As to whether Othniel was the brother or cousin of Caleb, the passage in some English translations is unclear. [noted -ed] Despite this, the simple fact that everyone in Caleb and Joshua’s generation and older (besides them), was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, it makes the most logical sense that Othniel would be his nephew.
Othniel actually means the strength of God, according to Strong's concordance. Not lion of God, which is Ariel. Spent a lot of time researching esp this name. The meaning of this name was especially important to me & my family. [noted -ed]
― Anonymous User 4/24/2014
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Othniel was the brother of Caleb, not his nephew (See Joshua 15:16-17; Judges 1:13). He was also one of the first Judges. I think it's a lovely refreshing name.
It's pronounced "oht-nee-EL" in Hebrew, not "aht-ni-EL." The vowel that's usually pronounced "ah" becomes "oh" under certain circumstances (closed, unaccented syllable). That's why the name is written in English with an "O".