עֹדֵד (o.ded)

o.ded

Oded

H5752 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Oded, meaning "restorer," appears in the Hebrew Bible as the identifier for two distinct prophets during the era of the Divided Monarchy. Though the name is rare, occurring only three times in Scripture, it marks individuals who played specific roles in guiding kings through periods of political and spiritual crisis.

The first Oded was the father of Azariah, a prophet active during the reign of King Asa of Judah. This lineage connects him to the broader prophetic circle that encouraged Asa’s religious reforms. The second Oded is mentioned later, serving as a prophet in Samaria who confronted King Ahaz of Judah after his military victory over Israel. In this instance, he urged mercy toward the captives taken from Judah, highlighting a theme of compassion amidst conflict.

The meaning "restorer" adds depth to these accounts, suggesting that these figures were not merely predictors of future events but agents of spiritual and social renewal. Their brief appearances in Chronicles underscore the importance of prophetic voices in calling leaders back to covenant faithfulness during times of national instability.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Oded means "restorer," a title that fits two prophets who appeared during turbulent times for Israel. In II Chronicles 15, we see Azariah, son of Oded, delivering a message that encouraged King Asa to remove idols and renew the altar. This moment shows how prophetic words can spark national revival, turning hearts back toward God when faith has grown cold.

Later, another prophet named Oded met an army returning from battle with harsh words, urging them not to keep Israelite captives as slaves. His intervention highlights that even in victory, mercy must guide our actions. These brief appearances remind us that God uses people to restore what is broken, whether it is spiritual loyalty or human dignity.

When you face seasons of confusion or conflict, remember that God still speaks through voices that call for repentance and compassion. His desire is always restoration, inviting us to align our hearts with His justice and love.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Oded2×
[was] Oded1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

עֹדֵ֣ד2×
עוֹדֵ֔ד1×

Key Verses

II Chronicles 15:1
The Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded.

This verse introduces Oded as the father of Azariah, linking the name to a prophetic lineage that actively encouraged King Asa's reforms.
II Chronicles 15:8
When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominations out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from the hill country of Ephraim; and he renewed Yahweh’s altar that was before Yahweh’s porch.

Here, Asa acts on the prophecy of Oded by removing idols and renewing the altar, demonstrating how prophetic words can lead to tangible spiritual renewal.
II Chronicles 28:9
But a prophet of Yahweh was there, whose name was Oded; and he went out to meet the army that came to Samaria, and said to them, “Behold, because Yahweh, the God of your fathers, was angry with Judah, he has delivered them into your hand, and you have slain them in a rage which has reached up to heaven.

Oded confronts the victorious army of Israel, urging mercy toward Judah's captives and showing that God values compassion even in times of conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Oded mean?

The name Oded is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "restorer" or "one who brings back." In the context of the Bible, it identifies two prophets who played roles in guiding people back to covenant faithfulness during times of crisis.

How many times does Oded appear in the Bible?

The name Oded appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in II Chronicles. It refers to two distinct individuals: the father of Azariah and a prophet who confronted King Ahaz's army.

What was the role of Oded in II Chronicles 28?

In II Chronicles 28, Oded met an Israelite army that had taken captives from Judah. He warned them that their anger had reached heaven and urged them to release the captives, emphasizing mercy over vengeance.

Why is Oded significant in biblical history?

Oded is significant because his name means "restorer," reflecting his role in calling leaders and people back to God. His interventions highlight the importance of prophetic voices in promoting spiritual renewal and social justice during unstable times.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

II Chronicles 3 verses

II Chronicles 15:1

The Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded.

II Chronicles 15:8

When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominations out of…

II Chronicles 28:9

But a prophet of Yahweh was there, whose name was Oded; and he went out to meet the army that came to Samaria, and said…