Lexical Definition
חׇפְנִי Chophnîy (khof-nee') Hophni N:N-M-P
from חֹפֶן; perhaps pugilist
Hophni.
- § Hophni = "pugilist"
- Chophni, an Israelite
1) one of the two sons of Eli who were priests at Shiloh and were noted for their brutality and lust; their sinfulness provoked a curse against their father's house and were judged by the Lord when they took the ark into battle; the ark was lost and both brothers were killed and Eli died when he heard the news
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| חָפְנִי֙ | Hophni | 1Sam.1.3 • 1Sam.4.17 |
| חָפְנִ֖י | Hophni | 1Sam.2.34 • 1Sam.4.4 • 1Sam.4.11 |
| Οφνί | Hophni | LXX.1Sam.1.3 • LXX.1Sam.4.4 • LXX.1Sam.4.11 |
| on Hophni | LXX.1Sam.2.34 |
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.3
- son of: Eli (עֵלִי)
- brother of: Phinehas (פִּינְחָס)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
חָפְנִי proper name, masculine (Sabean proper name חפן HalNo 14) — one of Eli's two sons 1Sam 1:3; 1Sam 2:34; 1Sam 4:4; 1Sam 4:11; 1Sam 4:17.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| 1 Samuel | 1:3 · 2:34 · 4:4 · 4:11 · 4:17 |
Profile
Male • A priest • A corrupt priest, son of Eli.
Priest living at the time of United Monarchy
Hophni, along with his brother Phinehas, was a corrupt priest who served under his father Eli at the tabernacle in Shiloh.
- A priest living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.3;
- son of Eli (H5941);
- brother of Phinehas (H6372H); called Hophni חׇפְנִי
Hophni was one of the two sons of Eli, the high priest of Israel, who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:3). Along with his brother Phinehas, Hophni was known for his corrupt behavior and disregard for the proper handling of the sacrifices and offerings brought to the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:12-17).
The corrupt practices of Hophni and Phinehas led to the people's disillusionment with the priesthood and a decline in the spiritual life of Israel. As a consequence of their actions, a prophecy was given to Eli, stating that both of his sons would die on the same day (1 Samuel 2:34).
During a battle against the Philistines, the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh to the battlefield, accompanied by Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 4:4). However, the Israelites were defeated, the Ark was captured, and both Hophni and Phinehas were killed, fulfilling the prophecy (1 Samuel 4:11). When Eli heard the news of his sons' deaths and the capture of the Ark, he fell backward from his seat, broke his neck, and died (1 Samuel 4:17-18).
The story of Hophni serves as a warning against the abuse of religious authority and the consequences of disobedience to God's laws. It also highlights the importance of proper worship and the handling of sacred objects in maintaining a right relationship with God.
All entries for Hophni: חׇפְנִי