Meaning
A Hebrew male personal name of uncertain meaning, traditionally connected with the Hebrew word for “fist”; the proposed meaning “pugilist” is uncertain.
Biblical Usage
Hophni was one of the two sons of Eli and served as a priest at Shiloh. Scripture describes Hophni and Phinehas as sons of Belial who did not know the LORD and who acted corruptly in their priestly service.
Hophni and Phinehas continued their wrongdoing despite Eli’s rebuke. Both died in the same battle with the Philistines when the ark of God was captured, fulfilling the judgment previously spoken concerning Eli’s house.
Key References
- 1 Samuel 1:3 — Hophni and Phinehas serve as priests at Shiloh.
- 1 Samuel 2:12 — Hophni and Phinehas are called sons of Belial.
- 1 Samuel 2:13 — Their conduct concerning the sacrifices is described.
- 1 Samuel 2:17 — Their sin is described as very great before the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 2:22 — Their immoral conduct is reported.
- 1 Samuel 2:34 — Their coming death is given as a sign to Eli.
- 1 Samuel 3:13 — The judgment against Eli’s house is announced.
- 1 Samuel 4:11 — Hophni and Phinehas are killed and the ark is captured.
- 1 Samuel 4:17 — Their deaths are reported to Eli.
Related Terms
- Eli
- Phinehas
- Samuel
- Priest
- Belial