Lexical Summary Qots: Hakkoz, Koz Original Word: קוֹץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Koz, Hakkoz including the article The same as qowts; Kots, the name of two Israelites -- Koz, Hakkoz (including the article). see HEBREW qowts NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as qots Definition two Isr. NASB Translation Hakkoz (5), Koz (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. קוֺץ proper name, masculine 1. name in Judah 1 Chronicles 4:8, Kings Κωε, Κως. 2 ׳הַקּ: priest 1 Chronicles 24:10, Κως,, A ᵐ5L Ακκως; Ezra 2:61 = Nehemiah 7:63; Nehemiah 3:4,21, Ακ(κ)ους, -ως. Topical Lexicon Etymology and Symbolism The name Koz (or Hakkoz when prefixed by the definite article) sounds like the Hebrew word for a “thorn.” Scripture sometimes uses thorns as pictures of painful discipline or steadfast endurance, reminding readers that even those whose names evoke hardship can be instruments of blessing when surrendered to the purposes of God. Occurrences in Scripture 1 Chronicles 4:8; 1 Chronicles 24:10; Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 3:4; Nehemiah 3:21; Nehemiah 7:63. Genealogical Context in Judah First introduced in 1 Chronicles 4:8, Koz appears within the clan lists of Judah, fathering “Anub, Zobebah, and the clans of Aharhel son of Harum.” The Chronicler’s interest in post-exilic identity places Koz among those whose family records helped preserve tribal distinctives and territorial rights after the Babylonian captivity. Priestly Division of Hakkoz In David’s organization of the twenty-four priestly orders, “the seventh order fell to Hakkoz” (1 Chronicles 24:10). This assignment located the family in the regular rotation of Temple service. The adjacent “eighth to Abijah” later becomes significant in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 1:5), indirectly aligning Hakkoz beside the lineage that produced John the Baptist—highlighting how Old Testament catalogues quietly frame New Testament narratives. Challenges of Legitimacy after the Exile Upon the return from Babylon, descendants of Hakkoz faced questions about their genealogical records: “And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai …” (Ezra 2:61; echoed in Nehemiah 7:63). Lacking verifiable ancestry, they were barred from the priesthood “until a priest could consult the Urim and Thummim” (Nehemiah 7:65). Their predicament underscores the seriousness with which Israel guarded the holiness of worship. Ministry was never a matter of personal aspiration alone; God required demonstrable calling and covenantal legitimacy. Contribution to Rebuilding Jerusalem Despite earlier uncertainty, later generations of Hakkoz regained esteem. During Nehemiah’s wall-building campaign: “Next to them Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, made repairs” (Nehemiah 3:4). “Next to him Meremoth … repaired another section” (Nehemiah 3:21). Meremoth’s energetic labor—in two separate stretches—illustrates how faithfulness can restore a family’s standing. Former disqualification did not doom future usefulness; grace opened fresh opportunities for service. Historical Ripple Effects • The priestly order of Hakkoz likely continued through the Second Temple era, participating in daily sacrifices, festivals, and teaching of the Law. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Covenant Fidelity. The line of Koz shows God’s insistence on holiness in leadership. Accurate records mattered because worship mattered. Practical Reflections • Churches should guard doctrinal and moral integrity in leadership selection while extending pathways to restoration. Forms and Transliterations הַקּ֑וֹץ הַקּ֔וֹץ הַקּ֖וֹץ הקוץ וְק֣וֹץ וקוץ לְהַקּוֹץ֙ להקוץ hakKotz haq·qō·wṣ haqqōwṣ lə·haq·qō·wṣ lehakkOtz ləhaqqōwṣ veKotz wə·qō·wṣ wəqōwṣLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:8 HEB: וְק֣וֹץ הוֹלִ֔יד אֶת־ NAS: Koz became the father of Anub KJV: And Coz begat Anub, INT: Koz became of Anub 1 Chronicles 24:10 Ezra 2:61 Nehemiah 3:4 Nehemiah 3:21 Nehemiah 7:63 6 Occurrences |