Ophni
LocationsGeographical Setting
Ophni was an ancient settlement in the tribal territory of Benjamin, traditionally identified with the modern village of Jifna.
What is the meaning of Ophni in the Bible?
A place in the territory of Benjamin, possibly identified with modern Jifna, a village situated west of the road to Nablus and approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Bethel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Ophni with Jifna helps readers visualize the specific geographic boundaries of the tribe of Benjamin and the distribution of its settlements during the period of the Israelite conquest.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Ophni (located near modern Jifna (Jifneh)) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ophni in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ophni 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
"Ophni." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ophni/