Omri
Omri in the Bible — commander of the army and king over Israel (1KI 16:16). Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “sheaf of corn”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 2 names
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Omri was a male commander of the army who became king over Israel, noted in Scripture for his significant leadership role. His reign is marked by a pronounced wickedness, as he "did evil in the sight of the LORD, and acted more wickedly than all who were before him." This characterization highlights his failure to uphold God's standards during his rule.
Names & Titles
The name Omri means 'thrive' or 'live long,' reflecting a proper name of Hebrew origin. Additionally, he held the title 'King of Israel,' denoting his political authority over the nation. Neither the name nor the title is recorded as being given by God.
Family
Scripture infers that Omri was the father of Ahab, establishing a dynastic link within the monarchy of Israel. Beyond this paternal relationship, no other family connections are recorded in the biblical text.
Significance
Omri's significance in the biblical narrative lies in his role as a military leader who ascended to kingship and whose reign is characterized by unprecedented evil compared to his predecessors. His leadership set a negative spiritual precedent for Israel, influencing the nation's moral and religious decline. This legacy is critical for understanding the challenges faced by Israel during and after his rule.
Names & Labels (2)
- Hebrew
- עָמְרִי
- Transliteration
- aməriy
- Meaning
- thrive, live long
- Greek
- Αμβρι
- Reference
- 1KI 16:16
- Strong's
- H6018
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- Transliteration
- melek yisərael
- Meaning
- king of Israel
- Greek
- βασιλέως Ισραηλ
- Reference
- 2KI 8:26
- Strong's
- H4428, H3478
Family & Relationships (1)
father
Notes
he "did evil in the sight of the LORD, and acted more wickedly than all who were before him" (1KI 16:25)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Omri in the Bible?
Omri was a male commander of the army who became king over Israel, noted in Scripture for his significant leadership role. His reign is marked by a pronounced wickedness, as he "did evil in the sight of the LORD, and acted more wickedly than all who were before him." This characterization highlights his failure to uphold God's standards during his rule.
What does the name Omri mean?
The name Omri means “sheaf of corn” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.