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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
In Old Testament times, the Israelites understood the power behind a name. Whether there was actual spiritual blessing or power imparted through a God-given name, or whether the names given simply ...
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Philip Davies
Supporter
An old girlfriend of mine named her bicycle Hephzibah and I asked her why and she said because "my delight is in her". And I said, "of course!" Regards Philip
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
According to Strong's Concordance, Chephtsi-bah: "my delight is in her," a name for Zion, also the mother of King Manasseh Original Word: חֶפְּצִי בָּהּ Part of Speech: Proper Name Feminine Transliteration: Chephtsi-bah Phonetic Spelling: (khef-tsee'baw) Definition: "my delight is in her", a name for Zion, also the mother of King Manasseh. According to Smith’s Bible Dictionary, Hephzibah was the queen [wife] of King Hezekiah and the mother of Manasseh. (2 Kings 21:1) (B.C. 709-696.) According to the NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin: from chephets The definition of Hephzibah is "my delight is in her," a name for Zion, also the mother of King Manasseh. NASB Translation: Hephzibah Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB), a Hebrew lexicon or dictionary of the Old Testament, has: חֶפְצִיבָֿהּ proper name, feminine (my delight is in her; compare Phoenician חפצבעל) — 1 mother of king Manasseh 2 Kings 21:1. 2 figurative name of Zion Isaiah 62:4, here explained by כִּי חפץ יהוה בָּךְ for Yahweh delighteth in thee. This, too, could be said of the Christian who walks with the King: (Psalm 37:23) "The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey."
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What is the meaning of "Hephzibah" in the Bible?
Hephzibah in the Bible means "my delight is in her”, a Hebrew name expressing joy, favour, and divine pleasure.
This reflects a sense of cherished affection, often interpreted as expressing God's delight in His people.
Root idea: The Hebrew root also carries the sense of guarding or protecting, suggesting someone who is both delighted in and safeguarded.
Where Hephzibah Appears in Scripture
1. Historical Person — 2 Kings 21:1 Hephzibah is named as the wife of King Hezekiah and the mother of King Manasseh of Judah.
Her name likely expressed her parents' or husband's deep affection and hope for her.
2. Symbolic Name — Isaiah 62:4
In a prophecy of restoration, the prophet foretells the restoration of Zion and the Jewish people after times of exile and desolation. God declares: "No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you..."
Here, the name represents a dramatic spiritual transformation. God promises to change Israel's identity from "Deserted" (or Forsaken) to Hephzibah ("my delight is in her").
It serves as a powerful metaphor for God's unfailing grace, promising that despite the nation's past unfaithfulness, He will restore them and take great joy and pleasure in His people.
Theological Themes Connected to Hephzibah
God's delight and joy in His people
Covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness
Restoration after judgment
Intimacy between God and His people
Conclusion:
Beulah means "married" and speaks of Israel's repossession of the land, meaning reclaimed, protected, fruitful, and permanently restored.
This name change marks a renewed covenant, similar to other biblical name changes that signal transformation and new identity.
It communicates love, protection, restoration, and divine favour—a powerful reminder of God's enduring commitment to His people.
"God is committed to His people again."
Fruitfulness and stability will return.
In the Bible, Hephzibah appears as both a literal name for a royal queen and a symbolic title for the city of Jerusalem.
Beulah means God says, "You are married to Me—secure, restored, and fruitful."
Hephzibah is most notably mentioned in 2 Kings 21:1 as the mother of King Manasseh.
Historically and biblically, Hephzibah's legacy is deeply intertwined with this tragic familial paradox—being the devoted wife to a righteous reformer and the mother to a highly corrupt monarch.
Together, they proclaim one of the Bible's strongest images of renewed covenant love after a season of judgment and desolation.
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What does "Hephzibah" mean in the Bible? Some Bible translations apply the name "Hephzi-bah" to Jerusalem in a restoration prophecy. (Isa 62:4, AS, KJ, Ro) Here, others use expressions such as "My pleasure in her" (Dy), The name Hephzibah means "My delight is in her." Thinking about that meaning reminds me that God does not look at His people the way the world often does. People may focus on failures, weaknesses, or past mistakes, but God sees those who belong to Him with love and compassion. Sometimes I become discouraged by my shortcomings or by circumstances that feel beyond my control. The message behind Hephzibah reminds me that my value isn't based on success, status, or others' approval. My worth comes from being known and loved by God. The name also reminds me that God wants to restore what has been broken. When life brings disappointment, loss, or regret, it is easy to feel forgotten. Yet Hephzibah points to a God who delights in showing mercy and giving hope. It speaks of acceptance rather than rejection and of a future shaped by His faithfulness rather than by past failures. This truth challenges me to see myself through God's eyes instead of through my own doubts. It encourages me to trust His love even when my feelings suggest otherwise. God's delight in His people is not something they earn. It comes from His gracious character and His desire to draw them close to Himself. For me, Hephzibah is more than an ancient name. It reminds me that God knows me completely and still loves me. It encourages me to walk forward with confidence, knowing that I am not forgotten, unwanted, or overlooked. Instead, I can rest in the assurance that God cares for me and takes pleasure in those who seek Him. The message of Hephzibah is simple but powerful: God loves me, and His view of me is shaped by grace, not by my past. Key Verse: "You shall be called Hephzibah... for the LORD delights in you." (Isaiah 62:4)
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