Genesis 38:8 akjv — And Judah said to Onan, Go in to your brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to your brother.

American King James Version

"And Judah said to Onan, Go in to your brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to your brother. "

— Genesis 38:8, American King James Version

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Genesis 38:8 in Other Translations

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Genesis 38 — Context

5

And she yet again conceived, and bore a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bore him.

6

And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.

7

And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.

8

And Judah said to Onan, Go in to your brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to your brother.

9

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

10

And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: why he slew him also.

11

Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at your father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brothers did. And Tamar went and dwelled in her father’s house. ¶

Genesis 38:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 38:8 say?
Genesis 38:8 in the American King James Version reads: “And Judah said to Onan, Go in to your brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to your brother. ”
Where is Genesis 38:8 in the Bible?
Genesis 38:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 38, verse 8.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 38:8.
What translation should I read Genesis 38:8 in?
Genesis 38:8 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 38:8?
Genesis 38:8 reads (AKJV): “And Judah said to Onan, Go in to your brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to your brother. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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