A fortified area in Jerusalem
Ophel
Named in 5 verses across 2 books, first in 2 Chronicles 27:3.
עֹ֫פֶלOphel
The name means “a tower; darkness; small white cloud.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Ophel Written by AI
Ophel was a fortified area or hill in Jerusalem, located south of the temple mount. It is mentioned in connection with the construction and repair of Jerusalem's walls during the reigns of Jotham (2Chr. 27:3) and Manasseh (2Chr. 33:14). During the time of Nehemiah, the Ophel was inhabited by the temple servants, known as the Nethinim (Neh. 3:26; 11:21). The wall of the Ophel was repaired by the Nethinim and other workers during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's defenses under Nehemiah (Neh. 3:27). The Ophel likely served as a strategic and defensive area, protecting the temple complex and the southern part of the city.
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
Hill; mound, the long, narrow, rounded promontory on the southern slope of the temple hill, between the Tyropoeon and the Kedron valley (2 Chr. 27:3; 33:14; Neh. 3:26, 27). It was surrounded by a separate wall, and was occupied by the Nethinim after the Captivity. This wall has been discovered by the engineers of the Palestine Exploration Fund at the south-eastern angle of the temple area. It is 4 feet below the present surface. In 2 Kings 5:24 this word is translated “tower” (R.V., “hill”), denoting probably some eminence near Elisha’s house.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
31.777, 35.235 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- 2 Chronicles 27:3
Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel.
- 2 Chronicles 33:14
After this, Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David from west of Gihon in the valley to the entrance of the Fish Gate, and he brought it around the hill of Ophel and heightened it considerably. He also stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah.
- Nehemiah 3:26
and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out.
- Nehemiah 3:27
And next to them, the Tekoites repaired another section, from a point opposite the great tower that juts out to the wall of Ophel.
- Nehemiah 11:21
The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.