onan

ONAN may refer to multiple topics, including a biblical figure, a historical company brand, and related linguistic usage.

In the Bible, Onan is a son of Judah, listed along with his brothers Er and Shelah. After the death of Er, Tamar, his widowed sister-in-law, was to be given to Onan as a wife to produce offspring for Er’s lineage. Onan, however, fulfilled the obligation in a manner that avoided producing an heir, and as a result God afflicted him with death. The narrative is often cited in discussions of Levirate marriage and sexual ethics. The name Onan later became associated with the term onanism in various languages, historically referring to masturbation, though scholars emphasize that the biblical text condemns Onan’s behavior rather than masturbation itself.

Onan Corporation was a U.S. manufacturer of power generation equipment, best known for its generators used in marine, RV, and standby power applications. The company produced portable and home standby generators and related engines and components. In the late 20th century, the Onan brand became part of a larger portfolio through corporate changes, and today the Onan name persists as a brand used by Cummins Power Generation for certain generator lines, especially in the recreational vehicle and commercial sectors. The brand is recognized for its legacy in practical power solutions and its association with reliable electrical equipment.

In summary, ONAN encompasses a biblical figure and a historical technology brand, with the latter continuing today as a generator line under a larger corporate umbrella.