Onan
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Onan in the Bible?
Onan was the second son of Judah and brother of Er, who died childless; Tamar, his widow, was promised to Onan to produce an heir for Er, but Onan deliberately spilled his seed on the ground to avoid this duty, resulting in his death by divine intervention.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Onan's actions clarifies the ancient Israelite practice of levirate marriage, where a brother was obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow to preserve the family line, and explains the severe social and religious consequences of violating this duty.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Onan reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Onan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Onan clarify?
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
"Onan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/onan/