Genesis 38:4

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ותהר עוד ותלד בן ותקרא את שמו אונן:

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes Tamar, a woman, giving birth to her second son and naming him Onan. It is part of the genealogy in Genesis and focuses on the family of Judah.

Explained for Children

Imagine a mommy who had two babies. The first one she named something, and now she had another baby. She thought long and hard and decided to name this new baby Onan. This is like when you name your toys or pets, but for grown-ups, it's their babies.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was written for the Israelites to understand their history and heritage. The cultural setting was one where naming a child was significant, often reflecting their character or circumstances.

Living It Out Today

Today, many parents still choose names for their children that carry special meanings or hopes for their future. This can be a way to pass on family values or traditions, just as Tamar might have hoped for Onan.

Topics

• genealogy
• family
• naming
• Israelites
• heritage
• parenting

Related Verses

• Genesis 38:9
• Judges 11:34
• 1 Samuel 1:20
• Matthew 1:21
• Luke 1:13

Recommended Reading

Commentary Genesis Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Tamar name her son Onan?

The specific reason for the name Onan is not given in the text, but names in the Bible often had meanings or were prophetic, reflecting the family's hopes or circumstances.

How does this verse fit into the broader narrative of Genesis?

This verse is part of the genealogical details about Judah's family, which helps establish the lineage leading to Jesus and provides historical context for the Israelites.

Is there any significance to the fact that Tamar is naming her children?

Naming children was a significant act, often indicating the parents' hopes and desires for their offspring. In this case, it shows Tamar's role and involvement in her children's lives.

How does this passage relate to the theme of family in the Bible?

This passage emphasizes the importance of family lineage and the role of family members in shaping future generations, a recurring theme throughout the Bible.