Hophni

Easton, 1897

Pugilist or client, one of the two sons of Eli, the high priest (1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 2:34), who, because he was "very old," resigned to them the active duties of his office. By their scandalous conduct they brought down a curse on their father's house (1 Samuel 2:22, 1 Samuel 2:12-27, 1 Samuel 2:27-36; 1 Samuel 3:11-14). For their wickedness they were called "sons of Belial," i.e., worthless men (1 Samuel 2:12). They both perished in the disastrous battle with the Philistines at Aphek (1 Samuel 4:11). (See PHINEHAS.)