Onan

photo of biblical Onan

Biography, Summary & Biblical References

⭐Roles of Onan in the bible

biblical figure; second son of Judah

👨‍👦 Father

Judah

👩‍👧 Mother

Bat Choua

Siblings

Shelah

Er

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Summary

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.

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. Read the full chapter

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 .

Shelah

Er