Atomic Bible

An important city in ancient Egypt

Memphis

Named in 8 verses across 4 books, first in Isaiah 19:13.

נֹףMemphis

מֹףMemphis

The name means “abode of the good.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

About Memphis Written by AI

Memphis was an important city in ancient Egypt, located south of modern Cairo. It served as the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom period and remained a significant cultural and religious center throughout much of Egyptian history. In the Bible, Memphis is mentioned primarily in the context of prophecies against Egypt. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the princes of Memphis as being deceived and leading Egypt astray (Isaiah 19:13). Jeremiah mentions Memphis as one of the cities where the Jews fled to escape the Babylonian invasion, but he warns that they will not find safety there (Jeremiah 2:16; 44:1; 46:14, 19). Ezekiel prophesies that God will execute judgments against the idols and princes of Memphis (Ezk.30.13, 16). Hosea also refers to Memphis (Moph) as a place where the Israelites will be exiled and will die (Hosea 9:6).

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

Only in Hos. 9:6, Hebrew Moph. In Isa. 19:13; Jer. 2:16; 46:14, 19; Ezek. 30:13, 16, it is mentioned under the name Noph. It was the capital of Lower, i.e., of Northern Egypt. From certain remains found half buried in the sand, the site of this ancient city has been discovered near the modern village of Minyet Rahinch, or Mitraheny, about 16 miles above the ancient head of the Delta, and 9 miles south of Cairo, on the west bank of the Nile. It is said to have been founded by Menes, the first king of Egypt, and to have been in circumference about 19 miles. “There are few remains above ground,” says Manning (The Land of the Pharaohs), “of the splendour of ancient Memphis. The city has utterly disappeared. If any traces yet exist, they are buried beneath the vast mounds of crumbling bricks and broken pottery which meet the eye in every direction. Near the village of Mitraheny is a colossal statue of Rameses the Great. It is apparently one of the two described by Herodotus and Diodorus as standing in front of the temple of Ptah. They were originally 50 feet in height. The one which remains, though mutilated, measures 48 feet. It is finely carved in limestone, which takes a high polish, and is evidently a portrait. It lies in a pit, which, during the inundation, is filled with water. As we gaze on this fallen and battered statue of the mighty conqueror who was probably contemporaneous with Moses, it is impossible not to remember the words of the prophet Isaiah, 19:13; 44:16-19, and Jeremiah, 46:19.”

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

29.850, 31.254 See it on a map

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names it

  1. Isaiah 19:13

    The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.

  2. Jeremiah 2:16

    The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head.

  3. Jeremiah 44:1

    This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in the land of Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis—and in the land of Pathros:

  4. Jeremiah 46:14

    “Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’

  5. Jeremiah 46:19

    Pack your bags for exile, O daughter dwelling in Egypt! For Memphis will be laid waste, destroyed and uninhabited.

  6. Ezekiel 30:13

    This is what the Lord GOD says: I will destroy the idols and put an end to the images in Memphis. There will no longer be a prince in Egypt, and I will instill fear in that land.

  7. Ezekiel 30:16

    I will set fire to Egypt, Pelusium will writhe in anguish, Thebes will be split open, and Memphis will face daily distress.

  8. Hosea 9:6

    For even if they flee destruction, Egypt will gather them and Memphis will bury them. Their precious silver will be taken over by thistles, and thorns will overrun their tents.

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.