עׇמְרִי (om.ri)
om.ri
Omri
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Omri, meaning "pupil of Jehovah," identifies a prominent king of the northern kingdom of Israel who seized power after serving as captain under King Elah. He ruled for twelve years and established a dynasty that continued through his son Ahab. The biblical narrative records his rise in 1 Kings 16:16 and notes his political significance by referencing "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" (1 Kings 16:27).
While Omri is often remembered for the moral failures of his successors, he was a formidable political leader who fortified Samaria and made it the new capital. His influence was so lasting that later prophets, such as Micah in Micah 6:16, used "the statutes of Omri" as a shorthand for systemic idolatry and injustice in the north. The name also appears in genealogies for lesser-known figures in the tribes of Benjamin, Judah, and Issachar, but the king remains the primary referent in most contexts.
Translators typically render this proper noun without variation, preserving its phonetic identity across English versions. The historical weight of the name lies in its association with a period of centralized power in Israel, even as it became synonymous with religious apostasy in prophetic literature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Omri appears in Scripture as both a political figure and a spiritual warning. In 1 Kings, he is depicted as a capable ruler who established Samaria as Israel’s capital, yet his reign is marked by actions that turned the people away from God. This duality reminds us that external stability or success does not guarantee inner faithfulness. We are invited to examine our own lives, ensuring that our public achievements do not overshadow our private devotion.
Later prophets used Omri’s name as a shorthand for systemic injustice and idolatry, showing how the choices of leaders can leave a lasting legacy on a community. This highlights the importance of integrity in all areas of life. Whether in leadership or daily conduct, our actions shape the environment around us. The biblical record encourages us to pursue righteousness that endures, rather than seeking fleeting power.
Reflecting on Omri’s story offers a sobering perspective on the consequences of turning away from divine principles. It calls for humility and a commitment to justice in our own contexts. By learning from these historical accounts, we can better understand the weight of our decisions and the importance of remaining grounded in faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Omri17×
- and/ Omri1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָמְרִי֙4×
- עָמְרִ֛י3×
- עָמְרִֽי\׃2×
- עָמְרִ֗י2×
- עָמְרִ֖י2×
- עָמְרִֽי\׃\ \פ1×
- עָמְרִ֨י1×
- עָמְרִ֤י1×
- עָמְרִ֔י1×
- וְ/עָמְרִי֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 16:25
Omri did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, and dealt wickedly above all who were before him.
This verse explicitly states that Omri did evil in Yahweh's sight more than any before him, establishing his negative spiritual legacy.
-
Micah 6:16
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of Ahab’s house. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and your inhabitants a hissing. You will bear the reproach of my people.”
The prophet uses 'the statutes of Omri' as a symbol for entrenched idolatry and injustice, showing how his reign became synonymous with apostasy.
-
I Kings 16:27
Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he showed, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
This reference to the chronicles acknowledges Omri's political might and historical significance despite his moral failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Omri in the Bible?
Why is Omri mentioned in Micah?
Does Omri appear in genealogies?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 5 books)
I Kings 10 verses
The people who were encamped heard that Zimri had conspired, and had also killed the king. Therefore all Israel made…
I Kings 16:17Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah.
I Kings 16:21Then the people of Israel were divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him…
I Kings 16:22But the people who followed Omri prevailed against the people who followed Tibni the son of Ginath; so Tibni died, and…
I Kings 16:23In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel for twelve years. He reigned six years…
I Kings 16:25Omri did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, and dealt wickedly above all who were before him.
I Kings 16:27Now the rest of the acts of Omri which he did, and his might that he showed, aren’t they written in the book of the…
I Kings 16:28So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria; and Ahab his son reigned in his place.
I Kings 16:29In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel. Ahab the son of Omri…
I Kings 16:30Ahab the son of Omri did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight above all that were before him.