מָנוֹן (ma.non)
ma.non
progeny
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun manon appears only once in the entire Old Testament, in Proverbs 29:21. Its precise meaning remains uncertain among scholars, with lexicons offering a range of possibilities including "progeny," "grief," or "thankless one." This ambiguity reflects the difficulty of translating a word that lacks clear contextual anchors outside this single verse.
In its immediate context, the verse contrasts the effects of indulging a servant versus training him well. If manon means "progeny," the text warns against spoiling children; if it signifies "grief" or "thanklessness," it highlights the emotional cost of poor upbringing. Most modern translations lean toward "thankless one" to capture the relational tension, suggesting that pampering leads to ingratitude rather than loyalty.
This rare term serves as a reminder of the limits of lexical certainty. While we can analyze its possible roots and contextual fit, the word’s silence elsewhere prevents definitive conclusion. Its presence in Proverbs underscores the wisdom literature’s focus on practical outcomes, even when specific vocabulary resists easy definition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word manon appears only once in Scripture, tucked inside Proverbs 29:21. It describes the outcome of raising someone with too much indulgence. While scholars debate whether it means progeny or a thankless attitude, the practical warning remains clear. Spoiling those in our care often leads to disappointment rather than loyalty.
This single verse invites us to reflect on how we nurture relationships. Whether we are parenting children or mentoring others, love requires discipline. True care shapes character for the long term, not just comfort for the moment. We seek to raise people who stand firm, not those who crumble when standards rise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- trouble1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָנֽוֹן\׃1×
Key Verses
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Proverbs 29:21
He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
This verse uses manon to describe the negative character trait or relational outcome that results from excessive pampering of a servant.