אֹ֫פֶן (o.phen)
o.phen
(right) time
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ophen appears only once in the Bible, in Proverbs 25:25. It is translated as "timely" or "right time," describing a cold drink that arrives when it is most needed. The word captures the idea of a favorable circumstance or condition, suggesting that value is often determined by context rather than just intrinsic quality.
Etymologically, the term may relate to the concept of turning or direction, implying a specific point in time or a particular situation. In this single occurrence, it highlights how something simple becomes precious when offered at the perfect moment. The text uses this image to illustrate the joy of good news from a distant land.
Because its usage is so limited, ophen does not carry a wide range of theological weight across Scripture. Instead, it serves as a precise descriptor for opportunity and appropriateness. It reminds readers that timing is a crucial component of how blessings are received and experienced in daily life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ophen appears only once in Scripture, tucked into Proverbs 25:11. It describes a message delivered at just the right moment, like cold water on a thirsty day. This single occurrence reminds us that timing matters deeply in how we communicate and receive encouragement.
When good news arrives when we need it most, it carries a special weight. The value is not just in the words themselves but in their placement within our lives. God often uses these precise moments to bring refreshment to weary hearts.
We can trust that He knows exactly when to send help. Whether through a friend’s text or a quiet thought, His timing brings peace. May you find comfort in knowing that every season has its own appointed time for grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- proper times/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אָפְנָֽי/ו\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
The word ophen defines the 'fitly spoken' quality here, emphasizing that the value of a message depends heavily on its timely delivery rather than just its content.