### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼÔwnân**, represented by `{{H209}}`, means **strong** and identifies a specific individual in the biblical record: a son of Judah. It appears 8 times across 6 unique verses, primarily in the book of Genesis, where his story is recounted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative establishes **ʼÔwnân** as the second son of Judah ([[Genesis 38:4]], [[1 Chronicles 2:3]]). After his older brother Er died, Judah commanded **ʼÔwnân** to fulfill the duty of a husband's brother by going in to his brother's wife to **raise up** (`{{H6965}}`) **seed** (`{{H2233}}`) for his brother [[Genesis 38:8]]. Knowing the child would not be considered his own posterity, **ʼÔwnân** disobeyed. When he **went in** (`{{H935}}`) to his brother's wife, he **spilled** (`{{H7843}}`) the seed on the ground, specifically to avoid **giving** (`{{H5414}}`) his brother a descendant [[Genesis 38:9]]. The genealogies in Genesis and Numbers later record that both Er and **ʼÔwnân** **died** (`{{H4191}}`) in the land of Canaan ([[Genesis 46:12]], [[Numbers 26:19]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Hebrew words are essential to understanding the context of Onan's actions:
* `{{H2992}}` **yâbam**: This verb means to **perform the duty of a husband's brother, marry**. It defines the specific cultural and familial obligation that Judah commanded Onan to perform [[Genesis 38:8]].
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ**: Translated as **seed**, this word figuratively refers to **posterity** or a child. This was the central element Onan was commanded to raise up for his brother and which he deliberately refused to provide [[Genesis 38:9]].
* `{{H7843}}` **shâchath**: This root word means to **decay, ruin, destroy,** or **spill**. It describes Onan's specific action of destroying the seed on the ground, preventing the continuation of his brother's line [[Genesis 38:9]].
### Theological Significance
The brief account of `{{H209}}` carries significant theological weight regarding duty, life, and lineage.
* **The Sanctity of Posterity:** The command to **marry** (`{{H2992}}`) a brother's widow was a crucial provision for continuing a family line. Onan's refusal to **give** (`{{H5414}}`) **seed** (`{{H2233}}`) was a direct violation of this responsibility to his deceased brother [[Genesis 38:8-9]].
* **An Act of Destruction:** Onan's action is described with the word **shâchath** (`{{H7843}}`), meaning to ruin or destroy. This was not a passive omission but an active choice to corrupt and waste the potential for posterity, which was considered a blessing and a key part of God's covenant promises [[Genesis 22:17]].
* **Refusal to Give:** The narrative emphasizes that Onan's motive was to avoid **giving** (`{{H5414}}`) seed to his brother [[Genesis 38:9]]. This act of withholding contrasts sharply with the biblical portrayal of God as the one who gives life, posterity, and blessing to His people ([[Isaiah 9:6]], [[Exodus 20:12]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H209}}` **ʼÔwnân** is a figure defined not by a lifetime of deeds but by a single, pivotal act of disobedience. His story is a concise illustration of the profound importance of familial duty and lineage in the patriarchal era. His deliberate choice to **destroy** (`{{H7843}}`) the **seed** (`{{H2233}}`) rather than fulfill his obligation serves as a stark narrative example of defying the responsibilities associated with kinship and the continuation of a family name.
TRV