Lexical Summary tukkiyyim: Peacocks Original Word: תֻּכִּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance peacock Or tuwkkiy {took-kee'}; probably of foreign derivation; some imported creature, probably a peacock -- peacock. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition peacocks NASB Translation peacocks (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs תֻּכִּיִּים noun masculine peacocks (according to ᵑ7 ᵑ6 Jerome Rabb; perhaps = Malabar tôgai, tôghai, peacock Thes1502); — 1 Kings 10:22 = תּוּכִּ יִּים2Chronicles 9:12 #NAME?תכך (√ of following, compare plural; Arabic Topical Lexicon Meaning and Possible Identification Though rendered “peacocks” in many English versions, the creature denoted by תֻּכִּי almost certainly refers to a spectacular, foreign bird imported to Israel in the age of Solomon. Linguists trace the word to South-Asian languages, which suits the historical setting of long-distance trade. The colorful Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus) best fits the description, yet some have suggested the parrot family. Whatever the precise species, Scripture intentionally highlights the bird’s exotic beauty and rarity. Old Testament Occurrences 1 Kings 10:22 and 2 Chronicles 9:21 both list תֻּכִּים among the luxury goods arriving in Jerusalem by “ships of Tarshish.” The Berean Standard Bible records: “For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.” (1 Kings 10:22) Historical and Cultural Setting Solomon’s reign (tenth century B.C.) saw unprecedented international commerce. His alliance with King Hiram of Tyre provided maritime expertise, enabling voyages that likely reached the ports of the Red Sea, East Africa, and the western coast of India. Cargo lists of gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks correspond exactly to the produce of those regions in extrabiblical records. The inclusion of peacocks therefore testifies to: 1. The geographical reach of Israel’s kingdom. Symbolic and Theological Significance Beauty and Majesty: The peacock’s iridescent plumage vividly displays the Creator’s artistry (Psalm 104:24). Its arrival in Solomon’s courts illustrated that “splendor and majesty are before Him” (Psalm 96:6). Transience of Earthly Wealth: 1 Kings 11 records Solomon’s later decline. Lavish imports, including peacocks, become a poignant reminder that material abundance without wholehearted devotion can lead to divided affections (Matthew 6:24). Gentile Inclusion: Exotic animals in Jerusalem signaled the magnetic pull of God’s kingdom over distant peoples and lands. The detail anticipates a future gathering of the nations around the true Son of David (Revelation 21:24). Wisdom and Dominion: Adam named the animals; Solomon, endowed with surpassing wisdom (1 Kings 4:33), cataloged “beasts, birds, reptiles, and fish.” The arrival of rare birds under his reign underscores humanity’s stewardship role exercised in harmony with divine wisdom. Use in Worship and Devotion • Thanksgiving for God’s creative diversity—an object lesson for children and adults alike. Connections to New Testament Themes The colorful bird that once adorned Solomon’s palaces invites comparison with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:28-29. Even Solomon “in all his splendor” could not rival the beauty God bestows on the lilies, much less on the new creation. The presence of peacocks thus sets the stage for Christ to redefine true glory—not amassed riches, but the humble obedience of the cross. Archaeological Note Ivory carvings from Samaria and Nimrud depict stylized peacocks, supporting the biblical claim that such birds were known in ancient Israelite and Phoenician culture. While no peacock bones have been recovered in Judean strata to date, shipping records from Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty mention foreign birds from Punt, lending indirect corroboration. Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching • Compare the fan of a peacock’s tail to the radiance of God’s covenant faithfulness (Psalm 89:8). Key Takeaways 1. תֻּכִּי appears only in descriptions of Solomon’s maritime ventures, underscoring the historicity of Israel’s global interactions. Forms and Transliterations וְתֻכִּיִּֽים׃ וְתוּכִּיִּֽים׃ ותוכיים׃ ותכיים׃ vetukiYim vetukkiYim wə·ṯū·kî·yîm wə·ṯuk·kî·yîm wəṯūkîyîm wəṯukkîyîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 10:22 HEB: שֶׁנְהַבִּ֥ים וְקֹפִ֖ים וְתֻכִּיִּֽים׃ NAS: ivory and apes and peacocks. KJV: ivory, and apes, and peacocks. INT: ivory and apes and peacocks 2 Chronicles 9:21 2 Occurrences |
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overcome (of wine), tread under foot; akin to Aramaic 
ᵑ7 תּוּח (rare) injure, 
, תּוּכָא (rare) injury).