Ophir
Ophir was a son of Joktan, a descendant of Shem, mentioned in the Table of Nations.
Biography
Ophir appears in the Table of Nations as one of the thirteen sons of Joktan, who was a descendant of Shem through Eber (Genesis 10:29; 1 Chronicles 1:23). As a grandson of Eber, Ophir belonged to the Semitic branch of post-flood humanity. While little is recorded about Ophir as an individual, his name became inseparably linked to a legendary region renowned for its gold of exceptional quality. The land of Ophir, presumably settled by his descendants, became a byword for wealth and fine gold throughout the Old Testament. Solomon's fleet sailed to Ophir to bring back gold, precious stones, and almug wood (1 Kings 9:28; 10:11). The connection between the person and the place reflects the ancient pattern of eponymous ancestors whose names defined territories and peoples.
Significance
Ophir's placement in the Table of Nations connects him to God's sovereign ordering of the nations after the flood. As a descendant of Shem, he belongs to the blessed lineage through which God's redemptive purposes would ultimately unfold. The fabulous wealth associated with the land bearing his name became a scriptural symbol of supreme value and quality, with 'gold of Ophir' serving as a poetic standard of excellence (Psalm 45:9; Job 22:24; Isaiah 13:12). Ophir's inclusion in Genesis 10 demonstrates God's comprehensive oversight of all peoples, affirming that every nation derives from the post-flood family and falls within the scope of divine providence and purpose.
Verse Appearances (2)
Genesis
1 Chronicles
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]