Hophra פַּרְעֹה
Pharaoh during Jeremiah's time.
Who is Hophra in the Bible?
Hophra, also known as Pharaoh Apries, was the king of Egypt during the time of the prophet Jeremiah and the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in the early sixth century BCE. When King Zedekiah of Judah sought military aid against the Babylonians, Hophra sent Egyptian forces to help, but they withdrew after only a brief intervention, leaving Judah vulnerable to continued Babylonian assault (Jer. 37:5, 7, 11). The prophet Ezekiel pronounced severe judgments against Hophra and Egypt for their pride and failure to support Judah effectively, depicting the Egyptian pharaoh as a great crocodile that God would break and destroy (Ezek. 29:2-3; 30:21-25). Hophra's historical role exemplifies the futility of relying on earthly powers rather than on God's sovereignty in times of national crisis.
Biography
Hophra, also referred to as Pharaoh in the Bible, was the king of Egypt during the time of the prophet Jeremiah and the Babylonian invasion of Judah. He is mentioned in several passages in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
When the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem, King Zedekiah of Judah sought help from Hophra, hoping that the Egyptian army would come to their aid (Jer.37.5). However, the Egyptians' intervention was short-lived, and they withdrew when the Babylonians temporarily lifted the siege to confront them (Jer.37.7, 11).
The prophet Ezekiel prophesied against Hophra and Egypt, declaring that God would bring judgment upon them for their pride and for failing to provide effective support to Judah (Ezekiel 29-32). Ezekiel's prophecies depicted Hophra as a great crocodile in the Nile, symbolizing his power and influence, but also his downfall (Ezk.29.3-5, 32:2).
Jeremiah also prophesied that Hophra would be delivered into the hands of his enemies, just as King Zedekiah of Judah was given into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (Jer.44.30).
Historically, Hophra (also known as Apries) ruled Egypt from 589 to 570 BC. He was known for his military campaigns and his support of the Phoenician city of Tyre against the Babylonians. However, he faced internal challenges and was eventually overthrown by Amasis II, one of his generals.
The biblical account of Hophra highlights the political and military dynamics of the time, as well as the prophetic warnings against relying on human alliances instead of trusting in God.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJeremiah 5 verses
- Jeremiah 37:5
"Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem."
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 37:7
"“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt."
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 37:11
"When the Chaldean army withdrew from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh’s army,"
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 43:9
"“In the sight of the Jews, pick up some large stones and bury them in the clay of the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace at Tahpanhes."
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 47:1
"This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet about the Philistines before Pharaoh struck down Gaza."
Study Jeremiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פַּרְעֹה | parĕʿōh | Paroh , a general title of Egyptian kings |
| Name combined | Hebrew | חָפְרַע+H6547S«H6547=פַּרְעֹה | — | — |
Hophra
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