Bible Dictionaries
On
Holman Bible Dictionary
(ahn) 1. Egyptian place name meaning, “city of the pillar,” called in Greek Heliopolis or “city of the sun” and in Hebrew as Beth-shemesh, “city of the sun” (Jeremiah 43:13 ) and Aven. It was the cult center for the worship of the sun-god, Ra (Atum). Although not important politically, the city became a vital religious center very early in Egypt's history. Located at Matariyeh about five miles northeast of modern Cairo, the city endured as a cult center until very late. Joseph's Egyptian wife came from On (Genesis 41:45 ), her father serving as priest in the temple there. Speaking in Egypt, Jeremiah warned that God would destroy On and its worship (Jeremiah 43:13 ). Ezekiel or the scribes copying his work substituted Aven, Hebrew for “trouble, deceit,” for On in pronouncing judgment on it (Ezekiel 30:17 ). 2 . Personal name meaning, “powerful, rich.” Member of tribe of Reuben who was one of leaders challenging authority of Moses (Numbers 16:1 ).
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'On'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/o/on.html. 1991.