Lexical Summary Oholiab: Oholiab Original Word: אָהֱלִיאָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Aholiab From 'ohel and 'ab; tent of (his) father; Oholiab, an Israelite -- Aholiab. see HEBREW 'ohel see HEBREW 'ab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ohel and ab Definition "father's tent," an assistant of Bezalel NASB Translation Oholiab (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs אָהֳלִיאָב proper name, masculine Oholiab (Father's tent, compare Phoenician אהלבעל, אהלמלך; Sabean אהלעתֿתר, אהלאל chief assistant of Bezalel in construction of tabernacle, etc. Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:34; Exodus 36:1,2; Exodus 38:23. Topical Lexicon Historical Setting and Family Lineage Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, emerges in the wilderness period shortly after Israel’s exodus from Egypt. Identified with the tribe of Dan (Exodus 31:6), he stands alongside Bezalel of Judah, illustrating cooperation between northern and southern tribes at a formative moment in Israel’s history. Divine Appointment and Spiritual Empowerment The Lord Himself chose Oholiab. “Moreover, I have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan; and I have filled every skilled craftsman with wisdom of heart to make all that I have commanded you” (Exodus 31:6). The narrative stresses that artistic talent is not merely natural ability but a Spirit-endowed gift (compare Exodus 35:31). Oholiab therefore exemplifies how the Spirit equips believers for practical service that advances God’s redemptive program. Craftsmanship in the Construction of the Tabernacle Together with Bezalel, Oholiab oversaw the fabrication of the tabernacle, its furniture, priestly garments, and related utensils (Exodus 36:1–4; 38:22-23). His skills encompassed weaving, embroidery, metalwork, woodworking, and precious-stone setting. By supervising “all who were skillful” (Exodus 36:1), he ensured that every detail reflected the heavenly pattern revealed to Moses, underscoring the necessity of faithful obedience in worship. Gift of Instruction Exodus 35:34 highlights a further endowment: “He has also given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan the ability to teach others”. The inclusion of pedagogical gifting shows that true ministry multiplies itself. Oholiab trained additional artisans, fostering a community capable of sustained, excellent service—an Old Testament anticipation of New-Covenant disciple-making. Theological and Symbolic Significance 1. Unity in Diversity: Judah’s Bezalel and Dan’s Oholiab signify the whole nation serving one sanctuary (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Legacy in Israel’s Memory Although mentioned only five times (Exodus 31:6; 35:34; 36:1; 36:2; 38:23), Oholiab’s name is permanently linked with the tabernacle—a structure central to Israel’s worship for centuries. His obedience enabled generations to encounter the presence of God, demonstrating the long-range impact of faithful, often behind-the-scenes ministry. Practical Lessons for Believers • Spiritual gifts are varied; artistic aptitude is as God-given as preaching or prophecy. Conclusion Oholiab models Spirit-filled artistry, collaborative leadership, and generational discipleship. His brief appearance in Scripture reminds the church that God delights to manifest His glory through ordinary people devoted to extraordinary obedience. Forms and Transliterations אָֽהֳלִיאָב֒ אָהֳלִיאָ֞ב אהליאב וְאָֽהֳלִיאָ֥ב וְאָהֳלִיאָ֜ב ואהליאב ’ā·ho·lî·’āḇ ’āholî’āḇ oholiAv veoholiAv wə’āholî’āḇ wə·’ā·ho·lî·’āḇLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 31:6 HEB: אִתּ֗וֹ אֵ֣ת אָהֳלִיאָ֞ב בֶּן־ אֲחִֽיסָמָךְ֙ NAS: have appointed with him Oholiab, the son KJV: And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son INT: have appointed for Oholiab the son of Ahisamach Exodus 35:34 Exodus 36:1 Exodus 36:2 Exodus 38:23 5 Occurrences |