Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with O

Exploring biblical terms starting with "O" reveals the importance of obedience, offerings to God, and the old covenant fulfilled in Christ. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.

Major Biblical Figures

Obadiah

Biblical individuals named Obadiah include: the prophet who wrote the shortest Old Testament book announcing Edom's judgment, and Ahab's palace administrator who protected 100 prophets from Jezebel.

Obed

Son of Boaz and Ruth, grandfather of King David, through whom the Messianic line continued.

Obed-edom

Man who housed the Ark for three months and was blessed; his descendants later served as temple gatekeepers and musicians.

Og

Giant king of Bashan defeated by Israel east of Jordan, whose iron bed was famous for its size.

Omri

Military commander who became king of Israel, founded Samaria as capital, but did evil surpassing previous kings.

Onesimus

Runaway slave converted through Paul, sent back to Philemon with letter urging acceptance as a brother in Christ.

Onesiphorus

Believer who refreshed Paul in Rome and wasn't ashamed of his chains, earning Paul's commendation and blessing.

Orpah

Ruth's sister-in-law who returned to Moab rather than accompanying Naomi to Bethlehem, choosing family over faith.

Othniel

First judge of Israel, Caleb's younger brother who delivered Israel from oppression and gave them rest forty years.

Central Theological Terms

Obedience

Submission to God's commands and will. Better than sacrifice; Christ learned obedience through suffering; believers demonstrate love through obedience.

Oblation

Offering or sacrifice presented to God, particularly grain offerings accompanying other sacrifices in worship.

Observance

Keeping or celebrating appointed times and commands. Israelites observed Passover; believers observe the Lord's Supper.

Offense

Stumbling block or cause of sin. Christ is offense to unbelievers; believers shouldn't cause others to stumble.

Offering

Gift presented to God in worship. Types include burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt offerings pointing to Christ.

Oil

Liquid from olives used for cooking, lighting, anointing, and healing, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and gladness.

Old Covenant

Agreement God made with Israel through Moses at Sinai, based on law, fulfilled and superseded by Christ's new covenant.

Old Man

Unregenerate self controlled by sin nature that believers put off at conversion, replaced by the new man.

Old Testament

First portion of Scripture from Genesis through Malachi, recording creation, Israel's history, law, and prophetic promises fulfilled in Christ.

Olive Tree

Evergreen tree producing oil, representing Israel, peace, prosperity, and believers grafted into God's covenant people.

Omega

Last letter of Greek alphabet; title for Christ as "Alpha and Omega," the beginning and end of all things.

Omnipotence

God's unlimited power to accomplish all His will, nothing being impossible for Him or beyond His control.

Omnipresence

God's presence everywhere simultaneously, no place existing where He is absent or unable to act.

Omniscience

God's complete knowledge of all things past, present, and future, including thoughts and hidden matters.

Only Begotten

Unique relationship of the Son to the Father, Jesus being God's one and only Son, eternally begotten, not created.

Oracle

Divine message or place where God speaks. Prophets delivered oracles; the Most Holy Place was called the oracle.

Ordain

To appoint, establish, or set apart for specific purpose. God ordained good works; elders are ordained for ministry.

Ordinance

Religious ceremony or decree. Baptism and Lord's Supper are ordinances; God's ordinances govern creation and morality.

Overcome

To conquer or prevail over opposition. Christ overcame the world; believers overcome by the Lamb's blood and testimony.

Overseer

Bishop or elder responsible for shepherding and protecting the local church, meeting strict qualifications.

Places and Regions

Olivet

Mount of Olives, hill east of Jerusalem where Jesus often prayed, ascended, and will return according to prophecy.

Olives, Mount of

Hill east of Jerusalem across Kidron Valley, site of Jesus' prayers, teachings, ascension, and prophesied return.

Ophel

Fortified area of Jerusalem south of the temple mount, strengthened by various kings including Jotham and Hezekiah.

Ophir

Distant land famous for fine gold, possibly in Arabia, Africa, or India, source of Solomon's wealth.

Ophrah

Town in Benjamin where the angel appeared to Gideon; also town in Manasseh and one in Benjamin.

Biblical Objects and Symbols

Oak

Strong tree associated with landmarks, burials, and significant events. Abraham camped by oaks; Absalom caught in oak branches.

Oath

Solemn promise calling on God as witness. Abraham and Abimelech made oaths; God confirmed His promises with oaths.

Obed-edom's House

Place where the Ark remained three months, blessed abundantly, before David brought it to Jerusalem.

Ointment

Fragrant oil or perfume used for anointing, healing, and burial preparation. Mary anointed Jesus with costly ointment.

Olive Oil

Liquid extracted from olives used for lamps, cooking, anointing, and offerings, symbolizing the Holy Spirit.

Onyx

Precious stone in the high priest's breastplate and ephod, also found in Eden and New Jerusalem's foundations.

Oven

Structure for baking bread, metaphor for judgment's heat. God is like a refiner's fire and fuller's soap.

Oxen

Cattle used for plowing, threshing, and sacrifices. Law protected working oxen; brass oxen supported the molten sea.

Ox Goad

Sharp stick for driving oxen, used by Shamgar to kill 600 Philistines, demonstrating God uses simple things.

Additional Theological Concepts

Obey

To comply with commands or authority. Children obey parents; believers obey God rather than men when commands conflict.

Obtain

To acquire or receive something desired. Faith obtains promises; believers obtain mercy, salvation, and eternal inheritance.

Occupy

To engage in business or activity until master returns, parable teaching faithful stewardship awaiting Christ's return.

Odious

Hateful or repulsive. Certain behaviors are odious to God; an odious woman causes turmoil when married.

Offend

To cause someone to stumble or sin. Better to lose body parts than offend little ones causing them to sin.

Offering of Christ

Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice satisfying God's justice, cleansing sin, and providing eternal redemption for believers.

Oil of Gladness

Anointing oil symbolizing joy and celebration. Christ anointed with oil of gladness above His companions.

Old Age

Advanced years honored in Scripture when accompanied by wisdom and righteousness, promising divine care and fruitfulness.

Old Gate

Jerusalem gate repaired by Nehemiah during wall rebuilding, maintaining the city's ancient access points.

Old Paths

Ancient ways of faithfulness to God that Jeremiah urged people to seek and walk in for soul's rest.

Old Wine

Aged wine preferred over new, representing established traditions people resist changing despite superior new covenant.

Olive Branch

Symbol of peace and reconciliation. Dove brought olive branch to Noah; olive branches used in Feast of Tabernacles.

Olive Mount

Alternate name for Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended and will return splitting the mountain in two.

One Accord

Unity of heart and purpose. Early church continued in one accord; believers should be of one accord serving God.

One Flesh

Marriage union where husband and wife become inseparable unity reflecting Christ's relationship with the church.

Only Son

Isaac to Abraham, Jesus to God—emphasizing precious uniqueness and costly sacrifice of giving up the only son.

Oppression

Cruel exercise of power or authority. God hears cries of the oppressed; delivers from oppression; condemns oppressors.

Oracle of God

Direct divine communication or Scripture itself as God's authoritative word to humanity requiring obedience.

Ordination

Setting apart individuals for ministry through prayer and laying on of hands, recognizing God's calling and gifting.

Ordinances of Heaven

Natural laws governing creation established by God, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Origin

Source or beginning. Christ is origin of creation; believers have new origin through spiritual birth.

Ornament

Decorative item worn or displayed. Inner beauty surpasses outward ornaments; wisdom is better than ornaments of gold.

Orphan

Child without parents requiring special protection. God defends orphans; pure religion cares for orphans and widows.

Outcast

Person rejected or expelled from community. God gathers Israel's outcasts; Jesus welcomed society's outcasts.

Outer Court

Temple courtyard accessible to Gentiles, representing preliminary approach to God before entering sacred spaces.

Outer Darkness

Place of eternal punishment characterized by weeping and gnashing of teeth, complete separation from God's light.

Outward Man

Physical body that decays while inner man is renewed daily, temporary vessel housing eternal spirit.

Oven of Affliction

Metaphor for severe testing that purifies faith like fire refines metal, producing proven character.

Overcome Evil

Command to conquer evil with good rather than retaliating, demonstrating God's kingdom operates differently from world.

Overshadow

To cover with presence or power. Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary; God's presence overshadowed the tabernacle.

Overtake

To catch up with or befall someone. Blessings overtake the obedient; disaster overtakes the wicked unexpectedly.

Overthrow

To destroy or defeat completely. God overthrew Sodom; Pharaoh's army was overthrown in the sea.

Owe

To be indebted or obligated. Owe no one anything except love; forgive as Christ forgave our debt.

Owner

One possessing something rightfully. God is creation's owner; ox knows its owner but Israel doesn't know God.

More Key Figures

Obadiah (prophet)

Author of shortest Old Testament book announcing Edom's judgment for betraying Israel during Jerusalem's destruction.

Obadiah (Ahab's servant)

Palace administrator who feared God and hid 100 prophets in caves from Jezebel's murderous persecution.

Obal

Son of Joktan descended from Shem, ancestor of an Arabian tribe mentioned in genealogies.

Obed-edom (various)

Name of several Levites including gatekeeper blessed by the Ark, musicians, and treasurers serving the temple.

Obil

Ishmaelite in charge of King David's camels, managing royal livestock and transportation resources.

Ocran

Father of Pagiel, prince of Asher's tribe who assisted Moses during the wilderness census and organization.

Oded

Name of two prophets: one who confronted Israel for enslaving Judahite captives, another who was Azariah's father.

Og

Giant Amorite king of Bashan whose enormous iron bed demonstrated his size, defeated by Israel at Edrei.

Ohad

Son of Simeon and grandson of Jacob, mentioned in genealogies of Israel's twelve tribes.

Ohel

Son of Zerubbabel in David's royal line after Babylonian exile, mentioned in Chronicles' genealogies.

Olympas

Christian in Rome greeted by Paul, member of the early church fellowship meeting in homes.

Omar

Grandson of Esau through Eliphaz, chief of an Edomite clan dwelling in Mount Seir.

Omega

Last Greek letter used with Alpha as title for God and Christ, signifying eternal nature from beginning to end.

Omri

Military commander who became king of Israel, founded Samaria, but exceeded previous kings' wickedness.

On

Reubenite who joined Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron, swallowed by earth in judgment.

Onam

Name of two men: Horite chief descended from Seir, and descendant of Judah through Jerahmeel.

Onan

Judah's second son who refused to provide heir for his deceased brother and died under God's judgment.

Onesimus

Runaway slave converted through Paul who sent him back to Philemon with letter urging Christian brotherhood.

Onesiphorus

Believer who sought Paul in Rome, refreshed him despite his chains, showing courage and devotion.

Ophir

Distant region famous for finest gold used in Solomon's temple, location debated among scholars.

Ophni

Town in Benjamin's territory mentioned in Joshua's distribution of land among the twelve tribes.

Ophrah

City in Benjamin where angel appeared to Gideon commissioning him to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression.

Oreb

Midianite prince captured and executed at a rock later named after him during Gideon's victory.

Oren

Son of Jerahmeel from Judah's tribe mentioned in genealogies preserved in Chronicles.

Ornan (Araunah)

Jebusite who owned threshing floor David purchased as site for altar, later Solomon's temple location.

Orpah

Ruth's sister-in-law who returned to Moab and her gods rather than accompanying Naomi to Bethlehem.

Osee

Greek form of Hosea used in New Testament quotations referring to the prophet or his prophecies.

Oshea (Hoshea)

Original name of Joshua before Moses changed it, meaning "salvation" expanded to "the Lord saves."

Othni

Levite gatekeeper from Obed-edom's family appointed during David's organization of temple service.

Othniel

First judge who delivered Israel from Mesopotamian oppression, Caleb's younger brother who won Achsah as wife.

Ozem

Name of two men: David's brother and descendant of Jerahmeel from Judah's tribe.

Ozias

Greek form of Uzziah, king of Judah mentioned in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Ozni

Son of Gad and grandson of Jacob, ancestor of the Oznite clan within Gad's tribe.

Groups and Peoples

Ophites

Not specifically biblical but sometimes referenced in discussions of ancient Near Eastern peoples and their religions.

Biblical Practices and Events

Oath Taking

Solemn promise calling God as witness, regulated to prevent casual swearing; Jesus taught letting yes be yes.

Offerings, Types of

Various sacrifices including burnt (dedication), grain (thanksgiving), peace (fellowship), sin (atonement), and guilt (restitution) offerings.

Oil Anointing

Pouring oil on heads to consecrate priests, kings, prophets, or heal the sick, symbolizing Holy Spirit's empowerment.

Old Testament Prophecy

Predictions about Messiah, Israel's future, and end times fulfilled in Christ and continuing until His return.

Ordination Service

Ceremony setting apart ministers through prayer, laying on of hands, and recognition of calling and qualifications.

Overcoming Faith

Trust in God that conquers fear, doubt, temptation, and worldly opposition through Christ's victory.