Who was Ophrah in the Bible?

Ophrah was a man from the tribe of Judah, identified as the son of Meonothai and a descendant of Judah through his father Kenaz (1 Chronicles 4:13-14). He is listed in a genealogical record, and his name is also shared with a town.

What is the significance of Ophrah in the Bible?

Ophrah's primary significance is genealogical, as his listing helps trace the lineage of the tribe of Judah. This establishes the continuity and heritage of God's people as recorded in 1 Chronicles 4.

What key events was Ophrah involved in?

The Bible does not record any specific events in Ophrah's life. His mention is confined to the genealogical list in 1 Chronicles 4:14, indicating his place in Judah's family history.

Ophrah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Ophrah was the son of Meonothai, a descendant of Judah.

Ophrah

Biography

Ophrah is a figure recorded in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, identified as the son of Meonothai in the lineage traced through 1 Chronicles 4:14. His father Meonothai was a descendant of Othniel through Kenaz, placing Ophrah within a distinguished sub-clan of Judah that included Israel's first judge. The genealogical context situates Ophrah among families associated with skilled craftsmanship, as the surrounding verses mention the Valley of Craftsmen (Ge Harashim), which his relatives inhabited. Though no narrative exploits are recorded for Ophrah individually, his presence in the Chronicler's genealogies indicates his importance as a clan ancestor within the tribe of Judah during the period of the divided monarchy. His lineage connects him to families that maintained their identity and territory through generations of Israelite history.

Significance

Ophrah's inclusion in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles reflects the Chronicler's theological concern with preserving the identity and continuity of God's covenant people. Even seemingly minor figures served as essential links in the tribal structure that maintained Israel's social and religious organization. His connection to the craftsmen's valley suggests his descendants contributed to the material culture and economic life of Judah. The careful recording of such names demonstrates that God values every member of His covenant community, not merely the prominent leaders. Ophrah's genealogical placement within the Othniel-Kenaz line reminds readers that even families of celebrated judges continued in quiet faithfulness across generations.

Verse Appearances (1)

1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 4:14

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]

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