the same as עֹפֶל; Ophel, a ridge in Jerusalem; Ophel.
Transliteration:ʻÔphel
Pronunciation:o'-fel
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6077}}` (ʻÔphel), derived from a root meaning "to swell" or "to be prominent," primarily denotes a specific geographical feature: a fortified mound or ridge. In its most significant biblical usage, it refers to "Ophel," a prominent ridge in Jerusalem situated directly south of the Temple Mount. While its base meaning can extend to any "hill" or "mound" (as potentially seen in [[Isaiah 32:14]]), its predominant and most specific application is as a proper noun for this particular ridge in the Holy City. Thus, its semantic range is tightly focused on this unique topographical feature, which served as a crucial part of Jerusalem's defenses and urban development.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6077}}` appears in several key passages, primarily in the post-exilic books of Nehemiah and in prophetic literature:
* **[[Nehemiah 3:26]] and [[Nehemiah 11:21]]:** These verses explicitly state that the Nethinim, the temple servants, "dwelt in Ophel." This indicates that Ophel was a populated area within or immediately adjacent to the city of Jerusalem, specifically housing those connected with the sacred functions of the Temple. This highlights Ophel's integral role in the city's administrative and religious life during the rebuilding phase.
* **[[Nehemiah 3:27]]:** This verse describes a section of the city wall repaired by the Tekoites, extending "from the great tower that projects, as far as the wall of Ophel." This clearly identifies Ophel as a significant part of Jerusalem's fortifications, emphasizing its strategic importance as a defensive bulwark, particularly in relation to the Temple area.
* **[[Isaiah 32:14]]:** "For the palace will be forsaken, the populous city abandoned; hill and watchtower will become dens forever..." Here, `{{H6077}}` is translated as "hill" or "mound." In this context of prophetic judgment and desolation, it may refer generically to any fortified height, or it could still implicitly allude to Jerusalem's Ophel as a once-secure but now desolate place. This usage suggests the inherent meaning of a rising, defensible elevation.
* **[[Micah 4:8]]:** "And you, O tower of the flock, the Ophel of the daughter of Zion, to you will come the former dominion, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem." This is a profoundly significant occurrence. Here, Ophel is not merely a physical location but is elevated to a symbolic status, directly linked to the "tower of the flock" and the "daughter of Zion." It represents a place of strength, prominence, and the future restoration of Jerusalem's sovereignty and dominion. The phrase "Ophel of the daughter of Zion" suggests the very strong, elevated, and secure heart of Jerusalem.
Across these contexts, Ophel emerges as a specific, strategically vital, and symbolically rich location within Jerusalem, intimately connected to the Temple, the city's defenses, and its prophetic destiny.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H6077}}` naturally intersects with several related terms and concepts:
* **Jerusalem and Zion:** Ophel is inextricably linked to the geography and identity of Jerusalem and Mount Zion, being a key topographical feature within the city's ancient boundaries.
* **Temple Mount:** Its immediate proximity to the Temple Mount underscores its significance, particularly in relation to the sacred activities and personnel (Nethinim).
* **City Walls and Fortifications:** The references in Nehemiah highlight Ophel's role as a crucial part of Jerusalem's defensive architecture, connecting it to terms like "wall" (`{{H2346}}`) and "tower" (`{{H4026}}`).
* **Nethinim:** The dwelling of these temple servants in Ophel provides a direct link to the religious and administrative life centered around the sanctuary.
* **"Tower of the Flock" (`{{H4026}}` `{{H6629}}`):** In [[Micah 4:8]], Ophel is paralleled with this phrase, suggesting a shared concept of a strong, elevated, and protective vantage point for God's people.
* **"Daughter of Zion" (`{{H1323}}` `{{H6726}}`):** This personification of Jerusalem is directly associated with Ophel in Micah, emphasizing the city's identity, resilience, and future glory.
* **Topographical terms:** Words for "hill," "mound," "ridge," and "stronghold" are semantically related, as they describe the physical nature of Ophel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ophel, though often understated, is profound, particularly given its strategic location and prophetic usage:
* **Divine Protection and Restoration:** As a critical part of Jerusalem's defenses, Ophel embodies God's provision for the security of His chosen city. Its rebuilding and repopulation in Nehemiah symbolize God's faithfulness in restoring His people and their dwelling place after exile, a testament to His enduring covenant.
* **Proximity to the Sacred:** The dwelling of the Nethinim in Ophel signifies its close association with the Temple and its sacred functions. This proximity suggests that Ophel was not merely a secular stronghold but an area integral to the life and worship centered on God's dwelling place. It implies a divine ordering of the city, where even the defensive structures are interwoven with sacred service.
* **Symbol of Zion's Strength and Sovereignty:** The most potent theological meaning emerges in [[Micah 4:8]]. Here, "the Ophel of the daughter of Zion" transcends its physical reality to become a powerful metaphor for Jerusalem's inherent strength, prominence, and future Messianic glory. It signifies the secure and elevated place from which God's kingdom will be re-established and from which righteous dominion will emanate. This prophetic vision transforms Ophel into an emblem of the unwavering divine purpose for Zion.
* **Contrast of Judgment and Hope:** While [[Isaiah 32:14]] might hint at the vulnerability of even fortified places to divine judgment, Micah's prophecy offers a counterpoint of ultimate hope and restoration, where Ophel stands as a symbol of renewed strength and enduring presence.
### Summary
`{{H6077}}` (ʻÔphel) primarily designates a specific, prominent ridge in Jerusalem, located south of the Temple Mount. Its core meaning reflects its topographical nature as a "mound" or "fortified hill." Biblically, Ophel is consistently presented as a strategically vital part of Jerusalem's defenses, particularly evident in the rebuilding efforts described in Nehemiah, where it housed the Nethinim, the temple servants. This close association with the Temple underscores its integral role in the city's sacred and administrative life. Theologically, Ophel symbolizes divine protection and the restoration of God's people. Most significantly, in [[Micah 4:8]], it transcends its physical reality to become a powerful prophetic symbol of Zion's enduring strength, sovereignty, and the future establishment of God's kingdom from Jerusalem.
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