Definition: And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 38:8. It's a really important story about betrayal and consequences. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Setup: In ancient times, God created two brothers, Judah and Onan. The Betrayal: Judah, feeling insecure and jealous, tricked Onan into going to his brother's wife. He told him he was going to visit her, but in reality, he was planning to marry her. The Consequences: Onan, who was already old and suffering from a disease, died shortly after this encounter. What it Means in Plain Language: “And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.” "And Judah said..." : This is Judah’s message – he's telling Onan what to do. "...Go in unto thy brother’s wife..." : He instructs Onan to go to the wife of his brother. "...and marry her..." : He says that Onan should take this woman and have children with her. "...and raise up seed to thy brother." : This is the crucial part – he's telling Onan to produce descendants (children) for Judah . It’s a promise of a line of descendants, essentially creating a legacy for him. Why it’s Significant: This story is often seen as a warning about: Jealousy and Envy: Judah’s actions are rooted in jealousy and a desire to take something that belongs to someone else. The Consequences of Deception: It shows how one person's betrayal can have devastating results for others. God’s Justice: It highlights God's ability to punish those who violate His trust or cause harm. Important Note: This is a complex story with layers of meaning, but this explanation captures the core action and its significance within the larger narrative of creation and human relationships. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolism behind the story? Explain the context of the story within the broader Bible?