Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find clear, biblically grounded explanations for essential Bible terms beginning with the letter O, along with Scripture references and simple insights to help strengthen your understanding of God’s Word.
Oak
Definition: A strong, long-lasting tree often used symbolically for strength or stubbornness.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 61:3
Simple Meaning: Oaks symbolize strength and stability rooted in God.
Obadiah
Definition: A prophet and also the name of several men in the Old Testament; most known for the prophetic book addressing Edom’s judgment.
Scripture Reference: Obadiah 1:1
Simple Meaning: Obadiah reveals God’s justice and His care for His people.
Obed
Definition: Son of Boaz and Ruth, grandfather of King David.
Scripture Reference: Ruth 4:17
Simple Meaning: Obed represents God’s faithful plan through generations.
Obedience
Definition: Submitting to God’s commands with trust and devotion.
Scripture Reference: John 14:15
Simple Meaning: True love for God is shown through obedience.
Oblation
Definition: A sacrificial offering presented to God.
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 2:1
Simple Meaning: Represents giving God what is valuable in worship.
Occupy
Definition: To be faithful and productive with what God has entrusted.
Scripture Reference: Luke 19:13 (KJV)
Simple Meaning: Use your gifts well while waiting for Christ’s return.
Ode (Song)
Definition: A sacred song or poem of worship.
Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:16
Simple Meaning: Songs express praise, teaching, and spiritual encouragement.
Offering
Definition: A gift or sacrifice given to God in worship.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 13:16
Simple Meaning: Offerings show gratitude and devotion.
Offspring
Definition: Children or descendants.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 22:17
Simple Meaning: God’s promises often extend through future generations.
Oil
Definition: A valuable substance used for anointing, healing, and worship.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 23:5
Simple Meaning: Oil symbolizes God’s blessing, presence, and empowerment.
Olive Tree
Definition: A tree valued for its fruit and oil; symbol of peace and God’s covenant people.
Scripture Reference: Romans 11:17–24
Simple Meaning: Represents being rooted in God’s family.
Omega
Definition: A title for Jesus meaning “the end,” completing “Alpha and Omega.”
Scripture Reference: Revelation 22:13
Simple Meaning: Jesus is eternal—both the beginning and the end.
Omnipotent
Definition: All-powerful; an attribute of God.
Scripture Reference: Revelation 19:6
Simple Meaning: God has unlimited power to accomplish His will.
Omnipresent
Definition: God’s ability to be everywhere at all times.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 139:7–10
Simple Meaning: Nothing is outside God’s presence.
Omniscient
Definition: God’s complete knowledge of all things.
Scripture Reference: 1 John 3:20
Simple Meaning: God knows everything—past, present, and future.
One Accord
Definition: Unity among believers in purpose and prayer.
Scripture Reference: Acts 1:14
Simple Meaning: God moves powerfully when His people are united.
One Flesh
Definition: The spiritual and physical union of husband and wife.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 2:24
Simple Meaning: Marriage creates a deep, God-designed unity.
Onyx
Definition: A precious stone used in priestly garments and decoration.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 28:20
Simple Meaning: Represents beauty, value, and God’s holiness.
Ophir
Definition: A region known for producing gold of exceptional quality.
Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 9:28
Simple Meaning: Associated with wealth, value, and God’s blessing.
Oracle
Definition: A divine message or revelation from God.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 5:12
Simple Meaning: God’s truths communicated for His people’s guidance.
Ordeal
Definition: A time of testing or trial.
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 4:12
Simple Meaning: Trials refine faith and deepen dependency on God.
Ordain
Definition: To appoint or set apart for a special purpose or office.
Scripture Reference: Acts 13:2–3
Simple Meaning: God calls and equips people for His work.
Order
Definition: Structure, arrangement, or God’s intentional design.
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 14:40
Simple Meaning: God values orderliness in worship and life.
Oreb
Definition: A Midianite prince defeated by Gideon.
Scripture Reference: Judges 7:25
Simple Meaning: God delivers His people even through unlikely leaders.
Overseer
Definition: A spiritual leader responsible for shepherding God’s people.
Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 3:1
Simple Meaning: Overseers care, guide, and protect the church.
Owl
Definition: A bird often associated with desolate places in Scripture.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 34:11
Simple Meaning: A symbol of loneliness or judgment.
Ox
Definition: A strong work animal commonly used in farming and sacrifice.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 14:4
Simple Meaning: The ox represents strength, service, and provision.
Oxen Offering
Definition: The sacrifice of oxen as part of Israel’s worship.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 6:13
Simple Meaning: Symbolizes dedication and thanksgiving to God.
Ointment
Definition: A fragrant oil used for anointing, healing, or burial preparation.
Scripture Reference: Mark 14:3
Simple Meaning: A symbol of honor and devotion to Jesus.
Orphan
Definition: A child without parents, especially under God’s special care.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 68:5
Simple Meaning: God is Father to the fatherless and defender of the vulnerable.
Outreach
Definition: The act of sharing God’s love and message with others.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19–20
Simple Meaning: Believers are called to reach out and make disciples.
Outer Court
Definition: The outer area of the tabernacle or Temple where general worshipers could gather.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 27:9–19
Simple Meaning: A symbol of approaching God in reverence.
Oven
Definition: A tool for baking bread; used metaphorically to describe heat or judgment.
Scripture Reference: Malachi 4:1
Simple Meaning: Represents intense purification or consequences.
Oath
Definition: A solemn promise made before God.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:34–37
Simple Meaning: Jesus teaches honesty without the need for vows.
Obscurity
Definition: Being hidden, unknown, or unnoticed.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 58:10
Simple Meaning: God brings light to those who walk in His ways.
Og
Definition: Giant king of Bashan defeated by Israel, whose bed measured over 13 feet long.
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 3:11
Simple Meaning: Og shows God’s power over even the mightiest enemies.
Olives (Mount of)
Definition: The hillside where Jesus prayed before His arrest and ascended to heaven.
Scripture Reference: Acts 1:12
Simple Meaning: A place of intimate prayer and prophetic fulfillment.
Ophni
Definition: A Levitical city in Benjamin allocated to priestly families.
Scripture Reference: Joshua 21:18
Simple Meaning: Highlights God’s provision for those serving Him.
Ornan
Definition: Jebusite owner of the threshing floor where Solomon later built the temple.
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 21:18-25
Simple Meaning: Ornan models generosity toward God’s purposes.
Othniel
Definition: First judge of Israel, Caleb’s nephew who conquered Kirjath-sepher.
Scripture Reference: Judges 3:9-11
Simple Meaning: Othniel demonstrates courage rewarded by God’s Spirit.
Oven of Ahijah
Definition: Prophet’s symbolic torn cloak foretelling kingdom division.
Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 11:29-31
Simple Meaning: Shows God communicates truth through dramatic signs.
Ozem
Definition: One of David’s brothers from the tribe of Judah.
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 2:15
Simple Meaning: Connects ordinary family members to God’s royal line.
Offscouring
Definition: Refuse or worthless debris, metaphor for suffering believers.
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 4:13
Simple Meaning: God values His persecuted servants despite worldly scorn.
Onan
Definition: Son of Judah who disobeyed levirate marriage duty.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 38:8-10
Simple Meaning: Warns against selfishly refusing God-ordained responsibilities.
Ozem (David’s Son)
Definition: One of King David’s sons listed among his family.
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 3:19
Simple Meaning: Reminds us God works through royal lineages faithfully.
Oathkeeper
Definition: One who faithfully upholds vows made to God or others.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 30:2
Simple Meaning: God honors those who keep their sacred promises.
Obedience of Faith
Definition: Trusting submission to God that produces righteous action.
Scripture Reference: Romans 1:5
Simple Meaning: Faith grows through obedient living.
Obed-Edom
Definition: Gittite whose house blessedly housed the Ark of the Covenant.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 6:11
Simple Meaning: God’s presence brings prosperity to the faithful.
Offense
Definition: A stumbling block or cause of sin that hinders others.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:7
Simple Meaning: Avoid causing others to fall from faith.
Old Covenant
Definition: God’s law given through Moses, pointing to Christ’s fulfillment.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 8:13
Simple Meaning: Prepares hearts for the new covenant of grace.
Olivet Discourse
Definition: Jesus’ teaching on end times from the Mount of Olives.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 24:3
Simple Meaning: Guides believers through trials to His return.
Omer
Definition: A measure of manna God provided daily in the wilderness.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 16:16
Simple Meaning: Teaches daily dependence on God’s provision.
Only Begotten
Definition: Jesus as God’s unique, one-of-a-kind Son.
Scripture Reference: John 3:16
Simple Meaning: God’s love sent His irreplaceable Son for us.
Oppression
Definition: Cruel injustice that God sees and will judge.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 72:4
Simple Meaning: God delivers the oppressed with justice.
Oracle of God
Definition: Direct words from God entrusted to His people.
Scripture Reference: Romans 3:2
Simple Meaning: Scripture holds God’s unchanging truth.
