פַּרְעֹה חׇפְרַע

פַּרְעֹה חׇפְרַע

Paroh-Chophra, an Egyptian king

Definition

פַּרְעֹה חׇפְרַע (Parʻôh Chophraʻ) refers specifically to Pharaoh Hophra, also known as Apries, a historical king of Egypt who reigned from approximately 589–570 BC. In the Bible, he is mentioned only in Jeremiah 44:30, where God declares through the prophet that He will hand this pharaoh over to his enemies, just as He handed King Zedekiah of Judah over to Nebuchadnezzar. This singular reference serves as a prophetic judgment against a foreign ruler who symbolized a false hope for Judah's remnant seeking refuge in Egypt. The name distinguishes him from other pharaohs in the biblical narrative, anchoring the prophecy in a specific historical context.

Biblical Usage

This proper noun is used only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 44:30. It appears in a prophetic oracle of judgment delivered to Judean refugees who had fled to Egypt after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. The usage is entirely historical and identificatory, naming the contemporary Egyptian monarch to underscore the specificity and certainty of God's coming judgment, which would extend even to the powerful foreign king in whom some Judahites had misplaced their trust.

Etymology

The term is a Hebrew transliteration of an Egyptian royal title and name. 'Pharaoh' (פַּרְעֹה) itself is derived from the Egyptian 'pr-ʻȝ', meaning 'great house,' originally referring to the royal palace and later becoming a title for the king. 'Hophra' (חׇפְרַע) is the Hebrew rendering of the Egyptian name 'Waḥ-ib-Rʻ', meaning 'Constant is the Heart of Ra' (the sun god). Thus, the full phrase is a direct borrowing from Egyptian culture and language into Hebrew.

Semantic Range

Pharaoh Hophra's mention is theologically significant as it demonstrates God's sovereign authority over all nations and their rulers, not just Israel. The prophecy in Jeremiah 44:30 shows that God's judgment is comprehensive, reaching those who oppose His will or become a source of idolatrous trust for His people. Understanding this specific name enriches reading by connecting the biblical text to real history and emphasizing that God's word is operative in international affairs, holding even mighty kings accountable. In its original setting, 'Pharaoh Hophra' would have been recognized as the name of the reigning Egyptian monarch. For the Judean refugees in Egypt, he represented the pinnacle of earthly power and potential protection. The biblical prophecy subverts this cultural perception, asserting that Yahweh, the God of Israel, holds ultimate power and will bring down this seemingly secure king. This contrasts sharply with the ancient Near Eastern view of pharaohs as divine or semi-divine figures. פַּרְעֹה (Parʻôh, H6547) — The general title for Egyptian kings, whereas פַּרְעֹה חׇפְרַע specifies one particular pharaoh.

Word Details