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Meaning, origin and etymology of the name Ophir


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Ophir Ophir

Ophir is one of many sons of Joktan, the brother of Peleg. Peleg becomes the ancestor of Abraham. The Joktanites are the last mentioned Shemite generation before the tower of Babel is built.

The etymology and original meaning of the name Ophir are unclear. Fuerst derives it from the root group i (awa 39-41).
The unused root i ('wh 39) yields derivation i ('i 39a), coast.
Verb i ('awa 40) means to desire; derivation aw means desire.
Verb i ('awa 41) means to mark, make sign.
The second part of the name supposedly comes from an Arab equivalent meaning riches. The name could thus mean Coast Of Riches or Mark Of Wealth. NOBSE reads Rich.

The name is often synonymous to gold (Job 22:24), and most often mentioned in relation with king Solomon (1 Ki 9:28).

However, a Hebrew audience would have noted the distinct similarity between Ophir and the root pr (apr 150-151) which means ashes (150) or a covering/ bandage (151), which would link Ophir to Ephraim.



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