Aholibah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Aholibah in the Bible?
Aholibah is a symbolic name used in Ezekiel 23:4 and 23:8 to represent the city of Jerusalem (and the kingdom of Judah), depicted as the sister of Oholah (representing Samaria). She is not a historical person or a wife of Solomon mentioned in 1 Kings 11:3.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Aholibah clarifies the allegorical structure of Ezekiel 23, where she represents the northern kingdom of Israel's idolatry, while her historical mention in 1 Kings 11:3 provides context for the political marriages that contributed to Israel's religious decline.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Aholibah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Aholibah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Aholibah clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezekiel 23:41 Kings 11:3
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Aholibah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/aholibah/