חָפְרַע (par.oh choph.ra)
par.oh choph.ra
(Pharaoh)-hophra
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hophra identifies Apries, a specific king of Egypt who reigned from approximately 589 to 570 BC. He appears in Scripture exclusively within the book of Jeremiah, serving as a historical anchor for events during the final years of Judah’s independence. The sources note that he ruled alone before sharing power with Amasis, marking a turbulent transition period in Egyptian history.
His mention in Jeremiah 37:5 occurs when Nebuchadnezzar’s army temporarily withdraws from Jerusalem, prompting King Zedekiah to send Hophra’s troops for aid. This brief reference highlights the geopolitical desperation of Judah, which looked to Egypt for protection against Babylonian conquest. The name itself is interpreted in the provided data as combining "Pharaoh" with a term meaning "covering evil," though this etymological breakdown serves primarily as a lexical note rather than a theological claim.
Because Hophra appears only once in the biblical text, his significance lies in his role as a witness to prophetic fulfillment. Jeremiah’s messages concerning Egypt’s eventual defeat were directed at this specific ruler and his nation. The scarcity of references underscores how individual historical figures are woven into the broader narrative of divine judgment and sovereignty during the exile era.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hophra appears in Jeremiah 44:30 as a specific historical figure, Pharaoh Apries of Egypt. This brief mention anchors the biblical narrative in real political turmoil during Judah’s final years. It reminds us that God’s word operates within actual history, not in isolation from it.
When nations turn to human power for safety instead of trusting God, their plans often fail. Hophra’s story shows that earthly alliances cannot replace divine protection. For believers today, this encourages reliance on God’s promises rather than shifting circumstances or political solutions.
Even in times of national crisis, God remains sovereign over kings and empires. His word stands firm against every human scheme. This truth offers steady hope when the world feels unstable or when we face uncertain futures.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hophra1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָפְרַ֤ע1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 44:30
Yahweh says, ‘Behold, I will give Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies and into the hand of those who seek his life, just as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who was his enemy and sought his life.’”
This verse records God’s promise that Hophra would fall into enemy hands, mirroring Zedekiah’s fate and showing the failure of Judah’s reliance on Egyptian military aid.