Original Word: אוֹנָם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ownam
Pronunciation: oh-NAHM
Phonetic Spelling: (o-nawm')
KJV: Onam
NASB: Onam
Word Origin: [a variation of H209 (אוֹנָן - Onan)]

1. strong
2. Onam, the name of an Edomite and of an Israelite

Onam

A variation of 'Ownan; strong; Onam, the name of an Edomite and of an Israelite -- Onam.

see HEBREW 'Ownan

Word Origin
from the same as on
Definition
"vigorous," the name of an Edomite and of an Isr.
NASB Translation
Onam (4).

אוֺנָם proper name, masculine (vigorous).

1 chief of Horites Genesis 36:23; 1 Chronicles 1:40.

2 chief of tribe of Judah 1 Chronicles 2:26,28.

Overview

Strong’s Hebrew 208 designates the personal name “Onam,” borne by two different men whose lines appear in the Old Testament genealogies. Though each stands in a largely narrative-silent role, their placement within inspired genealogical records serves larger theological and pastoral purposes.

Occurrences

1. Genesis 36:23 – listed among the Horite chieftain Shobal’s sons.
2. 1 Chronicles 1:40 – the Chronicler’s parallel to Genesis 36:23.
3. 1 Chronicles 2:26 – son of Jerahmeel of Judah through his wife Atarah.
4. 1 Chronicles 2:28 – father of Shammai and Jada in the same Judahite line.

Onam in the Line of Seir the Horite

The Horites, indigenous to Edom, are cataloged in Genesis 36 to show how Esau’s descendants integrated with the peoples of Seir. Within that framework Onam is one of five sons of Shobal: “These are the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam” (Genesis 36:23). The brief mention identifies him as an Edomite clan ancestor. Although his life is not elaborated, the inclusion of his name anchors Edom’s tribal structure in a historical continuum that parallels Israel’s own formation.

Onam in the Tribe of Judah

Centuries later, the Chronicler traces a separate Onam through the family of Jerahmeel, great-grandson of Judah. “Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam” (1 Chronicles 2:26). Verses 28-33 note Onam’s sons, Shammai and Jada, and their children. This Judahite Onam stands three generations after Judah and helps map the clan divisions in southern Israel prior to the monarchy. His branch highlights God’s faithfulness to the promise that Judah would remain a flourishing tribe, eventually producing David and ultimately Messiah.

Historical Background

Names crossing tribal lines are not unusual in the Ancient Near East; the repetition may reflect a broader Semitic naming convention or a shared etymology valued by multiple peoples. The twin appearances of Onam—one in Edom, one in Judah—demonstrate Scripture’s candid preservation of distinct yet occasionally overlapping cultural threads. The Chronicler’s post-exilic audience, eager to re-establish identity, would find encouragement in such meticulous preservation of lineage.

Theological and Ministry Significance

1. Reliability of Scripture: The correspondence between Genesis 36:23 and 1 Chronicles 1:40, along with the distinct Judahite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 2, shows harmony rather than contradiction, affirming biblical trustworthiness.
2. God’s Sovereignty over Nations: The juxtaposition of an Edomite and a Judahite bearing the same name underscores that the Lord oversees all peoples, arranging histories that ultimately serve His redemptive plan (Romans 9:13–24; albeit not quoted here).
3. The Value of the “Hidden” Saint: Onam’s lack of recorded exploits illustrates how most believers serve quietly, yet their faithfulness is forever noted by God (Hebrews 6:10). Genealogies remind modern readers that unnoticed obedience is still significant in the divine narrative.

Lessons for Today

• Embrace obscurity when called: ministry impact is measured by faithfulness, not fame.
• Respect the whole counsel of God: even genealogies instruct and equip (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
• Remember the unity of Scripture: parallel genealogies in Genesis and Chronicles testify that God’s Word is a cohesive revelation leading to Christ.

אוֹנָ֖ם אוֹנָֽם׃ אונם אונם׃ וְאוֹנָ֑ם וְאוֹנָֽם׃ ואונם ואונם׃ ’ō·w·nām ’ōwnām oNam veoNam wə’ōwnām wə·’ō·w·nāmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts