### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÔwnâm**, represented by `{{H208}}`, is a proper name meaning **strong**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is used to identify two distinct individuals in the Old Testament: one an Edomite and the other an Israelite, both appearing exclusively in genealogical lists.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H208}}` first appears in the lineage of the Edomites. **Onam** is listed as one of the children{H1121} of **Shobal**{H7732} [[Genesis 36:23]]. This same lineage is repeated in the historical summaries of 1 Chronicles, which again identifies **Onam**{H208} as one of the sons{H1121} of **Shobal**{H7732} [[1 Chronicles 1:40]]. Separately, the name is found in the Israelite lineage of Judah, where **Onam**{H208} is identified as the son of **Jerahmeel**{H3396} and his mother{H517} **Atarah**{H5851} [[1 Chronicles 2:26]]. This Israelite line is further chronicled by listing the sons{H1121} of **Onam**{H208} as **Shammai**{H8060} and **Jada**{H3047} [[1 Chronicles 2:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the genealogical context of **Onam**:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên**: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.). This word is used to establish the parent-child relationships for both individuals named **Onam** ([[Genesis 36:23]], [[1 Chronicles 2:28]]).
* `{{H7732}}` **Shôwbâl**: overflowing; Shobal, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites; Shobal. He is identified as the father of the Edomite **Onam** [[Genesis 36:23]].
* `{{H3396}}` **Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl**: God will compassionate; Jerachmeel, the name of three Israelites; Jerahmeel. He is the father of the Israelite **Onam** [[1 Chronicles 2:26]].
* `{{H517}}` **'êm**: a primitive word; a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively (like father)). This specifies the maternal line of the Israelite **Onam** through **Atarah**{H5851} [[1 Chronicles 2:26]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H208}}` is found in its role within biblical genealogy, which has theological implications for understanding God's historical record.
* **Dual Lineage:** The appearance of the name **Onam** in two separate lineages—one Edomite and one Israelite—highlights the meticulous nature of the biblical genealogies in accounting for both Israel and its neighboring peoples ([[Genesis 36:23]], [[1 Chronicles 2:26]]).
* **Historical Preservation:** The record of the Edomite **Onam** as a descendant of **Shobal**{H7732} preserves the history of the clans descended from Esau, demonstrating a broader historical scope beyond Israel alone [[Genesis 36:23]].
* **Covenantal Continuity:** The record of the Israelite **Onam** within the tribe of Judah, including the naming of his sons{H1121}, **Shammai**{H8060} and **Jada**{H3047}, underscores the importance of generational continuity and heritage within the covenant line [[1 Chronicles 2:28]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼÔwnâm** `{{H208}}` is a personal name meaning **strong**, used exclusively within genealogical passages to identify two different men. One **Onam** belongs to an Edomite clan descended from **Shobal**{H7732}, while the other is an Israelite in the line of Judah, the son of **Jerahmeel**{H3396}. Though not a central figure, the inclusion of **Onam** in these detailed records illustrates the value placed on lineage, heritage, and the precise historical accounting found within the biblical narrative.
TRV