עֹנָה (o.nah)
o.nah
cohabitation
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun o.nah refers to a husband’s duty of sexual intimacy with his wife, specifically framed as a conjugal right. In its single biblical occurrence in Exodus 21:10, it appears within a legal code concerning the treatment of a female slave who has become a betrothed wife. The text mandates that her master cannot diminish this specific aspect of their relationship if he takes additional wives.
This usage highlights the word’s focus on marital obligation rather than mere physical act. It underscores the protection of the woman’s status and security within the household structure, ensuring she retains her place and rights even in polygamous arrangements common in the ancient Near East. The term anchors the concept of marriage in mutual responsibility and legal entitlement.
Translators typically render o.nah as "marital rights" or "conjugal duties," capturing the binding nature of the obligation. It serves as a crucial component in understanding biblical family law, where physical intimacy is viewed as a fundamental pillar of the marital covenant that must be preserved regardless of other household changes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word o.nah appears only once in Scripture, found in Exodus 21:10. It refers to a husband’s duty of sexual intimacy with his wife. This legal code ensures that if a man takes another wife, he cannot neglect the conjugal rights of his first wife. The text places this obligation alongside food and clothing, treating it as a fundamental need.
This single occurrence highlights that marriage involves mutual responsibility and security. It is not merely about physical acts but about maintaining the bond and status of the partner. For believers today, this reminds us that commitment in relationships requires active care and respect for one’s spouse.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ right to intercourse/ her1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/עֹנָתָ֖/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 21:10
If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights.
This verse lists marital rights alongside food and clothing, showing the word defines a non-negotiable duty of intimacy within marriage.