### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻOmrîy (`{{H6018}}`) is a proper noun derived from the root ʻāmar (עָמַר), which fundamentally means "to heap up," "to gather sheaves," or "to bind." This root is closely associated with agricultural activities, specifically the collection and processing of harvested grain. As a personal name, ʻOmrîy therefore carries the etymological meaning "heaping," "my sheaf," or "pupil of the eye" (from a related sense of "heap" or "pile" in the eye). While the root suggests concepts of accumulation or gathering, its application as a proper noun primarily serves as an identifier for individuals, with the etymological meaning providing a subtle background rather than an overt semantic range in the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻOmrîy (`{{H6018}}`) appears most prominently in the biblical text referring to Omri, the founder of the Omride dynasty and the sixth king of Israel. His reign is detailed in [[1 Kings 16:16-28]]. Omri ascended to the throne through a military coup, being proclaimed king by the army while besieging Gibbethon [[1 Kings 16:16]]. He then consolidated his power, defeating Zimri, who had briefly usurped the throne. A defining act of his reign was the purchase of the hill of Samaria and the construction of a new capital city upon it [[1 Kings 16:24]]. This strategic move established Samaria as the enduring center of the northern kingdom. Despite his political acumen, the biblical author condemns Omri for his profound wickedness, stating that he "did more evil than all who were before him" [[1 Kings 16:25]]. His most significant and detrimental policy was the alliance with Phoenicia, cemented by the marriage of his son Ahab to Jezebel, which led to the widespread promotion of Baal worship in Israel.
Beyond the king, the name ʻOmrîy also identifies several other individuals:
* Omri, a son of Becher, from the tribe of Benjamin [[1 Chronicles 7:8]].
* Omri, a son of Michael, a chief of the tribe of Issachar during David's reign [[1 Chronicles 27:18]].
* Omri, a descendant of Judah, son of Imri [[1 Chronicles 9:4]].
In these less prominent occurrences, ʻOmrîy functions solely as a proper noun, identifying a specific person within their respective genealogies or roles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root ʻāmar (עָמַר), from which ʻOmrîy (`{{H6018}}`) derives, is directly linked to other Hebrew words that illuminate its core meaning. Most notably is ʻōmer (עֹמֶר, `{{H6016}}`), meaning "sheaf" or a specific measurement of grain (approximately 2.3 liters). This term is used in the context of the manna gathered in the wilderness [[Exodus 16:16]] and the offering of the firstfruits of the harvest [[Leviticus 23:10-11]]. This connection reinforces the agricultural and quantitative aspects inherent in the root.
Concepts related to King Omri's reign include:
* **Dynastic Foundation:** He established a powerful, though ultimately short-lived, dynasty that significantly influenced the northern kingdom.
* **Strategic Urban Development:** The founding of Samaria as the capital was a major political and architectural achievement.
* **Escalating Idolatry:** His reign marked a significant downturn in Israel's spiritual fidelity, setting the stage for the intense prophetic conflicts with Elijah and Elisha.
* **International Alliances:** His foreign policy, particularly with Phoenicia, had profound religious and political consequences.
### Theological Significance
While the etymological meaning of ʻOmrîy (`{{H6018}}`) as "heaping" or "my sheaf" holds no direct theological weight for the individuals bearing the name, the figure of King Omri carries immense theological significance within the biblical narrative of Israel's apostasy. The biblical author's condemnation of Omri as doing "more evil than all who were before him" [[1 Kings 16:25]] serves as a profound theological indictment. His reign represents a critical juncture in the Northern Kingdom's spiritual decline, as he actively facilitated and institutionalized the worship of foreign deities, most notably Baal.
Omri's actions, particularly his strategic alliance with Phoenicia through the marriage of his son Ahab to Jezebel, opened the floodgates for widespread idolatry and a direct challenge to the covenant with Yahweh. He thus stands as a stark example of a ruler whose political and military successes were overshadowed by his profound spiritual failure, leading his nation further away from God. The biblical narrative uses Omri's reign to demonstrate the escalating nature of Israel's rebellion against God's commands, ultimately contributing to the divine judgment that would later lead to the kingdom's downfall.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻOmrîy (`{{H6018}}`), derived from a root meaning "to heap up" or "to gather sheaves," primarily identifies Omri, the sixth king of Israel. While the name itself evokes concepts of accumulation, its biblical significance is overwhelmingly tied to King Omri's historical and theological impact. He is noted for founding the strategically important capital city of Samaria and establishing a powerful dynasty. However, the biblical account condemns him for his unparalleled wickedness, highlighting his role in accelerating Israel's spiritual apostasy through his policies and alliances, particularly the promotion of Baal worship. Thus, ʻOmrîy, as a proper noun, serves as a pivotal marker in the narrative of Israel's spiritual decline, embodying a period of profound disobedience that set the stage for divine confrontation and judgment. Other biblical occurrences of the name refer to minor figures, where it functions simply as an identifier.
TRV