Ophir is mentioned in the Bible as a region famous for its wealth, particularly its gold. While its exact geographical location remains uncertain, the name Ophir became synonymous with great abundance and precious resources.
The most notable references to Ophir occur during the reign of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 10:11, the Bible says:
“Also, the ships of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought great quantities of almug wood and precious stones from Ophir.”
Ophir was a key part of Solomon’s trade network, involving ships from Tyre (under Hiram’s leadership) that brought gold, precious stones, and exotic wood. The amount of gold is emphasized in 1 Kings 9:28:
“And they went to Ophir, and acquired four hundred and twenty talents of gold from there, and brought it to King Solomon.”
This indicates that Ophir was not only a real place but also a major source of Solomon’s immense wealth. The gold of Ophir was considered the highest standard. Job 28:16 refers to it when describing incomparable wisdom:
“It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.”
Psalm 45:9 uses Ophir poetically to speak of royal splendor:
“King’s daughters are among Your honorable women; at Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.”
Though scholars and historians have proposed various possible locations, such as regions in Arabia, East Africa, or India, the Bible does not give a precise location. What is certain is that Ophir was a renowned source of valuable materials and stood as a symbol of opulence and divine blessing during Solomon’s reign.
