Hophni
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Hophni in the Bible?
Hophni was one of the two sons of Eli who served as high priests at Shiloh, assuming active administrative and religious duties as his father aged.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Hophni clarifies the narrative context of 1 Samuel, where his misconduct alongside his brother Phinehas demonstrates the moral failure of the priestly line, justifying the divine judgment that transfers leadership to Samuel and foreshadows the rise of the monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Hophni reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hophni in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hophni clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Hophni." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hophni/