עׇתְנִיאֵל (ot.ni.el)
ot.ni.el
Othniel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Othniel means "lion of God," a title that fits his role as the first judge of Israel after Joshua’s death. He was the son of Kenaz and the younger brother of Caleb, making him part of the same prominent Judahite family. The sources identify him primarily as a military deliverer who rescued the people from the oppression of King Chushanrishathaim of Aram.
His story begins in Joshua 15:17, where he wins the hand of Achsah by capturing the city of Debir. This act establishes his reputation for courage and leadership early on. The name appears six times in Scripture, mostly in Judges and Chronicles, marking him as a pivotal figure in the transition from tribal confederation to monarchy.
Translators consistently render this proper noun as Othniel, preserving its distinct identity across languages. The name itself carries theological weight, suggesting divine strength embodied in human action. His brief but impactful tenure sets the pattern for the judges who would follow him in the book of Judges.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Othniel means "lion of God," a title that reflects both strength and divine reliance. As the first judge of Israel, he stepped into leadership when the people needed deliverance from oppression. His story shows how God raises up individuals to bring relief and peace, reminding us that our own struggles are seen and addressed by Him.
Othniel’s courage began with capturing Debir, an act that demonstrated his faith in action. Later, he led Israel to victory against King Chushanrishathaim, bringing forty years of rest to the land. This pattern of crying out to God and receiving help is a familiar rhythm for believers. It encourages us to trust that God provides deliverance in our own difficult seasons.
His legacy also includes his family lineage, recorded in Chronicles, which highlights the importance of heritage and community. Othniel’s life invites us to look for God’s hand in our personal victories and communal stability. May we find strength in His presence, just as he did, and rest in the peace He grants.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Othniel6×
- of/ Othniel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָתְנִיאֵ֥ל2×
- עָתְנִיאֵ֣ל2×
- עָתְנִיאֵ֖ל2×
- לְ/עָתְנִיאֵ֑ל1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:9
When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.
This verse introduces Othniel as the savior raised by Yahweh in response to Israel's cry, establishing his role as a deliverer.
-
Judges 3:11
The land had rest forty years, then Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
It marks the forty years of rest under his leadership, showing the tangible peace God provided through him.
-
Joshua 15:17
Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.
This earlier account highlights Othniel’s initial courage in capturing Debir, which earned him Achsah as a wife and set the stage for his future leadership.