Topical Encyclopedia
Hakkoz is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical and priestly records. The name "Hakkoz" means "the thorn" or "the nimble" in Hebrew. He is recognized as an ancestor of a priestly family during the time of King David and the post-exilic period.
Genealogical RecordHakkoz is first mentioned in the genealogical lists of the descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was the first high priest of Israel. In
1 Chronicles 24:10, Hakkoz is identified as the head of the seventh division of priests. The passage states: "the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah" . This division was part of the 24 priestly courses established by King David to organize the service of the temple, ensuring that the duties of the priesthood were carried out in an orderly manner.
Post-Exilic PeriodThe descendants of Hakkoz are also noted in the post-exilic period, particularly in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After the Babylonian exile, when the Israelites returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, the priestly families were reestablished. In
Ezra 2:61-62, it is recorded that some of the descendants of Hakkoz were among those who returned but were unable to prove their genealogical records: "And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean" .
This exclusion highlights the importance of maintaining accurate genealogical records for the priesthood, as only those who could prove their lineage from Aaron were permitted to serve as priests. The inability of Hakkoz's descendants to verify their ancestry resulted in their disqualification from priestly duties until their status could be confirmed.
Nehemiah's ReformsIn
Nehemiah 3:4 and 3:21, the name Hakkoz appears again in the context of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The text mentions that certain individuals from the family of Hakkoz participated in the repair work: "Next to them, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, made repairs" . This involvement in the reconstruction efforts signifies the continued presence and contribution of Hakkoz's descendants in the community, despite earlier challenges regarding their priestly status.
SignificanceThe mention of Hakkoz and his descendants in various biblical texts underscores the enduring legacy of priestly families in Israel's history. The challenges faced by Hakkoz's descendants in proving their lineage serve as a reminder of the importance of heritage and the meticulous care required in maintaining the integrity of the priesthood. The participation of Hakkoz's family in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls further illustrates their commitment to the restoration and spiritual renewal of the nation following the exile.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Hakkoza thorn; summer; an end
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hakkoz(thorn), a priest, the chief of the seventh course in the service of the sanctuary, as appointed by David. (1 Chronicles 24:10) In (Ezra 2:61) and Nehe 3:4,21 The name occurs again as Koz in the Authorized Version.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The thorn, the head of one of the courses of the priests (
1 Chronicles 24:10).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HAKKOZhak'-oz (haqqots, or ha-qots, "the nimble"):
(1) A priest and chief of the 7th course of Aaron's sons selected by David (1 Chronicles 24:10). According toEzra 2:61Nehemiah 3:4, 21;Nehemiah 7:63, his descendants returned with Zerubbabel from the captivity. But the King James Version considers the name in Ezra and Nehemiah as having the article prefixed, hence renders "Koz."
(2) One of Judah's descendants (1 Chronicles 4:8).
Strong's Hebrew
6976. Qots -- two Israelites... 6975, 6976. Qots. 6977 . two Israelites. Transliteration: Qots Phonetic Spelling:
(kotse) Short Definition:
Hakkoz.
... NASB Word Usage
Hakkoz (5), Koz (1).
...Thesaurus
Hakkoz (6 Occurrences)... 24:10). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
HAKKOZ. hak'-oz (haqqots
... 4:8).
Multi-Version Concordance
Hakkoz (6 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 4
...Koz (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:8, "Coz;" RV, "Hakkoz.".... In 1 Chronicles 24:10 the word has the article
prefixed, and it is taken as a part of the word "Hakkoz.". Int....
Meremoth (6 Occurrences)
... heights"; Mereimoth): (1) Son of Uriah (Ezra 8:33), who was head of the 7th course
of priests appointed by David (1 Chronicles 24:10,Hakkoz = Koz; compare...
Gileadite (10 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:61 Of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children
ofHakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of...
Mer'emoth (6 Occurrences)
... Ezra 10:36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib; (See RSV). Nehemiah 3:4 And next unto
them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son ofHakkoz....
Barzil'lai (10 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children
ofHakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of...
Coz (1 Occurrence)
... koz (kots, "thorn"): A man of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:8). the American Standard Revised
Version has added the article, making the nameHakkoz without sufficient...
Anub (1 Occurrence)
... ANUB. a'-nub (`anubh, "ripe"): A descendant of Judah and son ofHakkoz (the King
James Version Coz) 1 Chronicles 4:8. Multi-Version Concordance...
Barzillai (10 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:61 Of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children
ofHakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of...
Uri'ah (32 Occurrences)
... the Levites; (See RSV). Nehemiah 3:4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth
the son of Uriah, the son ofHakkoz. And next unto them...
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