עוֹבָל (o.val)
o.val
Obal
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Obal, appearing in Hebrew as עוֹבָל, identifies one of the sons of Joktan listed in the genealogies of Genesis 10 and 1 Chronicles 1. These passages record the descendants of Shem, tracing the spread of nations after the Flood. Obal is mentioned alongside twelve brothers, including well-known figures like Sheba and Ophir, suggesting a large and significant tribal lineage within the ancient Arabian context.
Lexical sources associate the name with the meaning "stripped bare" or "naked." This etymology likely reflects the harsh, arid environment of the regions where these tribes settled. In the biblical narrative, Obal represents the founder of a specific Arab tribe, anchoring his family’s history in the geographical and social landscape of the ancient Near East.
Although the name occurs only once in Scripture, its placement in the Table of Nations highlights the breadth of Shem’s descendants. The text does not elaborate on Obal’s personal deeds but uses his name to map the early settlement patterns of Semitic peoples across Arabia and surrounding areas.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Obal appears in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles as a son of Joktan. His name likely means "stripped bare," reflecting the arid lands where his tribe settled. This detail reminds us that God’s plan extends to every corner of the earth, even in harsh environments.
While we know little about Obal personally, his inclusion shows that God cares for all nations and families. These records are not just names but a testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving history and guiding humanity after the Flood.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Obal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עוֹבָ֥ל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:28
Obal, Abimael, Sheba,
This verse lists Obal among Joktan's sons, anchoring his tribe within the broader Table of Nations.