Yibum ensures that a deceased man's name and legacy continue through his brother raising offspring in his name. It reflects the Torah's value of family continuity and compassion for widows. Though chalitzah (a release ceremony) is more common today, the concept remains important in Jewish law (Talmud Yevamot 39b; Rambam, Hilchot Yibum 1:1).