Genesis 38:10

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

فَاسْتَاءَ اللهُ مِمَّا فَعَلَهُ أُونَانُ، فَأمَاتَهُ أيْضًا.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that Onan displeased God by not following His command to raise up offspring for his deceased brother. God was so displeased that He caused Onan's death. This is a direct statement from the Bible, showing the seriousness of disobedience.

Explained for Children

Imagine you promised to help take care of your little brother or sister if something happened to your parents. If you didn’t do it, you’d be breaking a big promise. That’s what Onan did, and God was very upset about it.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was aimed at the Israelites to remind them of their origins and God’s covenant with them. In the cultural setting, raising up offspring for a deceased brother was a significant duty.

Living It Out Today

In today’s context, this verse reminds us of the importance of keeping our promises and following through with our responsibilities, especially those that impact our families and communities. Disregarding such duties can have serious consequences.

Topics

• obedience
• responsibility
• consequences
• family duty
• covenant
• disobedience

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 25:5-6
• Matthew 19:16-19
• Romans 1:24-27
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
• Hebrews 10:26-31

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Onan’s actions displease God?

Onan displeased God by not fulfilling the duty of raising up offspring for his deceased brother, which was a significant cultural and religious obligation at the time.

What are the consequences of disobedience to God?

As shown in Genesis 38:10, the consequences of disobedience can be severe, as seen in Onan's death. It emphasizes the seriousness of not following divine commands.

Can this verse be applied to modern-day situations?

Yes, this verse can remind us of the importance of keeping our promises and fulfilling our responsibilities, especially those that impact our families and communities.

What does this teach about God’s expectations?

This verse teaches that God expects us to fulfill our obligations and promises. Disobedience to these expectations can result in serious consequences.