Onam
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Onam in the Bible?
Onam is listed as a son of Shobal, son of Seir the Horite, in Genesis 36:23 and 1 Chronicles 1:40. Some textual variants and scholarly interpretations suggest a potential conflation or connection with Onan, son of Judah, found in 1 Chronicles 2:26 and 28.
SIGNIFICANCE
Examining Onam's lineage clarifies the complex tribal structures and intermarriages between the Israelites and the Horites, providing context for the territorial and familial dynamics described in the patriarchal narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Onam reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Onam in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Onam clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 36:231 Chronicles 1:401 Chronicles 2:26
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Onam." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/onam/