Hophni חׇפְנִי
A corrupt priest, son of Eli.
Biography
Hophni was one of the two sons of Eli, the high priest of Israel, who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh (1Sa.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 (1Sa.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 (1Sa.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 (1Sa.4.4). However, the Israelites were defeated, the Ark was captured, and both Hophni and Phinehas were killed, fulfilling the prophecy (1Sa.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 (1Sa.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.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Samuel 5 verses
- 1 Samuel 1:3
"This man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice to Yahweh of Armies in Shiloh. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests to Yahweh, were there."
- 1 Samuel 2:34
"This will be the sign to you that will come on your two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day they will both die."
- 1 Samuel 4:4
"So the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from there the ark of the covenant of Yahweh of Armies, who sits above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God."
- 1 Samuel 4:11
"God’s ark was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain."
- 1 Samuel 4:17
"He who brought the news answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been also a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and God’s ark has been captured.”"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חׇפְנִי | H2652 |