Who was Onan in the Bible?
biblical figure; second son of Judah
The story of Onan
in Hebrew: אונאן
Onan was a biblical figure, the son of Judah and Tamar. He was the brother of Er, Shelah, and Perez. Onan is best known for his role in the story of Judah and Tamar, which is found in the book of Genesis. In the story, Judah promised to give his son, Er, to Tamar as a husband. When Er died, Judah told Onan to fulfill the promise and marry Tamar. Onan refused, and instead spilled his seed on the ground when he went in to Tamar. This displeased God, and Onan was killed. Onan is best known for his disobedience to God, and for the phrase "onanism," which is derived from his name and refers to the act of masturbation. He is also remembered for his role in the story of Judah and Tamar, which is seen as a lesson in the importance of fulfilling promises.
Chat with OnanRelatives
Did you know?
How many times Onan was mentioned in the bible?
Onan appears 8 times in the bible.
Where is the story of Onan begins in the Bible?
Onan first mention in the bible is in the book of Genesis, chapter 38, verse 4.
What is the meaning of the name Onan?
The name "Onan" is of biblical origin, most notably appearing in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. In the Book of Genesis, Onan is the second son of Judah. The story of Onan is often associated with the concept of "onanism," due to his actions in the Bible where he is instructed to perform a levirate marriage with his deceased brother's wife, Tamar, in order to produce offspring in his brother's name. However, Onan disobeys, leading to his punishment by God. The name itself doesn't have a widely recognized specific meaning separate from the biblical narrative. In terms of etymology, some sources suggest that it could have roots in Hebrew, meaning "vigorous" or "strong," but these interpretations are more speculative. In modern use, the name Onan may carry certain historical or religious connotations due to its biblical association, but it is not commonly used as a given name.
What is the origin of the name Onan?
Biblical
FAQ
Onan was a biblical figure, the son of Judah and Tamar. He was the brother of Er, Shelah, and Perez. Onan is best known for his role in the story of Judah and Tamar, which is found in the book of Genesis. In the story, Judah promised to give his son, Er, to Tamar as a husband. When Er died, Judah told Onan to fulfill the promise and marry Tamar. Onan refused, and instead spilled his seed on the ground when he went in to Tamar. This displeased God, and Onan was killed. Onan is best known for his disobedience to God, and for the phrase "onanism," which is derived from his name and refers to the act of masturbation. He is also remembered for his role in the story of Judah and Tamar, which is seen as a lesson in the importance of fulfilling promises.
Onan was mentioned 8 times in the Bible.
first mention in the bible is in the book of Genesis, chapter 38, verse 4.
The mother of Onan is Bat Choua.
The father of Onan is Judah.
Shelah
Er