Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Onan in the Bible?
A: Onan was the second son of Judah and his wife, the daughter of Shua (Genesis 38:4). He is known for the story in Genesis 38:8-10 where he disobeyed the mitzvah of yibum (levirate marriage) with Tamar, his brother's widow.
Q: Why is Onan's name mentioned in the Torah?
A: Onan's name is mentioned because his actions teach an important lesson about fulfilling mitzvot properly. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yevamot 34b), Onan's refusal to perform yibum (levirate marriage) with Tamar showed a lack of commitment to continuing his brother's lineage, which was a serious transgression.
Q: What can we learn from the story of Onan?
A: The story of Onan teaches the importance of fulfilling mitzvot with the right intentions. The Talmud (Niddah 13a) explains that Onan's actions were selfish, and this serves as a warning against performing mitzvot insincerely. It also highlights the value of continuing a family line in Jewish tradition.
Q: Was Onan punished for his actions?
A: Yes, according to Genesis 38:10, Onan was punished for his refusal to fulfill the mitzvah of yibum. The Talmud (Yevamot 34b) explains that his punishment was a consequence of his deliberate disobedience to this important commandment.
Q: How does the story of Onan apply today?
A: While the specific mitzvah of yibum is rare today (as halacha now generally requires chalitzah instead), the lesson remains relevant: we must perform mitzvot with sincerity and not for selfish reasons. The Rambam (Hilchos Yibum 1:1) discusses the importance of proper intentions in fulfilling Torah commandments.
The Naming of Onan
The verse states: "And she conceived again, and bore a son; and she called his name Onan" (Genesis 38:4). The name אוֹנָן (Onan) is derived from the root אוֹן (on), which can mean "strength" or "vigor." Rashi explains that the name reflects the hope that this child would bring strength or vitality to the family line of Yehudah. However, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:4) hints at a deeper layer—Onan's name foreshadows his later actions, as the root אוֹן can also connote mourning or grief, alluding to the tragedy that would unfold through his conduct.
Context within Yehudah's Lineage
This verse appears in the narrative of Yehudah and Tamar, where Yehudah's first two sons, Er and Onan, die prematurely due to their sins (Genesis 38:7-10). The Talmud (Yevamot 34b) discusses Onan's transgression—his refusal to fulfill the mitzvah of yibbum (levirate marriage) with Tamar—and connects his name to his flawed character. The Rambam (Hilchos Yibbum 1:1) emphasizes that Onan’s act was a deliberate defiance of Torah law, leading to his punishment.
Symbolism and Moral Lessons
Linguistic Insight
Ibn Ezra notes that the name Onan shares a linguistic connection with אֲנִינָה (aninah), meaning "mourning," reinforcing the tragic outcome of his life. This duality—strength leading to sorrow—underscores the Torah’s theme that moral failure corrupts even great potential.