p-h-a-r-a-o-h
PHARAOH was the title used for the rulers of ancient Egypt, considered divine kings who governed both the earthly kingdom and served as intermediaries between gods and people. The word comes from Egyptian "per-aa" meaning "great house." In word games, PHARAOH is valuable as a 7-letter word that can earn the 50-point bingo bonus, worth 15 base points in Scrabble due to the high-value H tiles.
15
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
A PHARAOH was the supreme ruler of ancient Egypt, holding absolute power as both political leader and religious figure. These monarchs were believed to be living gods, specifically incarnations of the god Horus, and served as the intermediary between the divine realm and earthly subjects. The pharaoh's authority was considered divinely sanctioned, making their word law and their person sacred.
The role of pharaoh encompassed numerous responsibilities: commanding the military, overseeing massive construction projects (including pyramids and temples), maintaining religious ceremonies, administering justice, and ensuring the prosperity of the kingdom through proper management of the Nile's annual flood cycle. Pharaohs were expected to maintain Ma'at (cosmic order and truth), which was essential for Egypt's stability and prosperity.
In modern usage, "pharaoh" has become synonymous with supreme power, often applied metaphorically to authoritarian leaders or those who wield absolute control. The word evokes images of grandeur, mystery, and ancient wisdom, frequently appearing in literature, film, and popular culture as a symbol of both magnificent achievement and potentially dangerous absolute power.
The word pharaoh originates from the ancient Egyptian "per-aa" (𓉐𓉻), which literally means "great house" or "palace." Originally, this term referred not to the king himself, but to the royal palace or court. Over time, it evolved to represent the king by metonymy—referring to the ruler by his residence, similar to how we might say "The White House announced" to mean the U.S. President announced.
The term entered Hebrew as "par'oh" (פַּרְעֹה), appearing prominently in the Bible in stories of Joseph and Moses. From Hebrew, it passed into Greek as "pharaō" (φαραώ), then into Latin as "pharao," and finally into Old French as "pharaon" before reaching Middle English around the 14th century. Each linguistic transition preserved the essential meaning while adapting the pronunciation to local phonetic patterns.
Interestingly, ancient Egyptians themselves rarely used "pharaoh" as a title during the height of their civilization. They preferred titles like "Lord of the Two Lands" (referring to Upper and Lower Egypt) or "Son of Ra" (the sun god). The widespread use of "pharaoh" as a standard title for Egyptian rulers is largely a product of later historical accounts and biblical narratives.
Egyptian civilization lasted over 3,000 years (c. 3100-30 BCE), making it one of history's longest-lived civilizations. Pharaohs ruled through approximately 31 dynasties, from the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under Menes to Cleopatra VII's defeat by Rome. This remarkable longevity was partly due to the stability provided by the pharaonic system.
The concept of divine kingship was central to Egyptian society. Pharaohs were believed to become gods after death, specifically identified with Osiris, god of the underworld. This religious aspect legitimized their absolute authority and explained the elaborate burial practices, including mummification and pyramid construction, designed to ensure their successful transition to the afterlife.
Pharaohs governed through a sophisticated bureaucracy including viziers, governors, scribes, and priests. This system enabled the management of a complex society dependent on agriculture, trade, and monumental construction. The pharaoh's authority extended through this hierarchy to control everything from tax collection to religious ceremonies across the entire kingdom.
Several pharaohs appear in biblical narratives, though their exact identities remain debated by historians. The pharaoh of the Exodus, traditionally associated with Moses, and the pharaoh who elevated Joseph to high office are central figures in Judeo-Christian tradition, making "pharaoh" a familiar term across cultures.
Pharaohs have captured imaginations for millennia, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and film. From Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" to modern blockbusters like "The Mummy" series, pharaohs represent exotic power, ancient wisdom, and supernatural mystery. Their image appears in everything from casino names to luxury brands.
The discovery of pharaohs' tombs, especially Tutankhamun's in 1922, sparked worldwide "Egyptomania." These findings revealed incredible craftsmanship, advanced engineering, and sophisticated beliefs about the afterlife. Museums worldwide display pharaonic artifacts, making these ancient rulers familiar to global audiences.
In modern discourse, "pharaoh" often describes authoritarian leaders who demand absolute obedience, live in luxury while subjects suffer, or claim divine or exceptional authority. This metaphorical use preserves the word's association with ultimate power and potential tyranny.
•PHARAOH contains two H's worth 4 points each, making it a valuable 7-letter word worth 15 base points in Scrabble
•The oldest known pharaoh is Narmer (c. 3100 BCE), who unified Upper and Lower Egypt and founded the first dynasty
•Cleopatra VII lived closer in time to the Moon landing (1969) than to the construction of the Great Pyramid (c. 2580 BCE)
•The word "pharaoh" appears 274 times in the King James Bible, making it familiar across many cultures and languages
"The pharaoh ordered the construction of a magnificent pyramid that would serve as his eternal resting place."
— Historical context
"Archaeologists discovered the pharaoh's burial chamber filled with golden treasures and hieroglyphic inscriptions."
— Archaeological context
"Playing PHARAOH across a double word score with both H's on premium squares scored me 45 points!"
— Word game context
"The CEO ruled the company like a pharaoh, demanding absolute loyalty from all employees."
— Metaphorical context
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 15 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 (A, A, O) | Consonants: 4 (P, H, R, H)
Bingo potential: 7-letter word qualifies for 50-point bonus
Pattern: CVCVCVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Vowel-Consonant)
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like PHARAOH