עֹ֫פֶל (o.phel)
o.phel
hill; tumor
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun o.phel carries two distinct meanings that depend entirely on context: a physical elevation or a bodily swelling. In its geographical sense, it refers to a hill, mound, or fortified stronghold. This usage appears in historical and prophetic texts to describe specific locations, such as the acropolis of Jerusalem mentioned in 2 Kings 20:20 and the city’s defenses in Micah 4:10.
Alternatively, the word denotes a tumor or hemorrhoid, describing a painful swelling on the body. This medical sense is found in Isaiah 1:6, where it illustrates the severity of physical affliction alongside other wounds. The lexical sources note that while the geographical term often appears as a proper name (Ophel), the medical term is used to depict tangible suffering.
Translators must carefully distinguish between these senses, as the same word can describe a strategic military height or a symptom of disease. This duality reflects how ancient Hebrew vocabulary could bridge the gap between landscape and anatomy, using similar imagery for both raised earth and raised flesh.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word o.phel describes a raised place, whether it is a mound of earth or a swelling on the body. In the ancient world, height often meant safety. A hill provided a vantage point to see danger coming and a strong position to defend against it. This physical reality helps us understand why biblical writers used such imagery for spiritual stability.
When we face uncertainty, we are invited to look toward that same kind of security. The text reminds us that God’s people are not left exposed to the elements. Even when surroundings change, there is a place of strength provided. We find comfort in knowing that our hope rests on something solid and enduring.
This duality also speaks to the wholeness we seek. Just as the land has its high places, our bodies have their needs. God cares about both our spiritual footing and our physical well-being. He meets us in our struggles and offers a foundation that holds firm through every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ hill1×
- [the] hill1×
- O hill of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֹ֣פֶל1×
- עֹ֛פֶל1×
- הָ/עֹ֔פֶל1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 5:24
When he came to the hill, he took them from their hand, and stored them in the house. Then he let the men go, and they departed.
This verse uses the term for a specific location where resources were gathered, showing its practical use in daily life.
-
Isaiah 32:14
For the palace will be forsaken. The populous city will be deserted. The hill and the watchtower will be for dens forever, a delight for wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks,
Here the word describes a watchtower that becomes desolate, illustrating how even strong defenses can fall if left abandoned.
-
Micah 4:8
You, tower of the flock, the hill of the daughter of Zion, to you it will come. Yes, the former dominion will come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.
The prophet calls this place the hill of the daughter of Zion, linking the physical elevation to the enduring kingdom and future restoration.