Meaning of the Name Omri
The etymology of Omri is uncertain. Some scholars connect it with Hebrew roots around omer/amar and propose meanings such as "sheaf," but these explanations remain debated and there is no full consensus. For that reason, the meaning should be given cautiously.
Origin
The name Omri is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Omri in the Bible?
Omri was one of the stronger kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. He is important for purchasing Samaria and establishing it as the capital, as well as shaping the dynasty that followed. Though his narrative is brief, his influence is felt both in Kings and in Micah.
The story of Omri in the Bible
Omri was a king of the northern kingdom of Israel whose account in Scripture is brief but whose impact ran deep. According to 1 Kings 16:16, while he was commander of the army, the troops proclaimed him king against Zimri, who had murdered King Elah and seized the throne. Zimri's seven-day reign ended under Omri's siege, and Omri then prevailed in a power struggle with Tibni, whom part of the people supported. His most lasting act is described in 1 Kings 16:24: he bought a hill from a man named Shemer for two talents of silver, built a city on it, and named it Samaria after the hill's former owner. That city became the capital of the northern kingdom. The narrative says Omri did evil in the sight of God, worse than all who came before him, and his son Ahab carried on the dynasty he founded. How enduring his influence proved is clear from the prophet Micah, who in Micah 6:16 accuses the people of keeping the statutes of Omri.
Is Omri mentioned in the Quran?
The name Omri does not appear in the Quran; in the Old Testament, in 1 Kings, he is the king of Israel who founded the city of Samaria.
Verses where Omri appears
- 1 Kings 16:16 —
The people who were encamped heard say, Zimri has conspired, and has also struck the king: therefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp.
- 1 Kings 16:24 —
He bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver; and he built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill, Samaria.
- Micah 6:16 —
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and her inhabitants a hissing; And you will bear the reproach of my people.”