from בָּקַק; wasteful; Bukki, the name of two Israelites; Bukki.
Transliteration:Buqqîy
Pronunciation:book-kee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1231}}` (Buqqîy) is a proper noun, referring to two distinct individuals in the Old Testament. Its etymological root is traced to `{{H1238}}` (bāqaq), a verb meaning "to be empty," "to lay waste," "to make void," or "to desolate." Therefore, the name "Bukki" inherently carries the semantic force of "wasteful," "empty," or "one who empties." While proper names in ancient Israel often reflected character, circumstances of birth, or prophetic hope, the direct application of a name rooted in "emptiness" to individuals, particularly one holding a significant spiritual office, invites deeper consideration. It suggests a state of being void, either literally or metaphorically, highlighting a potential for desolation or, conversely, a profound reliance on divine filling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1231}}` appears in the biblical text in reference to two different men:
1. **Bukki, son of Jogli:** He is identified as a leader from the tribe of Dan, chosen by divine command to assist in the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel.
* [[Numbers 34:22]]: "And of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli for a prince."
This Bukki served in a crucial role, participating in the meticulous and divinely ordained process of land allocation. The selection of such a figure for a task requiring order and precision, whose name might imply "wasteful" or "empty," is noteworthy. It underscores that God's choices are not limited by human etymological associations, or perhaps it subtly reminds the community of the potential for desolation if God's covenant order is not maintained.
2. **Bukki, son of Abishua:** He is listed as an ancestor in the high priestly lineage, a direct descendant of Aaron through Eleazar.
* [[1 Chronicles 6:5]] (Hebrew 1 Chronicles 5:30): "And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi."
* [[1 Chronicles 6:51]] (Hebrew 1 Chronicles 6:36): "Bukki his son, Uzzi his son..." (Repetition within the priestly genealogy).
* [[Ezra 7:4]]: "The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki..." (Ezra's own lineage, confirming Bukki's place in the high priestly line).
This Bukki holds a position of immense spiritual significance within the sacred history of Israel. As part of the unbroken chain of high priests, his inclusion emphasizes the continuity and divine preservation of the Aaronic priesthood. The name's etymology, "empty" or "wasteful," seems incongruous with the fullness and sacredness associated with the high priestly office. However, it could be interpreted as a reminder of human frailty and the need for God to fill and empower His chosen servants, or perhaps a reflection of periods of spiritual emptiness that required divine intervention and restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for `{{H1231}}` is its root verb, `{{H1238}}` (bāqaq), which conveys the sense of desolation, emptiness, or being laid waste. This root is used to describe:
* The emptying of a city or land due to judgment ([[Isaiah 24:1]], [[Nahum 2:10]]).
* The spiritual emptiness or void within individuals or a nation ([[Jeremiah 19:7]]).
* The concept of being poured out or made void.
Concepts related to `{{H1231}}` thus extend to:
* **Desolation and Ruin:** The state of being made empty or laid waste, often as a consequence of divine judgment or human sin.
* **Emptiness and Void:** A lack of substance, presence, or fulfillment, contrasting with divine fullness or blessing.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ability to use individuals regardless of their names' etymological connotations, or to bring about His purposes even through periods of "emptiness."
* **Lineage and Continuity:** The importance of genealogical records, especially for the priesthood, demonstrating God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant lines.
Antithetical concepts would include `{{H7225}}` (rab), "abundance," `{{H7647}}` (sāḇaʿ), "satisfaction," or `{{H7945}}` (śāḇaʿ), "fullness," highlighting the contrast between human limitation/desolation and divine provision/blessing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1231}}` primarily resides in its application as a proper name within the divine narrative, rather than as a direct theological concept.
1. **God's Use of All People:** The selection of Bukki the Danite for the land division demonstrates God's sovereign choice of individuals for His purposes, irrespective of the potential negative connotations of their names. It underscores that God works through human agents, whose personal attributes (or names) do not hinder His divine plan.
2. **Continuity of Sacred Office:** Bukki's place in the high priestly lineage is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the Aaronic priesthood. Despite the name's root meaning "empty," the line remained unbroken, ensuring the continuity of atonement and worship. This can be seen as a powerful theological statement: even in human "emptiness" or perceived inadequacy, God provides and sustains the means of grace.
3. **The Nature of Names:** In Hebrew thought, names often carried deep meaning. While "Bukki" might suggest "emptiness," its bearers were integral to God's redemptive history. This reminds us that while names can be significant, God's grace and calling transcend human etymologies. Perhaps the name served as a subtle reminder of humanity's dependence on God to fill what is empty, or that even in times of "emptiness" or desolation (personal or national), God's covenant promises endure.
### Summary
`{{H1231}}` (Buqqîy) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "wasteful" or "empty," derived from the verb `{{H1238}}` (bāqaq). It refers to two significant individuals in the Old Testament: Bukki the Danite, a tribal leader involved in the land division, and Bukki the high priest, an ancestor in the sacred Aaronic lineage. While the name's etymology suggests "emptiness" or "desolation," its bearers played crucial roles in Israel's history. The study of `{{H1231}}` highlights God's sovereign choice of individuals for His purposes, the enduring faithfulness of His covenant promises (especially concerning the priesthood), and the nuanced nature of proper names in biblical contexts, which may carry subtle theological implications about human dependence on divine fullness rather than inherent human "emptiness."
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