אׇהֳלִיאָב (o.ho.li.av)
o.ho.li.av
Oholiab
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ahohiab, meaning "father's tent," identifies a specific artisan active during the wilderness wanderings. He appears primarily in the book of Exodus as the chief assistant to Bezalel in the construction of the tabernacle and its sacred vessels. This role places him at the center of Israel’s early worship infrastructure, translating divine instructions into physical reality.
Scripture highlights his partnership with Bezalel rather than individual fame. In Exodus 31:6, God explicitly names both men as filled with skill to craft the holy items. The name itself suggests a connection to family heritage or perhaps a specific tribal lineage, grounding the work in communal identity rather than solitary genius.
Ahohiab’s brief mention underscores the value of skilled labor in biblical theology. He is not a prophet or king but a craftsman whose obedience and artistry enabled the presence of God to dwell among his people. His legacy rests on faithful execution of a divine commission, serving as a model for those who contribute their talents to sacred purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Oholiab appears in Scripture as a skilled artisan who worked alongside Bezalel to build the tabernacle. His name means "father's tent," reflecting a deep connection to family and heritage. God specifically chose him, filling his heart with wisdom and skill to craft the sacred vessels and fabrics needed for worship. This story reminds us that ordinary people can do extraordinary work when they are open to divine guidance.
In Exodus 31:6, God appoints Oholiab as a partner in this holy task, showing that teamwork is essential for building God's kingdom. He was not a prophet or a king, but his faithful labor made it possible for God's presence to dwell among His people. When we use our talents—whether in art, service, or daily work—we participate in bringing beauty and order to the world around us.
The Bible highlights Oholiab’s partnership with Bezalel rather than individual fame. This encourages us to value collaboration and humility in our own lives. Whether you are working behind the scenes or leading a project, your skills matter to God. He sees your efforts and uses them to fulfill His purposes, just as He used Oholiab to create a place for worship in the wilderness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Oholiab3×
- and/ Oholiab2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אָהֳלִיאָ֞ב2×
- וְ/אָהֳלִיאָ֜ב1×
- וְ/אָֽהֳלִיאָ֥ב1×
- אָֽהֳלִיאָב֒1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 31:6
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:
This verse shows God personally appointing Oholiab as Bezalel's partner, emphasizing that divine wisdom is given for collaborative work.
-
Exodus 35:34
He has put in his heart that he may teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
Here the text highlights Oholiab’s role as a teacher, indicating he helped pass on his specialized skills to others in the community.
-
Exodus 36:2
Moses 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.
Moses calls both men together with everyone whose heart was stirred, showing that Oholiab represented those willingly offering their talents for God's work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Oholiab in the Bible?
What does the name Oholiab mean?
Why is Oholiab important to the story of the tabernacle?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Exodus 5 verses
Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all…
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…
Exodus 36:2Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Yahweh had put wisdom, even everyone whose…
Exodus 38:23With him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an…