Hakupha is a name mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name appears in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Hakupha is identified as the head of a family or clan among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who played a crucial role in the religious life of the restored community.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:51 : "the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur." This verse is part of a larger list detailing the families and individuals who returned from the Babylonian exile under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The mention of Hakupha here indicates that his descendants were among those who made the journey back to their ancestral homeland.

2. Nehemiah 7:53 : "the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur." This passage mirrors the list found in Ezra, reaffirming the presence of Hakupha's descendants among the returnees. Nehemiah's account serves to confirm and validate the genealogical records of those who participated in the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.

Role and Significance:

The Nethinim, to which the family of Hakupha belonged, were a group of temple servants assigned to assist the Levites in the performance of their duties. Their origins are somewhat obscure, but they are believed to have been non-Israelites who were integrated into the service of the temple, possibly as a result of conquest or as a dedicated group for religious purposes. The Nethinim were essential for the functioning of the temple, handling various tasks that supported the worship and sacrificial system.

The inclusion of Hakupha's descendants in the lists of returnees highlights the importance of maintaining the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. The careful documentation of these families underscores the continuity of worship and the reestablishment of the temple services, which were central to the community's spiritual life.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from exile and the subsequent rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem's walls were pivotal events in Jewish history. They marked a period of renewal and restoration, both physically and spiritually. The lists of returnees, including the family of Hakupha, reflect the collective effort to restore the nation and its religious practices.

The Nethinim, though not of Israelite descent, were fully integrated into the community's religious framework, demonstrating the inclusive nature of worship and service in the temple. Their dedication and service were vital to the reestablishment of the temple's operations, ensuring that the worship of Yahweh could continue according to the traditions and commandments given to Israel.

In summary, Hakupha represents a family within the Nethinim who played a significant role in the post-exilic restoration of Israel. Their inclusion in the biblical record emphasizes the importance of every member of the community in the collective effort to rebuild and maintain the spiritual heritage of the Jewish people.Hakupha

a commandment of the mouth

Hakupha

(bent). Bene-Hakupha were among the Nethinim who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 7:63)

HAKUPHA

ha-ku'-fa (chaqupha' "incitement"). A family name of some of the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel from Babylon (Ezra 2:51 Nehemiah 7:53).

2709. Chaqupha -- an Israelite
... Chaqupha. 2710 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Chaqupha Phonetic Spelling:
(khah-oo-faw') Short Definition: Hakupha. ... NASB Word Usage Hakupha (2). Hakupha. ...
/hebrew/2709.htm - 5kHakupha (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAKUPHA. ha-ku'-fa (chaqupha' "incitement").
A ... Multi-Version Concordance Hakupha (2 Occurrences). Ezra ...
/h/hakupha.htm - 7k

Haku'pha (2 Occurrences)
Haku'pha. Hakupha, Haku'pha. Halah . ... Haku'pha (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:51 the
children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur; (See RSV). ...
/h/haku'pha.htm - 6k

Bakbuk (2 Occurrences)
... Bakbuk (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:51 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha,
the children of Harhur, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/bakbuk.htm - 7k

Hakkoz (6 Occurrences)

/h/hakkoz.htm - 9k

Harhur (2 Occurrences)
... Harhur (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:51 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha,
the children of Harhur, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/harhur.htm - 7k

Achipha
... in the Apocrypha (1 Esdras 5:31) head of one of the families of the temple-servants,
who returned with Zerubbabel, same as the Old Testament HAKUPHA (Ezra 2:51 ...
/a/achipha.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus