Numbers 26:19 Meaning and Explanation
“The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah's census begins by noting that his first two sons, Er and Onan, died in Canaan.
The Context of Numbers 26:19
Er and Onan's early deaths set the context for Judah's genealogy in the census.
What Does Numbers 26:19 Mean?
This brief notice recalls the tragic episodes in Genesis 38. Er and Onan died because of their wickedness, as Genesis records. Only the third son, Shelah, and the son born to Judah through Tamar—Pharez—continue the line.
The inclusion here serves to clarify the genealogy: the census counts descendants through only certain lines because others were cut off by divine judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 26:19
What does Numbers 26:19 mean?
Judah's census begins by noting that his first two sons, Er and Onan, died in Canaan.
What is the context of Numbers 26:19?
Er and Onan's early deaths set the context for Judah's genealogy in the census.