Athaliah
Athaliah in the Bible — daughter of Ahab and grandaughter of Omri (2KI 8:26, 2CH 22:2)). Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the time of the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- female
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Athaliah was a female figure in the biblical narrative, uniquely identified as the daughter of Ahab and granddaughter of Omri. Her lineage places her within the royal family associated with the northern kingdom of Israel, highlighting her significant heritage. There is no additional tribal affiliation or notes recorded about her.
Names & Titles
The name Athaliah is a proper name that likely means 'YHWH is exalted' or 'oldest of YHWH,' reflecting a possible theophoric element invoking the name of God. This meaning provides insight into the cultural and religious context of her identity, though the name was not given by God according to the record.
Family
Scripture explicitly records Athaliah as the daughter of Ahab and the mother of Ahaziah. She is also inferred to be the wife of Jehoram. These relationships situate her firmly within the royal lineage and political alliances of her time, connecting the northern and southern kingdoms through marriage.
Significance
Athaliah's significance in Scripture stems from her royal lineage as the daughter of Ahab and granddaughter of Omri, linking her to the northern kingdom's dynasty. Through her marriage to Jehoram and motherhood of Ahaziah, she became a key figure in the southern kingdom's monarchy. Her role illustrates the intertwining of Israel's and Judah's royal families and the unfolding of God's providential plan in the history of His people.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- עֲתַלְיָהוּ
- Transliteration
- ataləyahu
- Meaning
- [poss.] y-h-v-h is exalted; oldest of y-h-v-h
- Greek
- Γοθολια
- Reference
- 2KI 8:26
- Strong's
- H6271
Family & Relationships (3)
wife
daughter
mother
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Athaliah in the Bible?
Athaliah was a female figure in the biblical narrative, uniquely identified as the daughter of Ahab and granddaughter of Omri. Her lineage places her within the royal family associated with the northern kingdom of Israel, highlighting her significant heritage. There is no additional tribal affiliation or notes recorded about her.
What does the name Athaliah mean?
The name Athaliah means “the time of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.