Bible Figure
Hophni
biblical character (First Book of Samuel)
Hophni was a son of Eli and a priest at Shiloh whose corruption brought divine judgment on Eli's household.
Biography
Hophni and his brother Phinehas abused the priesthood by taking sacrificial meat unlawfully and engaging in sexual immorality. Eli rebuked them but failed to restrain them effectively. A man of God and later the boy Samuel announced judgment on Eli's house. Hophni and Phinehas were both killed when the Philistines defeated Israel and captured the ark.
Biblical Significance
Hophni exemplifies corrupt religious leadership and the seriousness of treating the Lord's worship with contempt. His death helped mark the transition from Eli's house to Samuel's leadership.