Lexical Summary Noph: Noph Original Word: נֹף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Noph A variation of Moph; Noph, the capital of Upper Egypt -- Noph. see HEBREW Moph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a city in Eg. (the same as NH4644) NASB Translation Memphis (7). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Noph is the Hebrew designation for the ancient city of Memphis, situated on the west bank of the Nile about twenty kilometers south of modern Cairo. Straddling the boundary between Upper and Lower Egypt, the city commanded the principal land routes linking the Delta with the Nile Valley and controlled river traffic passing through the apex of the Delta. Its extensive necropolises (Saqqara, Giza, Dahshur and Abusir) and colossal temple-complex dedicated to Ptah made it one of the most culturally influential sites of the ancient world. Historical Background Founded at the dawn of the Old Kingdom, Memphis rose to prominence as Egypt’s administrative and religious capital for long periods, especially during the Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom eras. Even when political power shifted, the city retained economic and cultic importance. By the time of the Hebrew prophets (eighth–sixth centuries B.C.), Memphis was emblematic of Egypt’s might, yet already in decline as power drifted south to Thebes and north to the Delta cities of Tanis and Sais. The prophets therefore found in Noph an apt illustration of a fading, idolatrous power that could not save itself, much less those who trusted in it. Biblical References and Prophetic Oracles 1. Isaiah 19:13 contrasts the “princes of Zoan” with the “leaders of Memphis,” declaring that both are “deceived.” The verse portrays Egypt’s wisdom as folly and foreshadows nationwide confusion. In every passage Noph symbolizes Egypt’s misplaced confidence—political, military and religious—and stands as an object lesson for any nation that opposes the purposes of the LORD. Theological Themes Judgment on Idolatry: Ezekiel’s promise to “destroy the idols” of Noph (Ezekiel 30:13) reinforces the first commandment and anticipates the eschatological triumph of the true God over counterfeit deities. False Security: Jeremiah’s condemnation reveals the futility of Judah’s reliance on Egypt instead of the LORD. The very city intended as a refuge becomes a site of exile and sword. Divine Sovereignty Over Nations: The repeated prophetic refrain that Noph will fall confirms that history unfolds under the hand of God, who raises and reduces empires to accomplish His redemptive plan. Archaeological and Extrabiblical Witness Excavations at Saqqara and Mit Rahina have uncovered royal statues, administrative papyri and stelae attesting Memphis’s prestige. Greek historians (Herodotus, Strabo) marvel at its size and antiquity. Yet the sprawling mounds and scattered limestone blocks visible today verify the prophetic word: “Memphis will be laid waste, destroyed and uninhabited” (Jeremiah 46:19). Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship • Trust in the LORD, not geopolitical power. Alliances forged from fear rather than faith breed bondage, not deliverance. Intertestamental and New Testament Echoes While Noph itself is not named in the New Testament, the motif of fleeing to Egypt recurs (Matthew 2:13–15). Herod’s slaughter drives the infant Messiah to temporary refuge among the ruins of a once-glorious empire—underscoring that true salvation does not arise from Egypt but from the promised King who ultimately returns to Israel. Summary Noph stands as a vivid reminder that human wisdom, military might and religious splendor crumble before the sovereign purposes of God. Its fall validates the prophetic word, warns against idolatrous alliances and exhorts believers to place their hope solely in the LORD who judges nations and shepherds His people. Forms and Transliterations בְנֹ֖ף בנף וְנֹ֖ף וּבְנֹ֔ף ובנף ונף מִנֹּ֔ף מנף נֹ֑ף נֹ֖ף נֹף֙ נף ḇə·nōp̄ ḇənōp̄ min·nōp̄ minNof minnōp̄ Nof nōp̄ ū·ḇə·nōp̄ ūḇənōp̄ uveNof veNof wə·nōp̄ wənōp̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 19:13 HEB: נִשְּׁא֖וּ שָׂ֣רֵי נֹ֑ף הִתְע֥וּ אֶת־ NAS: The princes of Memphis are deluded; KJV: the princes of Noph are deceived; INT: are deceived the princes of Memphis have led Egypt Jeremiah 2:16 Jeremiah 44:1 Jeremiah 46:14 Jeremiah 46:19 Ezekiel 30:13 Ezekiel 30:16 7 Occurrences |
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