A corrupt priest, son of Eli.
Hophni
Named in 5 verses of 1 Samuel, first in 1 Samuel 1:3.
חׇפְנִיHophni
About Hophni Written by AI
Hophni was one of the two sons of Eli, the high priest of Israel, who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:3). Along with his brother Phinehas, Hophni was known for his corrupt behavior and disregard for the proper handling of the sacrifices and offerings brought to the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:12 to 17). The corrupt practices of Hophni and Phinehas led to the people's disillusionment with the priesthood and a decline in the spiritual life of Israel. As a consequence of their actions, a prophecy was given to Eli, stating that both of his sons would die on the same day (1 Samuel 2:34). During a battle against the Philistines, the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh to the battlefield, accompanied by Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 4:4). However, the Israelites were defeated, the Ark was captured, and both Hophni and Phinehas were killed, fulfilling the prophecy (1 Samuel 4:11). When Eli heard the news of his sons' deaths and the capture of the Ark, he fell backward from his seat, broke his neck, and died (1 Samuel 4:17 to 18). The story of Hophni serves as a warning against the abuse of religious authority and the consequences of disobedience to God's laws. It also highlights the importance of proper worship and the handling of sacred objects in maintaining a right relationship with God.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
Pugilist or client, one of the two sons of Eli, the high priest (1 Sam. 1:3; 2:34), who, because he was “very old,” resigned to them the active duties of his office. By their scandalous conduct they brought down a curse on their father’s house (2:22, 12-27, 27-36; 3:11-14). For their wickedness they were called “sons of Belial,” i.e., worthless men (2:12). They both perished in the disastrous battle with the Philistines at Aphek (4:11). (See PHINEHAS.)
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- 1 Samuel 1:3
Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 2:34
And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day.
- 1 Samuel 4:4
So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
- 1 Samuel 4:11
The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
- 1 Samuel 4:17
The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.”
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.