### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼÂmôwn**, represented by `{{H526}}`, identifies three distinct Israelites in scripture. It appears **17 times** across **17 unique verses**. The name is most prominently associated with Amon, a **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}`, but also refers to a **governor** `{{H8269}}` of the **city** `{{H5892}}` and an ancestor listed in the book of Nehemiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Amon **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` is defined by his lineage and his short, wicked reign. He is the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` and the father of the reformer-king **Josiah** `{{H2977}}` [[1 Chronicles 3:14]]. Amon began to **reign** `{{H4427}}` at twenty-two years old and ruled for only two years in Jerusalem ([[2 Kings 21:19]], [[2 Chronicles 33:21]]). His reign ended when his own servants **conspired** `{{H7194}}` against him and **slew** `{{H4191}}` him in his house [[2 Kings 21:23]]. The **people** `{{H5971}}` of the **land** `{{H776}}` then executed the conspirators and made his **son** `{{H1121}}` **Josiah** `{{H2977}}` **king** `{{H4427}}` in his place [[2 Kings 21:24]]. Other individuals named **ʼÂmôwn** `{{H526}}` include a **governor** `{{H8269}}` of the **city** `{{H5892}}` [[1 Kings 22:26]] and an ancestor whose children returned from exile [[Nehemiah 7:59]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of Amon's life and identity:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word establishes Amon's place in the royal lineage, identifying him as the **son** of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` and the father of **Josiah** `{{H2977}}` ([[2 Chronicles 33:20]], [[1 Chronicles 3:14]]).
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This term defines Amon's primary role and actions, noting when he began to **reign** and the two-year length of his rule [[2 Kings 21:19]].
* `{{H7194}}` **qâshar** (to conspire): This verb describes the treasonous act that ended Amon's life, as his servants **conspired** against him [[2 Kings 21:23]].
* `{{H6213}}` **ʻâsâh** (to do or make): This word is used to describe Amon's actions, specifically that he **did** that which was **evil** `{{H7451}}` in the sight of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[2 Chronicles 33:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of **ʼÂmôwn** `{{H526}}` is almost entirely negative, serving as a cautionary example of unfaithfulness.
* **Escalating Iniquity:** Amon not only continued the **evil** `{{H7451}}` practices of his father, **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}`, but he also refused to follow his father's example of repentance. He **humbled** `{{H3665}}` not himself before the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[2 Chronicles 33:23]].
* **Idolatrous Worship:** He actively **sacrificed** `{{H2076}}` to and **served** `{{H5647}}` all the **carved images** `{{H6456}}` that his father had **made** `{{H6213}}`, demonstrating a commitment to idolatry [[2 Chronicles 33:22]].
* **Increased Trespass:** Scripture notes that Amon's sin was not static; instead, he "trespassed **more and more**" `{{H7235}}`, compounding his guilt `{{H819}}` before **God** `{{H3068}}` [[2 Chronicles 33:23]]. His reign acts as the final stage of decay before the reforms of his son Josiah.
### Summary
In summary, the name **ʼÂmôwn** `{{H526}}` is primarily attached to the king of Judah who followed his father's wicked ways without repentance. His brief and violent reign illustrates a pattern of escalating sin and serves as a dark backdrop for the subsequent, righteous rule of his **son** `{{H1121}}`, **Josiah** `{{H2977}}`. The account of Amon underscores the consequences of idolatry and refusing to **humble** `{{H3665}}` oneself before the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
TRV