Oholibah
TextsWhat is the meaning of Oholibah in the Bible?
In Ezekiel 23, Oholibah (meaning 'my tent is in him') serves as the allegorical name for Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, depicted alongside her sister Oholah (Jerusalem) as two unfaithful wives.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Oholibah clarifies the prophetic distinction between the northern and southern kingdoms in Ezekiel's allegory, showing how Israel's reliance on foreign military powers rather than divine protection is portrayed as spiritual adultery.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Oholibah functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Oholibah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Oholibah clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Oholibah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/oholibah/