### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼOhŏlîybâh**, represented by `{{H172}}`, is a symbolic name for Judah meaning **my tent (is) in her**. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. This name is used exclusively within the prophecy of Ezekiel to personify the kingdom of Judah, and specifically its capital, Jerusalem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H172}}` is introduced as the younger sister of Aholah, who represents Samaria. The Lord declares them both as His, but they engaged in spiritual unfaithfulness. The names are explicitly assigned in [[Ezekiel 23:4]]: "Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem **Aholibah**." While both sisters were unfaithful, the account emphasizes that **Aholibah** became even more corrupt in her actions than her sister [[Ezekiel 23:11]]. As a result of her sins, the Lord promises to raise up her former lovers against her in judgment [[Ezekiel 23:22]]. Both Aholah and **Aholibah** are ultimately condemned for their "abominations" [[Ezekiel 23:36]] and described as "the lewd women" [[Ezekiel 23:44]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper insight into the sins attributed to **Aholibah**:
* `{{H170}}` **ʼOhŏlâh** (her tent (i.e. idolatrous sanctuary)): This is the name given to **Aholibah's** elder sister, who represents Samaria. Their interconnected story highlights a shared pattern of unfaithfulness, with **Aholibah's** corruption surpassing her sister's [[Ezekiel 23:4]].
* `{{H7843}}` **shâchath** (to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin): This word describes the depth of **Aholibah's** depravity, noting she "was more **corrupt** in her inordinate love" than her sister [[Ezekiel 23:11]].
* `{{H8457}}` **taznûwth** (harlotry, i.e. (figuratively) idolatry): This term is used to characterize the nature of **Aholibah's** sin, specifying that she was worse "in her **whoredoms**" than her sister [[Ezekiel 23:11]].
* `{{H2154}}` **zimmâh** (a plan, especially a bad one; heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness)): This describes the character of the two sisters, who are called "the **lewd** women" because of their idolatrous acts [[Ezekiel 23:44]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H172}}` is concentrated in its use as a powerful allegory.
* **Symbolic Personification:** **Aholibah** is not a historical person but a symbol for Jerusalem, the center of worship for Judah. This literary device makes the nation's corporate sin personal and visceral [[Ezekiel 23:4]].
* **Spiritual Adultery:** The relationship between God and Judah is depicted as a marriage. **Aholibah's** pursuit of foreign alliances and idols is framed as "whoredoms" `{{H8457}}` and "inordinate love" `{{H5691}}`, a profound betrayal of her covenant with God [[Ezekiel 23:11]].
* **Greater Responsibility:** By seeing her sister Aholah's sin and punishment, **Aholibah** should have learned, but instead her corruption became worse. This illustrates a principle of greater accountability for those with more spiritual light and warning.
* **Divine Judgment:** The story of **Aholibah** serves as a stark warning that God will judge unfaithfulness. The very "lovers" she pursued are turned into the instruments of her discipline [[Ezekiel 23:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H172}}` is a deeply symbolic term used to embody the spiritual state of Judah in the time of Ezekiel. Though her name, **ʼOhŏlîybâh**, means "my tent (is) in her," a reference to God's presence in the Jerusalem temple, her actions of corruption and spiritual harlotry created a tragic contradiction. The figure of **Aholibah** stands as a solemn biblical illustration of covenant unfaithfulness and the certainty of divine judgment.
TRV