אוֹנָם (o.nam)
o.nam
Onam
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Onam, meaning "vigorous," appears in biblical genealogies to identify two distinct leaders from different eras and tribes. In Genesis 36:23, it designates a Horite chief and grandson of Seir, highlighting the presence of strong leadership among the descendants of Esau in Edom.
A second figure bearing this name is recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:26 as a son of Jerahmeel and a chief within the tribe of Judah. This later Onam is part of the line leading to King David, showing how the name persisted among Judah’s prominent families during the United Monarchy.
Though brief, these mentions underscore the importance of tribal identity and strength in ancient Israel. The repetition of the name across different contexts reflects a cultural emphasis on vitality and leadership within both Edomite and Judean lineages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Onam appears in Scripture to mark two different men who carried a legacy of strength. One was a Horite leader in Edom, showing that vitality existed among Esau’s descendants. The other was a son of Jerahmeel in Judah, linking him to the line of King David. Both figures remind us that God works through specific families and tribes, even when their stories are brief.
For your faith, this word highlights how individual lives contribute to larger divine plans. You may not always see the full picture of your own lineage or impact, but every person matters in God’s record. These names show that strength is not just about power, but about being part of a faithful history. Trust that your place in God’s story is significant, even if it seems small to you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Onam2×
- Onam2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אוֹנָֽם\׃1×
- וְ/אוֹנָ֑ם\ \ס1×
- אוֹנָֽם\׃\ \ס1×
- אוֹנָ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:23
These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.
This verse identifies Onam as a Horite chief, showing the name's presence in Edom and highlighting leadership among Esau's descendants.
-
I Chronicles 2:26
Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah. She was the mother of Onam.
Here Onam is listed as a son of Jerahmeel, connecting him to the tribe of Judah and the royal lineage leading to David.
-
I Chronicles 2:28
The sons of Onam were Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur.
This passage lists Onam's sons, Shammai and Jada, demonstrating the continuation of his family line within Judah.