עֹ֫פֶל (o.phel)
o.phel
Ophel
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun ophel refers to a specific mound or hill within Jerusalem, functioning as the city’s acropolis. Unlike general terms for elevation, this word identifies a fortified ridge that played a critical role in the capital’s defense. It appears only five times in Scripture, primarily in Nehemiah and 2 Chronicles, anchoring the narrative of the city’s restoration.
Its meaning is tightly bound to geography and security. The sources describe it as a strategic high ground, essential for protecting the inhabitants below. When Nehemiah describes rebuilding the walls, he mentions the ophel as a key section requiring reinforcement, highlighting its importance in the physical layout of ancient Jerusalem.
This term underscores the tangible reality of biblical history. It is not an abstract concept but a concrete location where stone and mortar met the demands of survival. The word reminds readers that the spiritual life of Israel was lived out on specific hills, in fortified walls, and within the daily rhythms of a city under threat.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Ophel points to a specific, fortified ridge in ancient Jerusalem that served as the city’s acropolis. It was not just any hill, but a strategic high ground essential for protecting the inhabitants below. When Nehemiah describes rebuilding the walls, he mentions this area as a key section requiring reinforcement, highlighting its importance in the physical layout of the capital.
This term reminds us that the spiritual life of Israel was lived out on specific hills and within daily rhythms of a city under threat. It underscores the tangible reality of biblical history, where stone and mortar met the demands of survival. The faithful did not just worship in abstract spaces; they built, defended, and dwelled in concrete places.
Today, this word invites us to consider how we build security in our own lives. Just as the walls of Ophel provided protection for the people, we find our true safety not in our own fortifications, but in God’s enduring presence. May we trust in His strength when our own efforts feel insufficient.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- on <the>/ Ophel2×
- <the>/ Ophel2×
- <to> the/ Ophel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּ/עֹ֑פֶל2×
- לָ/עֹ֔פֶל1×
- הָ/עֹֽפֶל\׃1×
- הָ/עֹ֛פֶל1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 33:14
Now after this, he built an outer wall to David’s city on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entrance at the fish gate. He encircled Ophel with it, and raised it up to a very great height; and he put valiant captains in all the fortified cities of Judah.
This verse highlights Manasseh's extensive fortification efforts, showing how Ophel was encircled and raised to emphasize its critical role in the city's defense.
-
Nehemiah 3:27
After him the Tekoites repaired another portion, opposite the great tower that stands out, and to the wall of Ophel.
Here the Tekoites are specifically tasked with repairing the wall opposite the great tower, indicating Ophel's position as a vital segment of the restored defenses.
-
Nehemiah 11:21
But the temple servants lived in Ophel; and Ziha and Gishpa were over the temple servants.
This passage notes that temple servants lived in Ophel, revealing its function not just as a military stronghold but as a residential area for those serving in the temple.