The Hebrew name ʼÔwn, represented by H203, identifies a specific Israelite. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, tying the individual directly to a significant event in Israel's history.
The single appearance of H203 occurs in Numbers 16:1. Here, On is listed as a participant in the rebellion initiated by Korah. The verse establishes his lineage, identifying him as "the son of Peleth" and connecting him to the "sons of Reuben". He is named alongside Dathan and Abiram as part of the group that "took men" to challenge the leadership of Moses and Aaron.
Several individuals are named in direct connection with On, establishing his context within the narrative:
- H6431 Peleth (swiftness; Peleth, the name of two Israelites; Peleth): This is the name of On's father, providing his immediate genealogical identity Numbers 16:1.
- H7205 Rᵉʼûwbên (see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob; Reuben): On is identified as a descendant of this tribe, linking him to the firstborn son of Jacob Numbers 16:1.
- H7141 Qôrach (ice; Korach, the name of two Edomites and three Israelites; Korah): The leader of the rebellion. On is listed as part of Korah's company in their confrontation with the LORD's appointed leaders Numbers 16:1.
- H1885 Dâthân (of uncertain derivation; Dathan, an Israelite; Dathan): A fellow Reubenite who, along with Abiram, joined Korah's rebellion and was later swallowed by the earth (Numbers 16:1, Psalms 106:17).
The significance of H203 is tied entirely to the event in which he is named.
- Association with Rebellion: On is permanently associated with the infamous uprising against Moses. The company of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram strove against the LORD and his chosen servants Numbers 26:9.
- Tribal Identity: The record explicitly states that On, Dathan, and Abiram were "sons of Reuben" Numbers 16:1. This connects the rebellion to a specific tribal lineage, that of Jacob's firstborn son.
- Genealogical Record: The inclusion of On's name and his father, Peleth, underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record in documenting the key figures involved in pivotal moments of Israelite history.
In summary, H203 is the proper name of an Israelite, On. Though mentioned only once, his inclusion in the biblical text serves to document his participation in the rebellion of Korah. His identity is defined by his father, Peleth, his tribal affiliation with Reuben, and his role in this critical challenge to divine authority.
TRV