from עָפַל; a tumor; also a mound, i.e. fortress; emerod, fort, strong hold, tower.
Transliteration:ʻôphel
Pronunciation:o'-fel
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H6076 (עֹפֶל, ʻôphel) presents a fascinating semantic duality, stemming from its root `{{H6075}}` (עָפַל), meaning "to swell" or "to be raised." This etymological foundation gives rise to two distinct yet related primary meanings. First, ʻôphel denotes a "tumor" or "swelling," specifically associated with the painful affliction of "emerods" (hemorrhoids or similar painful swellings). This usage emphasizes the idea of an abnormal, raised growth on the body. Second, ʻôphel refers to a "mound," "fortress," "stronghold," or "tower." In this sense, it describes a naturally or artificially raised and fortified place, often an elevated part of a city or a defensive structure. Both meanings derive from the core concept of something being "raised" or "swollen" above its surroundings, whether a pathological growth on the body or an elevated defensive position in topography. The context is crucial for discerning which meaning is intended, though the underlying notion of protuberance or elevation remains consistent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6076 in the Hebrew Bible clearly illustrate its dual semantic range.
In its sense of "tumor" or "emerod," ʻôphel appears prominently in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant's capture by the Philistines and its subsequent return. In [[1 Samuel 5:6]], [[1 Samuel 5:9]], and [[1 Samuel 5:12]], the Lord afflicts the Philistine cities of Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron with "tumors" (ʻophelîm) as divine judgment for holding the sacred Ark. This plague is described as severe and deadly. The Philistine priests and diviners then advise their people to send a trespass offering of "five golden tumors" and "five golden mice" back to Israel along with the Ark, as recounted in [[1 Samuel 6:4]], [[1 Samuel 6:5]], and [[1 Samuel 6:11]], indicating a direct link between the physical ailment and the act of atonement. This usage underscores the word's association with divine punishment and the physical manifestation of God's wrath.
In its sense of "mound," "fortress," or "stronghold," ʻôphel often refers to a specific elevated and fortified part of Jerusalem, known as "the Ophel." This area was a strategically vital and heavily fortified section of the city, particularly south of the Temple Mount. We see this in [[2 Chronicles 27:3]], where Jotham, King of Judah, is said to have built extensively "on the wall of the Ophel." Nehemiah's reconstruction efforts also mention the Ophel wall in [[Nehemiah 3:26]] and [[Nehemiah 3:27]], indicating its importance in the post-exilic period. Furthermore, in [[Nehemiah 11:21]], the temple servants are described as dwelling "on the Ophel," highlighting its residential and administrative significance within the fortified city. Beyond Jerusalem, ʻôphel can also denote a general fortified place, as seen in [[Isaiah 32:14]], where it speaks of "the Ophel and the watchtower" being desolate, signifying the ruin of fortified places. Similarly, [[Micah 4:8]] metaphorically refers to "O tower of the flock, hill (ʻôphel) of the daughter of Zion," possibly alluding to a stronghold or a protective height.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary etymological connection for H6076 is its root verb `{{H6075}}` (עָפַל), "to swell," "to be swollen," or "to ascend." This root clearly underpins both the pathological and architectural meanings of ʻôphel.
In the context of disease and divine judgment, ʻôphel relates to terms for affliction, plague (`{{H4046}}` - מַגֵּפָה, maggēphāh), and sickness (`{{H2483}}` - חֹלִי, ḥolî). The narrative in 1 Samuel also connects it to concepts of trespass offering (`{{H817}}` - אָשָׁם, ’āshām) and propitiation.
In its architectural and topographical sense, ʻôphel is related to other Hebrew terms for fortified structures or elevated places. These include `{{H4679}}` (מִבְצָר, mibtsar), meaning "fortress" or "stronghold"; `{{H4013}}` (מִגְדָּל, migdal), "tower"; `{{H4686}}` (מָצוֹד, matsod or מְצוּדָה, metsûdāh), "stronghold" or "fortress"; and `{{H2022}}` (הַר, har), "mountain" or "hill," especially when referring to a fortified height. The specific location in Jerusalem, "the Ophel," is often mentioned alongside other significant parts of the city's defenses, such as the walls and gates.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of H6076 carries profound theological significance.
In the context of the "tumors" in 1 Samuel, ʻôphel serves as a stark reminder of divine judgment and the consequences of human presumption and desecration of the sacred. The Philistines' affliction with these painful swellings is a direct act of God's power, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and His intolerance for the profaning of His holy Ark. The "golden emerods" offered as a trespass offering signify not only an attempt at appeasement but also a recognition of God's power and the source of their suffering. This narrative underscores the theological principle that sin, particularly against God's holiness, brings about tangible, often painful, consequences, and that true repentance involves restitution and acknowledgment of guilt.
Conversely, ʻôphel as a "fortress" or "stronghold" speaks to themes of security, defense, and human reliance. The Ophel in Jerusalem represents a vital part of the city's physical defense, a place where inhabitants could seek refuge from enemies. Theologically, this can be extended to the concept of God as a spiritual stronghold or refuge for His people, a common biblical metaphor (e.g., `{{H4686}}`). While human fortifications like the Ophel offer a measure of security, the biblical narrative often contrasts this with ultimate reliance on God's protection. The vulnerability of even the strongest human-made ʻôphel to divine judgment or superior force ultimately points to the need for a deeper trust in the divine ʻôphel – the Lord Himself. The prophetic usage in Isaiah and Micah, speaking of the desolation or significance of the ʻôphel, highlights the transient nature of human strength and the enduring power of God's purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6076 (עֹפֶל, ʻôphel) is a remarkable example of semantic range in biblical Hebrew, embodying two seemingly disparate yet etymologically linked meanings. Derived from the root `{{H6075}}` ("to swell" or "to be raised"), ʻôphel can denote a physical "tumor" or "emerod," as seen in the divine plague upon the Philistines in 1 Samuel, serving as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the necessity of atonement. Simultaneously, it refers to a "mound," "fortress," or "stronghold," most notably the fortified Ophel section of Jerusalem, highlighting themes of physical security, urban defense, and human reliance on fortifications. This dual meaning enriches our understanding of biblical texts, revealing God's sovereignty over both bodily affliction and human endeavors. Whether signifying a painful consequence of sin or a protective bastion, ʻôphel ultimately directs the reader to profound theological truths about divine power, human vulnerability, and the ultimate source of true security.
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