אוסנת

Osnat is an ancient and fascinating Hebrew name with origins in biblical tradition and ancient Egyptian culture. The name appears in the Book of Genesis as the name of Asenath (or Osnat), daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, who was given in marriage to Joseph the Righteous by Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Osnat bore Joseph two sons - Manasseh and Ephraim - who became heads of tribes in the nation of Israel. The name represents the remarkable encounter between Hebrew and Egyptian cultures, symbolizing a unique cultural bridge in the history of the Jewish people. Etymologically, the origin of the name Osnat is debated among scholars. According to one interpretation, the name derives from the Egyptian word "Neith" or "Net," which was the name of the goddess of the western delta in ancient Egypt, with the prefix "Os" or "As" referring to the concept of "belonging to" or "gift of." Thus the name's meaning is "belonging to the goddess Neith" or "gift of the goddess." Another interpretation suggests the name is related to the Hebrew word "osan" meaning treasure or storehouse, thereby alluding to blessing and abundance. Some also connect the name to the root "A.S.N" related to concepts of gathering, collecting, and concentrating, giving the name the meaning of one who unites and brings together. In Jewish tradition, the figure of Osnat holds special status. Despite being the daughter of an Egyptian priest, she was welcomed into Jacob's family and became the mother of two central tribes in Israel. Midrashic sources tell that Osnat converted before her marriage to Joseph, and some midrashim even identify her with Dinah, Jacob's daughter, in a wondrous way. Her story teaches about acceptance of the stranger, cultural openness, and the ability of a person to choose their identity and faith. Today, the name Osnat carries rich historical significance and is a popular choice among families seeking a name with deep biblical roots, uniqueness, and an echo of feminine strength and independence.

אוֹסְנַת

Osnat | Asenath | Asnat

Girl

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Genesis 41:45 - And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-phera priest of On

In Kabbalah, the name Osnat symbolizes the connection between the material and spiritual worlds, between Egypt as a symbol of exile and the Land of Israel as a symbol of redemption. The name carries an energy of transformation - transition from one identity to another, from one culture to another. It represents the feminine power of accepting change and adaptation, and the ability to contain two worlds within. Osnat is also a symbol of spiritual and material fertility, as her children became complete tribes in Israel.

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Osnat Vishinsky - journalist and news reporter | Osnat Fishman - psychologist and therapist | Osnat Hakim - artist and creator

אסנת | אושרת | אורנה | אסתר

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