אׇהֳלִיאָב
o.ho.li.av
Oholiab
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word אׇהֳלִיאָב (o.ho.li.av) is a proper name, specifically a person's name, with the Strong's number H0171. It occurs five times in the Bible, indicating its significance in the narrative. The name Oholiab is likely derived from the Hebrew words "ohel" meaning "tent" and "liab" which could be related to "lab" meaning "to weave" or "to work with fibers." This etymology suggests that Oholiab might be associated with craftsmanship or textile work. Given its occurrence in the Bible, Oholiab is likely a skilled craftsman or artisan, possibly a weaver or a tent maker. His name may have been chosen because of his expertise in creating items related to the tent or tabernacle, which was a central structure in the Israelites' worship and daily life. As a proper name, Oholiab is a unique individual with a specific role or function in the biblical narrative.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:
Exodus 35:34He has put in his heart that he may teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
Exodus 36:1“Bezalel and Oholiab shall work with every wise-hearted man, in whom Yahweh has put wisdom and understanding to know how to do all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Yahweh has commanded.”
Exodus 36:2Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Yahweh had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it.
Exodus 38:23With him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen.