Who was Hephzibah in the Bible?

Meaning and Etymology of the Name

The name “Hephzibah” derives from a Hebrew term meaning “My delight is in her.” This phrase denotes delight and pleasure and is often interpreted to signify both God’s joy in His people and a royal honor bestowed upon someone of significance. Such naming conventions in ancient Near Eastern culture frequently highlighted traits or blessings that were deeply connected to one’s identity and role in society.

Biblical References

Hephzibah appears in the Old Testament in two key contexts:

1. Mother of Manasseh (2 Kings 21:1):

According to the text, “Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah”. This identifies Hephzibah as the mother of King Manasseh of Judah. Manasseh inherited the throne after the reign of Hezekiah, who is understood by most readers of Scripture to have been Hephzibah’s husband (though Hezekiah is not named in the same verse as Hephzibah, the broader context places her as his queen).

2. Symbolic Name in Isaiah (Isaiah 62:4):

The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future when God will restore and delight in His people again, proclaiming: “You will no longer be called Forsaken, nor will your land be called Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD delights in you, and your land will be His bride”. Through Isaiah’s message, the term “Hephzibah” becomes a symbolic name for the restored, beloved people of God and the land they inhabit. It conveys an image of hope, renewal, and favor, captured in the idea that God finds delight in His chosen ones.

Historical and Cultural Context

Hephzibah’s historical role, particularly as Manasseh’s mother, places her in the royal court of Judah between the late eighth and early seventh centuries BC. During this period:

• Royal Influence: Queens often held influential positions, impacting spiritual and political life in the kingdom. Though Scripture does not record specific actions taken by Hephzibah, her title as the king’s mother would have conferred a measure of influence and honor within the royal household.

• Covenantal Identity: In the ancient monarchy of Judah, naming held deep theological significance. Hephzibah’s name aligns with the scriptural themes of covenant and restoration. The mother of a king and the symbolic name given by a prophet both highlight how closely tied identity, lineage, and divine favor are in the biblical narrative.

Relationship to King Hezekiah and Manasseh

While not explicitly stated in 2 Kings 21:1, the broader context of 2 Kings indicates that Manasseh was the successor to Hezekiah, one of Judah’s most faithful kings. Hephzibah, therefore, is widely accepted as Hezekiah’s wife:

• Hezekiah’s Reforms: Hezekiah is celebrated for purging idolatry from the land (2 Kings 18:4–6) and is portrayed as devoted to the worship of the true God.

• Manasseh’s Reign: In contrast, Manasseh initially led Judah into extensive idolatry (2 Kings 21:2–9). Later in his life, however, Chronicles describes Manasseh’s repentance (2 Chronicles 33:12–13). Although Hephzibah’s direct influence on her son is not detailed, her place in the royal lineage places her at an important juncture of Judah’s spiritual history.

Isaiah 62:4 and the Concept of Divine Delight

The second mention in Isaiah—using the word “Hephzibah” as a designation for the land itself—became a prophetic picture of restoration. This term underlines a pivotal truth: God delights in His people even after periods of captivity or disobedience. In the same way that kings and queens in Scripture are types or models pointing to divine promises, so the name Hephzibah conveys a message of divine faithfulness:

• Spiritual Restoration: The verse underscores the ultimate purpose of God’s redemptive plan: a healed relationship between God and humanity.

• Connection with Israel’s Identity: Throughout biblical history, the covenant people are often portrayed as God’s bride. Adopting the name Hephzibah intensifies that bond, revealing the divine heart of love and compassion for those who return to Him.

Textual Attestation and Manuscript Reliability

Extant copies of 2 Kings and Isaiah in the Hebrew Masoretic Text, as preserved in manuscripts like the Aleppo Codex and the Leningrad Codex, confirm Hephzibah’s presence in the biblical record. Early fragments found among the Dead Sea Scrolls (notably fragments of Isaiah) also reflect consistent use of this name in Isaiah 62:4:

• Consistency Across Versions: The name Hephzibah is well preserved in both Hebrew manuscripts and subsequent translations, such as the Septuagint, showcasing overall reliability.

• Archaeological Alignments: While direct archaeological references to Hephzibah are scarce—biblical queen consorts are less frequently named in extrabiblical documents—settlement patterns, historical correspondences, and royal inscriptions lend broader credibility to the people and events recorded in 1–2 Kings, indicating a coherent historical framework.

Spiritual Application

In Scripture, Hephzibah stands both as an actual royal figure—mother of a king—and a symbolic name of restoration. For anyone studying or reflecting upon her significance:

1. Royal Example: Her life intertwines with a righteous king (Hezekiah) and a king steeped in idolatry (Manasseh), showing that every generation must choose between covenant faithfulness and disobedience.

2. Divine Favor: The name “Hephzibah” as a title for God’s redeemed people unveils a powerful truth: even amid human failings, divine favor and delight remain available to those who turn back to the One who created all things.

3. Hope of Restoration: Isaiah’s use of the term reveals God’s unchanging promise to renew hearts and lands. This same restorative hope reverberates throughout Scripture, culminating in the redemptive work confirmed by the resurrection of the Messiah, fulfilling God’s pledge to bring joy and delight to those who place their trust in Him.

Conclusion

Hephzibah’s role in the biblical narrative bridges an actual historical setting in Judah’s royal family and the enduring scriptural theme of God’s delight in His redeemed people. The textual record in 2 Kings 21:1 and Isaiah 62:4 consistently names “Hephzibah” with meaning and purpose.

Whether regarded as queen and mother to a future monarch or as a prophetic declaration of the Father’s unshakable commitment to restore, Hephzibah’s legacy demonstrates the profound depths of divine favor. Through her name, Scripture reminds readers that, in every generation, there is a calling to return to God, experience His delight, and live in the fullness of restoration proclaimed throughout His Word.