Ophir
“Possibly 'fruitful region' or 'red'”
Summary
Ophir was both a descendant of Joktan and a wealthy land famous for its fine gold, to which Solomon and Hiram sent trading expeditions.
☩The Person
Ophir was the eleventh son of Joktan, grandson of Shem, listed among the nations that descended from Noah's sons. Like many of Joktan's descendants, Ophir is associated with regions in Arabia. The name appears to be Semitic in origin, possibly meaning "fruitful region" or connected to a word meaning "red," as the Himyaritic people of southern Arabia called themselves "tribes of the red country" (ofir).
☩The Land of Gold
Ophir was famous as a source of gold of exceptional quality. Solomon, in partnership with Hiram of Tyre, sent ships from Ezion-geber at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba to Ophir, returning with gold, precious stones, and almug-wood. The voyage to Ophir took three years round-trip and brought back immense wealth. The gold of Ophir became proverbial for its purity and value, used poetically to describe that which is most precious. Job compared wisdom to gold of Ophir in value, and the queen in Psalm 45 is adorned with gold of Ophir.
☩Location
The location of Ophir has been debated for centuries. Suggestions include southern Arabia (near modern Yemen), the east coast of Africa (possibly Somalia or Zimbabwe), India, and even the Far East. The three-year voyage and variety of products—gold, silver, ivory, apes, peacocks, and precious wood—suggest a distant location, possibly involving trade at multiple ports. The most likely identification places Ophir in southern Arabia or on the African coast of the Red Sea, regions known for gold production in ancient times.
Related Verses12 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Ophir," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ophir," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).