Olney Hymns · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Olney Hymns by John Newton.
Jesus Christ
major
Also known as Christ, Jesus, Lord Jesus, Saviour, Emmanuel, Mighty Jesus, Jesu
Central divine figure, the Son of God, whose life, death, and resurrection are the focus of the hymns.
God
major
Also known as Jehovah, the Lord, the Almighty, the Judge, the Lord Jesus Christ
The sovereign creator and judge, often addressed in prayer and praise throughout the hymns.
Satan
supporting
Also known as VI Satan
The adversary and tempter, frequently depicted as the enemy of the believer and the one from whom Christ delivers.
The Holy Spirit
supporting
Also known as the Spirit, the Holy Ghost
The third person of the Trinity, who indwells, guides, and comforts believers.
Moses
supporting
The great lawgiver and leader of Israel, whose life and writings are frequently referenced as types of Christ.
David
supporting
Also known as young David
The shepherd-king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, whose psalms and experiences are often cited.
Peter
supporting
One of Jesus' foremost apostles, known for his impulsive faith and subsequent restoration.
Paul
supporting
The apostle to the Gentiles, whose conversion and epistles are foundational to Christian doctrine.
Adam
supporting
Also known as Adam By Newton
The first man, whose disobedience brought sin and death into the world, contrasted with Christ's obedience.
Cain
minor
The first murderer, who killed his brother Abel out of jealousy, a warning against ungodly anger.
Abel
minor
Also known as Abel By Newton Genesis
The righteous shepherd, whose acceptable sacrifice and faith are commended in scripture.
Lot
minor
Abraham's nephew, who chose to dwell in Sodom and was rescued from its destruction.
Esau
minor
Also known as Poor Esau, Esau Jacob
Jacob's elder brother, who sold his birthright for a meal, symbolizing profane disregard for spiritual things.
Jacob
supporting
Also known as Esau Jacob
The patriarch whose name was changed to Israel, whose life illustrates God's sovereign grace.
Joseph
supporting
Also known as Joseph the Egyptians
The dreamer and governor of Egypt, who forgave his brothers and preserved his family.
Balaam
minor
The prophet who was hired to curse Israel but could only bless them, a warning against covetousness.
Gideon
minor
The timid judge whom God used to deliver Israel from Midian with a small army.
Samson
minor
The Nazarite judge of superhuman strength, whose downfall came through Delilah.
Hannah
minor
The barren woman who prayed for a son and dedicated Samuel to the Lord.
Saul
minor
The first king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God.
Solomon
minor
The wise king of Israel, who built the temple but whose heart was led astray.
Elijah
supporting
Also known as Eli, great Elijah
The fiery prophet who confronted Ahab and was fed by ravens.
Elisha
minor
Elijah's successor, who performed many miracles and helped the needy.
Naaman
minor
The Syrian commander who was healed of leprosy by dipping in the Jordan.
The Shunammite
minor
Also known as the weeping Shunammite
A wealthy woman who showed hospitality to Elisha and was rewarded with a son.
Hezekiah
minor
The righteous king of Judah who trusted God and was granted extended life.
Job
minor
The patient sufferer who endured great loss and remained faithful to God.
The Queen of Sheba
minor
The queen who traveled to test Solomon's wisdom and praised his God.
Jericho
minor
The city whose walls fell down by faith, a symbol of God's power.
Gibeon
minor
The city whose inhabitants deceived Israel into a treaty.
Belshazzar
minor
The Babylonian king who saw the handwriting on the wall and was slain that night.
Daniel
minor
Also known as Newton Daniel
The faithful prophet in Babylon, known for his integrity and visions.
Jonah
minor
Also known as Newton Jonah
The reluctant prophet who was swallowed by a great fish and preached to Nineveh.
Zaccheus
minor
Also known as 107 Zaccheus By Newton Luke
The tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus and received salvation.
Bartimeus
minor
The blind beggar who cried out to Jesus for mercy and received his sight.
Mary
minor
Also known as Mary By Newton Luke
The mother of Jesus, who treasured these things in her heart.
Martha
minor
Also known as Martha vex'd
The sister of Mary and Lazarus, who was busy serving but needed to choose the better part.
Lazarus
minor
Also known as Lazarus By Newton Luke
The brother of Mary and Martha, whom Jesus raised from the dead.
The Rich Man
minor
Also known as Man
The wealthy man in the parable who ignored Lazarus and suffered in torment.
Stephen
minor
The first Christian martyr, who saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Thomas
minor
The disciple who doubted Jesus' resurrection until he saw the wounds.
Simon
minor
A common name for several figures, including Simon Peter and Simon the Cyrene.
Abraham
supporting
Also known as Abra'm, Abram
The father of faith, who believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Isaac
minor
The promised son of Abraham and Sarah, a type of Christ in his willing submission.
Ephraim
minor
The tribe of Joseph, often used as a symbol of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Manasseh
minor
The wicked king of Judah who repented and was forgiven.
Jehu
minor
The king of Israel who destroyed the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal.
Goliath
minor
The Philistine giant slain by David, symbolizing the defeat of God's enemies.
The Philistines
minor
The recurring enemies of Israel, often representing the world and the flesh.
Dagon
minor
The Philistine fish-god who fell before the ark of the Lord.
Baal
minor
The Canaanite deity whose prophets were defeated by Elijah on Mount Carmel.
The Dry Bones
minor
Also known as The Dry Bones By Newton Ezekiel
The valley of dry bones in Ezekiel's vision, symbolizing Israel's restoration.
The Leper
minor
Also known as The Leper By Newton Matthew
The man with leprosy who came to Jesus saying, 'Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.'
The Waiting Soul
minor
Also known as Soul, The Waiting Soul By Cowper
A personified representation of the believer longing for God's presence.
The Child of Grace
minor
A symbolic figure representing the believer as a child of God's grace.
The Bridegroom
minor
Also known as The Bridegroom of my soul I seek
A title for Christ, the heavenly bridegroom of the church.
The Good Shepherd
minor
Also known as Shepherd
A title for Jesus, who lays down his life for the sheep.
The Redeemer
supporting
Also known as Newton, the Redeemer By Newton
A title for Christ, who redeems his people from sin and death.
The Judge
minor
God as the righteous judge of all the earth.
Death
minor
Personified as an enemy that is conquered by Christ's resurrection.
Sin
minor
Personified as a master that enslaves, from which Christ sets free.
Grace
minor
Also known as Cowper, Cowper I Grace
Personified as the unmerited favor of God that saves and sustains.
Mercy
minor
Also known as Cowper, Mercy By Cowper
Personified as the compassionate kindness of God toward sinners.
Wisdom
minor
Personified as a divine attribute, often identified with Christ.
Faith
minor
Personified as the trust in God that pleases him and overcomes the world.
Pray'r
minor
Also known as Pray'r
Personified as the means of communion with God and the channel of his blessings.
The Almighty
minor
Also known as Providence By Cowper I Almighty King
A title for God, emphasizing his sovereign power over all things.
The Lord
supporting
Also known as Lord, Gracious Lord, dear Lord
A common title for God or Christ, used throughout the hymns.
The Narrator
supporting
Also known as Unknown, I, me, my
The poetic voice of the hymns, often expressing personal faith and struggle.
The Saints
minor
Also known as saints
The collective body of believers, often addressed or described in the hymns.
Angels
minor
Heavenly beings who worship God and minister to believers.
The Jews
minor
Also known as Jews, the Jews survey'd
The people of Israel, often referenced in the context of the Old Testament and the Gospels.
The Samaritans
minor
Also known as Samaritans
The people of Samaria, often mentioned in contrast to the Jews.
The Egyptians
minor
Also known as Joseph the Egyptians
The people of Egypt, often referenced in the Exodus narrative.
Pharaoh
minor
The king of Egypt who opposed Moses and hardened his heart against God.
The Assyrian
minor
The empire that conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, often a symbol of pride.
The Babylonian
minor
The empire that conquered Judah and took the people into exile.
The Roman
minor
The empire that ruled during Jesus' time, often mentioned in the Gospels.
The Publican
minor
A tax collector, often used as an example of repentance and humility.
The Harlot
minor
Also known as Harlot
A woman of ill repute, often used as an example of forgiven sin.
The Thief
minor
The criminal crucified beside Jesus who asked to be remembered in his kingdom.
The Centurion
minor
The Roman officer who declared, 'Truly this was the Son of God.'
The Sower
minor
The farmer in Jesus' parable who sowed seed on different types of ground.
The Prodigal Son
minor
The wayward son in Jesus' parable who squandered his inheritance and was welcomed home.
The Elder Brother
minor
The self-righteous brother in the parable of the prodigal son.
The Good Samaritan
minor
The compassionate traveler in Jesus' parable who helped a wounded stranger.
The Ten Virgins
minor
The bridesmaids in Jesus' parable about being ready for the bridegroom's coming.
The Talents
minor
The servants in Jesus' parable who were entrusted with different amounts of money.
The Sheep and Goats
minor
The nations in Jesus' parable of the final judgment, separated as sheep from goats.
