Othniel
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Othniel in the Bible?
Othniel, the son of Kenaz and younger brother of Caleb, captured the city of Kiriath-sepher (later called Debir) and defeated Cushan-rishathaim, the king of Aram-Naharaim, thereby delivering the Israelites from foreign oppression.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Othniel's role clarifies the cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that defines the narrative structure of the Book of Judges, establishing the prototype for subsequent leaders who arose to rescue the tribes.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Othniel reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Othniel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Othniel clarify?
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
"Othniel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/othniel/