### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÔwnôw**, represented by `{{H207}}`, is a place name in Palestine derived from a root meaning **strong**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. While a minor location, its mentions are tied to the lineage, resettlement, and critical events in the history of the tribe of Benjamin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʼÔwnôw** `{{H207}}` first appears as a town **built** `{{H1129}}` by the descendants of Benjamin, specifically the sons of Elpaal, along with the city of Lod [[1 Chronicles 8:12]]. Centuries later, following the Babylonian exile, the "children of **Ono**" are listed among those who returned to Judah, with censuses recording their numbers ([[Ezra 2:33]]; [[Nehemiah 7:37]]). The location is also central to a plot against Nehemiah, where his enemies sought a meeting in the **plain** `{{H1237}}` of **Ono** with the intent to do him **mischief** `{{H7451}}` [[Nehemiah 6:2]]. Its final mention places it with Lod in "the valley of craftsmen" as part of the resettled territory [[Nehemiah 11:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Ono's significance:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This primitive root describes the very founding of **Ono**, establishing it as a deliberately constructed settlement within the lineage of Benjamin [[1 Chronicles 8:12]].
* `{{H3850}}` **Lôd** (Lod): A neighboring town in Palestine, **Lôd** is mentioned alongside **Ono** in four of its five appearances, indicating a close geographical and communal bond ([[1 Chronicles 8:12]]; [[Ezra 2:33]]).
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter, town, village): The establishment of **Ono** included its surrounding **towns**, highlighting its role as a central point in a cluster of settlements [[1 Chronicles 8:12]].
* `{{H1237}}` **biqʻâh** (plain, valley): This term defines the geography of the region where enemies tried to trap Nehemiah, specifying the location as "the **plain** of **Ono**" [[Nehemiah 6:2]].
* `{{H1516}}` **gayʼ** (valley): In its final mention, **Ono** is associated with "the **valley** of craftsmen," suggesting the area was known for a specific trade or community of artisans [[Nehemiah 11:35]].
### Theological Significance
The historical weight of `{{H207}}` is tied to the themes of settlement and restoration.
* **Tribal Inheritance:** The founding of **Ono** is recorded within the genealogies of Benjamin, marking it as part of the tribe's ancestral land and legacy [[1 Chronicles 8:12]].
* **Post-Exilic Restoration:** The inclusion of the "children of **Ono**" in the lists of returning exiles is significant. It demonstrates the continuity of community identity despite captivity and underscores the town's role in the national reconstitution under Ezra and Nehemiah ([[Ezra 2:33]]; [[Nehemiah 7:37]]).
* **A Site of Conflict:** The plain of **Ono** becomes the backdrop for a critical test of Nehemiah's leadership and discernment, showing that even seemingly ordinary places could be settings for pivotal spiritual and political confrontations [[Nehemiah 6:2]].
* **Community and Craft:** Its association with Lod and "the valley of craftsmen" points to a functioning community with specialized skills, essential for the rebuilding of the nation's infrastructure and society [[Nehemiah 11:35]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼÔwnôw** `{{H207}}` is more than just a dot on a map. As a place name meaning "strong," its story in scripture reflects this quality. It was a city **built** by Israel's ancestors, its people endured exile to return and rebuild, and its location served as a key site in the narrative of Nehemiah's struggle to restore Jerusalem. Through **Ono**, the Bible chronicles themes of settlement, perseverance, and the rebuilding of a nation.
TRV