Persons of the Bible: Letter O

The letter O brings together a unique blend of people whose stories stretch across the breadth of the Bible—from patriarchal genealogies and the days of the judges, to the ministry of the prophets, the kingdom years, and the early church. Figures such as Obadiah, Oholiab, Omri, Onesimus, and Othniel reflect God’s work among His people in moments of courage, failure, restoration, and grace. Some appear only briefly, while others leave lasting influence on Israel’s history. Together, these names remind us that God shapes His redemptive story through both the prominent and the quietly faithful, pointing us always toward Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of every promise.

Obadiah

Obadiah appears both as the name of a prophet and of several faithful servants throughout Israel’s history. The prophet Obadiah delivered God’s message of justice against Edom, affirming that the Lord defends His people and will judge all nations with righteousness. Another Obadiah, a devout official under Ahab, courageously hid and protected God’s prophets during Jezebel’s persecution. The name means “servant of the Lord,” and each bearer reflects that calling in different ways.
Scripture: 1 Kings 18:3–16; 1 Chronicles 3:21; Obadiah 1:1

Obal

Obal was a descendant of Joktan whose name appears in early genealogical records tracing the spread of ancient families after the flood.
Scripture: Genesis 10:28; 1 Chronicles 1:22

Obed

Obed was the son born to Boaz and Ruth, a child of redemption whose family line leads directly to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. His birth demonstrates God’s kindness in transforming sorrow into joy and weaving Gentile faith into the lineage of the Messiah.
Scripture: Ruth 4:17–22; Matthew 1:5

Obed-Edom

Obed-Edom, a Levite, hosted the ark of the covenant in his home for three months, and the Lord blessed him greatly. His story reveals God’s holiness and the joy that comes from welcoming His presence.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:10–12; 1 Chronicles 15:18

Obil

Obil was an Ishmaelite overseer in charge of King David’s camels.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 27:30

Ocran

Ocran was the father of Pagiel, a leader in the tribe of Asher during Israel’s wilderness years.
Scripture: Numbers 1:13

Oded

Oded was a prophet in the northern kingdom who courageously confronted Israel after they captured people from Judah, calling them to repentance and mercy. His faithful intervention led to the compassionate release of the captives. Another Oded appears in Chronicles as the father of Azariah, a prophet who supported King Asa’s reforms.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 28:9–15; 2 Chronicles 15:1

Og

Og was the king of Bashan and one of the last Rephaim rulers confronted by Israel in their journey toward the promised land. His defeat demonstrated God’s power over seemingly invincible enemies and strengthened Israel’s confidence before entering Canaan. Og’s story becomes a repeated reminder in Scripture that nothing is too great for the Lord to overcome.
Scripture: Numbers 21:33–35; Deuteronomy 3:1–11; Psalm 135:11

Ohad

Ohad was one of the sons of Simeon listed among the tribes of Israel.
Scripture: Genesis 46:10

Ohel

Ohel was a descendant of Zerubbabel mentioned in post-exilic genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 3:24

Oholah

Oholah is a symbolic name used by the prophet Ezekiel to describe Samaria in a prophetic allegory. She is personified in the text but represents the unfaithfulness of the northern kingdom, not an actual historical individual.
Scripture: Ezekiel 23:1–10

Oholiab

Oholiab was one of the artisans filled with the Spirit of God to build the tabernacle. Working alongside Bezalel, he crafted elements of worship with skill and devotion, showing how God equips His people for sacred work.
Scripture: Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:34–35

Oholibah

Oholibah is a symbolic name used by Ezekiel to personify Jerusalem in a prophetic allegory. As with Oholah, this is a symbolic figure representing spiritual unfaithfulness, not an actual woman.
Scripture: Ezekiel 23:1–21

Olympas

Olympas was a believer greeted by Paul in his letter to the Romans, remembered among the early Christian community in Rome.
Scripture: Romans 16:15

Omar

Omar was one of the sons of Esau, whose descendants formed part of the Edomite clans.
Scripture: Genesis 36:11

Omega

“Omega,” paired with “Alpha,” is used symbolically for God and Christ as the beginning and the end. Included here only to clarify that this is not a personal name but a divine title.
Scripture: Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13

Omri

Omri was a king of Israel known for establishing a powerful dynasty and founding the city of Samaria. Despite his political success, Scripture records that he continued in the sins of those before him. His reign shows the contrast between earthly achievement and spiritual faithfulness, which finds its remedy only in Christ, the true and righteous King.
Scripture: 1 Kings 16:21–28; Micah 6:16

On

On was one of the sons of Peleth who aligned with Korah in the rebellion against Moses, though his personal role is mentioned only briefly.
Scripture: Numbers 16:1

Onam

Onam appears among the descendants of Esau through Anah.
Scripture: Genesis 36:23

Onan

Onan was the son of Judah who refused to fulfill his duty toward his deceased brother’s widow. His disobedience demonstrated disregard for family responsibility and covenant customs.
Scripture: Genesis 38:8–10

Onesimus

Onesimus was a runaway slave who encountered Paul, became a believer, and was later sent back to Philemon as a “beloved brother.” His story highlights the transforming power of the gospel to restore relationships and reshape identity in Christ.
Scripture: Philemon 1:10–16; Colossians 4:9

Onesiphorus

Onesiphorus faithfully supported Paul, refreshing him during imprisonment and seeking him out when others had abandoned the apostle. His loyalty and courage stand as a model of Christian friendship and perseverance.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:16–18; 2 Timothy 4:19

Ophir

Primarily known as a place associated with fine gold, Ophir appears in genealogies as a personal or ancestral designation.
Scripture: Genesis 10:29; 1 Chronicles 1:23

Ophir

Variants associated with the ancestral or personal-designation use of the name Ophir.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 1:23

Ophrah

Primarily a location, included here only where used as a personal or ancestral designation.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:14 (contextual)

Orna (variant of Ornan)

A linguistic variant referring to the same Jebusite individual known as Ornan or Araunah.
Scripture: Variant tradition

Ornan (also Araunah)

Ornan, also called Araunah, was the Jebusite whose threshing floor David purchased as the site for a future altar. God instructed David to build there after the plague, and this site later became the location of Solomon’s Temple. Ornan’s role connects deeply with themes of repentance, sacrifice, and the place where God meets His people—foreshadowing Christ, the true and final meeting place between God and humanity.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:18–25; 1 Chronicles 21:18–30; 2 Chronicles 3:1

Orpah

Orpah was the Moabite daughter-in-law of Naomi. Though she returned to her people after her husband’s death, her story highlights the contrast with Ruth’s steadfast faith and devotion.
Scripture: Ruth 1:4–15

Oren

Oren was a descendant of Judah listed in the genealogies recorded by the Chronicler.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:25

Osee (variant of Hosea)

A Greek form of the prophet Hosea’s name, used in the New Testament.
Scripture: Romans 9:25

Oshea (variant of Joshua)

Oshea was Joshua’s earlier name before Moses renamed him.
Scripture: Numbers 13:16

Othni

Othni was a descendant of Judah mentioned briefly in genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:20

Othniel

Othniel was the first judge of Israel, raised up by God to deliver the people from oppression after the death of Joshua. Filled with the Spirit of the Lord, Othniel secured rest for the nation through faithful leadership. His story previews the pattern of deliverance ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the final and greater Judge who brings lasting peace.
Scripture: Judges 3:7–11; Joshua 15:17

Ozni

Ozni was one of the sons of Gad and an ancestor of the Oznites.
Scripture: Genesis 46:16; Numbers 26:16

— Oznites (group designation)
Scripture: Numbers 26:16

Ozem

Ozem was one of the sons of Jesse, listed among David’s brothers.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:15

Ozias (variant of Uzziah/Azariah)

A Greek form of the name Uzziah, king of Judah.
Scripture: Matthew 1:8–9

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As we conclude the letter O, we see again how God’s faithfulness shines through the lives of servants, leaders, artisans, kings, and ordinary believers. Their stories—large and small—reveal the God who calls, restores, equips, and redeems.

As we move forward into the letter P, we continue tracing the lives of those who appear in Scripture, learning from their struggles, their faith, and their encounters with the God who is still writing His story in the hearts of His people.