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H173 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אָהֳלִיבָה
Oholivah
Proper noun, feminine
Oholibah — My Tent is in Her

Definition

The name Oholibah means "my tent is in her" — God's dwelling is within her. This is the name given to Jerusalem (the southern kingdom of Judah) in Ezekiel 23. Unlike Oholah (Samaria) who had her own tent, Jerusalem was the place where God's own Presence dwelt.

Usage & Theological Significance

Greater privilege brings greater responsibility and accountability. Oholibah (Jerusalem) sinned more egregiously than her sister Samaria despite being the dwelling place of God's Name. Proximity to the holy does not automatically produce holiness — it amplifies both the blessing of faithfulness and the tragedy of unfaithfulness. Jesus applied this principle in pronouncing greater judgment on Chorazin than Tyre (Matthew 11:21-22).

Key Bible Verses

Ezekiel 23:4 The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah. They were mine and gave birth to sons and daughters.
Ezekiel 23:11 Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister.
Ezekiel 23:22 Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will stir up your lovers against you.
Lamentations 1:8 Jerusalem has sinned greatly and so has become unclean.
Matthew 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago."

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