Have you ever come across the word “holpen” while reading the Bible and wondered what it means? This old-fashioned term appears in the King James Version (KJV) and carries deep significance. In this article, we’ll explore:
The meaning and origin of “holpen”
Common misconceptions (like “holpin”)
How “holpen” is used in Bible verses
The story of Esau and its biblical lessons
The best order to read the Bible for better understanding
Whether you’re studying Scripture for the first time or looking to deepen your knowledge, this guide will help you grasp these concepts in a simple, engaging way.
What Does “Holpen” Mean in the Bible?
Origin of the Word “Holpen”
“Holpen” is an archaic English word from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, first published in 1611. It comes from the Old English word “helpan,” which means “to help.”
Today, we’d say “helped” instead of “holpen,” but back then, this was a common way to express assistance.
Is “Holpin” a Real Word?
Some people mistakenly write “holpin” instead of “holpen.” However, “holpin” is not a correct biblical term—it’s likely a misspelling or mishearing of “holpen.”
How Do You Use “Holpen” in a Sentence?
The most famous example comes from Psalm 86:17 (KJV):
“Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.”
In modern English, this would mean:
“Show me a sign of your goodness, so that my enemies will see it and be ashamed, because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.”
Where Else Does “Holpen” Appear in the Bible?
Besides Psalm 86:17, “holpen” appears in:
Luke 1:54 (KJV) – “He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy.”
(Meaning: “He has helped His servant Israel, remembering His mercy.”)Deuteronomy 32:38 (KJV) – Referring to false gods who cannot help their worshippers.
These verses show that “holpen” often refers to God’s divine help—whether in battle, personal struggles, or fulfilling His promises.
How Do You Pronounce “Holpen”?
Since it’s an old word, some people aren’t sure how to say it. Here’s the correct pronunciation:
Holpen = “HOLE-pen” (rhymes with “open”)
What Does “Esau” Mean in the Bible?
While studying “holpen,” you might also wonder about other biblical terms—like Esau, a key figure in the Old Testament.
Who Was Esau?
Son of Isaac and Rebekah, twin brother of Jacob (who later became Israel).
Known for trading his birthright (inheritance rights) for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34).
Later, Jacob tricked him out of their father’s blessing (Genesis 27).
Lessons from Esau’s Story
Impulsive Decisions Have Consequences – Esau gave up his future for short-term satisfaction.
Forgiveness Matters – Despite betrayal, Esau later forgave Jacob (Genesis 33).
God’s Plan Prevails – Even through conflict, God’s promises continued through Jacob’s lineage (leading to Jesus).
What’s the Best Order to Read the Bible?
If you’re new to the Bible, reading it cover-to-cover can be confusing. Here are three better approaches:
1. Chronological Order
Follow the Bible’s timeline (not book order):
Start with Genesis (Creation, Abraham, Moses).
Move to Exodus, Joshua, Judges (Israel’s history).
Read Psalms & Proverbs alongside historical books.
Proceed to the Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah).
Then the New Testament (Gospels, Acts, Epistles).
Best for: People who love history and want to see how events connect.
2. Thematic Order
Focus on key themes (love, faith, leadership):
Salvation Story: Genesis, Exodus, Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Wisdom & Guidance: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, James.
Prophecy & Future Hope: Daniel, Revelation.
Best for: Those studying specific topics (e.g., forgiveness, courage).
3. Old & New Testament Parallel
Balance readings from both Testaments daily:
Day 1: Genesis 1 + Matthew 1
Day 2: Exodus 1 + Mark 1
Day 3: Psalm 1 + Romans 1
Best for: Beginners who want a full perspective.
Why Does Understanding “Holpen” Matter Today?
Even though “holpen” is an old word, its meaning—divine help—remains powerful. When David wrote “Thou hast holpen me,” he acknowledged God’s active role in his life.
Modern Application:
When you feel helpless, remember God “holpen” (helped) people in the Bible.
The Bible isn’t just ancient text—it’s a living guide with timeless truths.
Final Thoughts
Exploring words like “holpen” deepens our Bible study, while stories like Esau’s teach us about human nature and God’s plan. Whether you read the Bible chronologically, thematically, or in parallel, the key is consistency and reflection.
Want to dig deeper? Try:
✅ Reading Psalm 86 to see “holpen” in context.
✅ Studying Genesis 25-33 for Esau’s full story.
✅ Choosing a reading plan that fits your goals.
The Bible is a treasure of wisdom—understanding its language and structure helps unlock its power in your life!
Dr. Rachel is very smart and knows a lot about the Bible. He helps us understand the Bible better by talking about the old texts in a simple way.
