203. On

Lexical Summary

On: On

Original Word: אוֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Own
Pronunciation: ōn
Phonetic Spelling: (one)
KJV: On
Word Origin: [the same as H202 (אוֹן - strength)]

1. On, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

On

The same as 'own; On, an Israelite -- On.

see HEBREW 'own

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from the same as on
Definition
a chief of the tribe of Reuben.

Brown-Driver-Briggs

II. אוֺן proper name, masculine (vigour) a chief of tribe of Reuben Numbers 16:1.

Topical Lexicon

Name and Identity

On (אוֹן, Strong’s Hebrew 203) is a personal name meaning “vigor,” “strength,” or “wealth.” Scripture records a single bearer of the name: “On son of Peleth”—a Reubenite who appears momentarily in the narrative of Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16:1).

Biblical Setting (Numbers 16:1)

“Now Korah son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, together with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—descendants of Reuben—took men”.

The verse locates On at the inciting moment of a rebellion that challenged the divinely appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron during Israel’s wilderness wanderings.

Role in Korah’s Rebellion

1. Association with Reuben: As a descendant of Jacob’s firstborn, On’s affiliation reinforces a territorial dissatisfaction. Reubenites camped on the south side of the tabernacle alongside the Kohathites (Numbers 2:10; Numbers 3:29), so proximity may have fostered collaboration with Korah’s discontented Levites.
2. Silent Figure: Beyond verse 1 his name vanishes. When the rebels assemble (Numbers 16:2-3) and meet judgment (Numbers 16:31-35), On is not listed again. This conspicuous absence has led interpreters to two main possibilities:
• He recanted before judgment fell, withdrawing from the revolt.
• The inspired text simply narrows its focus to the principal instigators (Korah, Dathan, Abiram).

Either way, the silence itself highlights the selective precision of Scripture and underscores divine justice—only those persisting in rebellion fall under the announced doom.

Historical and Rabbinic Notes

Later Jewish tradition (e.g., Sanhedrin 109b) imagines On’s wife persuading him to step back, thereby saving his life. While extra-biblical, the anecdote illustrates an early recognition that repentance can avert disaster, a theme consistent with passages such as Ezekiel 18:21-23.

Theological Themes

1. Authority versus Autonomy: On’s fleeting inclusion in a rebellion against God-appointed leadership warns against self-exaltation that disregards divine order (Romans 13:1-2; Hebrews 13:17).
2. Corporate Influence: Alignment with discontented companions can entangle the wavering believer in judgment (1 Corinthians 15:33).
3. Grace and Opportunity: If On withdrew, his account embodies the mercy available to those who repent before judgment (Proverbs 28:13).

Ministry Applications

• Leadership: Churches must guard against factions that undermine God-ordained shepherds, remembering that rebellion, even if briefly entertained, endangers the body.
• Discipleship: Mentors should help believers discern relationships that foster discontent and encourage timely repentance.
• Family Influence: Like the traditional account of On’s wife, godly counsel within households can redirect members from destructive paths.

Typological Considerations

Korah’s rebellion anticipates later challenges to divine Headship, culminating in those who resist Jesus Christ, the greater High Priest (Hebrews 3:1-6). On’s uncertain outcome highlights the fork in the road every hearer faces: persist with rebels or bow to the One whom the Father has sent (Acts 3:22-23).

Key Reference

Numbers 16:1

Forms and Transliterations

וְא֥וֹן ואון veon wə’ōwn wə·’ō·wn

Englishman's Concordance

Numbers 16:1
HEB: בְּנֵ֧י אֱלִיאָ֛ב וְא֥וֹן בֶּן־ פֶּ֖לֶת
NAS: of Eliab, and On the son
KJV: of Eliab, and On, the son
INT: the sons of Eliab and On the son of Peleth

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 203
1 Occurrence

wə·’ō·wn — 1 Occ.