from an unused root probably meaning to bend; crooked; Chakupha, one of the Nethinim; Hakupha.
Transliteration:Chăqûwphâʼ
Pronunciation:khah-oo-faw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֲקוּפָא (Chăqûwphâʼ, `{{H2709}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal or family name. Its base definition indicates derivation from an unused root, which is conjectured to mean "to bend." Consequently, the proposed semantic range for the name's etymology points to "crooked" or "bent." It is crucial to understand that this meaning is speculative, based on an unattested root, and applies to the *formation* of the name rather than a descriptive attribute of the individual or family in the biblical text. Within the biblical narrative, Chăqûwphâʼ functions solely as an identifier, similar to any other proper noun.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חֲקוּפָא (Chăqûwphâʼ) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both occurrences being in the context of genealogical lists detailing those who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel and Jeshua.
* [[Ezra 2:47]]: "The children of Hakkupha, the children of Harhur, the children of Bazlith,"
* [[Nehemiah 7:49]]: "The children of Hakkupha, the children of Harhur, the children of Bazlith,"
These two passages are parallel, enumerating the same families. In both instances, Hakkupha is listed among the Nethinim (`{{H5414}}`), a class of temple servants. The Nethinim were responsible for various menial tasks associated with the sanctuary, such as drawing water and cutting wood. Their inclusion in these lists signifies their participation in the re-establishment of the Jewish community and temple worship in Jerusalem after the exile. The context is purely administrative and genealogical, providing no further narrative details about the family of Hakkupha beyond their identity as part of the Nethinim.
### Related Words & Concepts
As חֲקוּפָא (Chăqûwphâʼ) is a proper noun, it does not have direct lexical cognates in the biblical Hebrew lexicon. The proposed root meaning "to bend" or "crooked" does not manifest as an active verb or noun elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible. However, its primary relation is to the broader category of the "Nethinim" (`{{H5414}}`). This group, meaning "given ones," served the temple, often believed to be descendants of foreign captives or those dedicated to temple service (e.g., Gibeonites in [[Joshua 9:27]]). Other Nethinim families listed alongside Hakkupha include Harhur (`{{H2728}}`), Bazlith/Bazluth (`{{H0937}}`), and various others throughout Ezra and Nehemiah. The concept of names carrying meaning is pervasive in the Bible (e.g., Jacob, `{{H3290}}`, meaning "heel-grabber" or "supplanter"), yet the precise significance of a name like "Hakkupha" for the individual or family is not elaborated upon in the text.
### Theological Significance
The name חֲקוּפָא (Chăqûwphâʼ) itself, as a proper noun, does not carry direct theological significance. Its importance lies in its inclusion within the meticulous records of the post-exilic community. The presence of the family of Hakkupha, alongside other Nethinim, in the lists of returnees in Ezra and Nehemiah underscores several theological points:
1. **God's Faithfulness in Restoration:** The comprehensive listing of all who returned, including those in service roles, highlights God's meticulous care in re-establishing His covenant people in the land after the exile. Every family, regardless of their specific function, was part of God's redemptive plan.
2. **Value of All Members in God's Community:** The Nethinim, often performing humble tasks, were nonetheless indispensable for the functioning of the temple and the maintenance of worship. Their inclusion demonstrates that all roles and contributions within God's community are valued and necessary for the collective spiritual life, reflecting a principle of unity in diversity.
3. **God's Inclusive Grace:** While the etymological meaning of "crooked" might seem unusual for a name, it serves as a subtle reminder that God uses all individuals for His purposes, regardless of perceived imperfections or origins. This resonates with the biblical theme of God choosing the "lowly" or "despised" to accomplish His will (cf. [[1 Corinthians 1:27-29]]), though this interpretation of the name's meaning is not explicitly stated in the text. The primary theological emphasis remains on the comprehensive nature of the restoration and the importance of all who participated.
### Summary
חֲקוּפָא (Chăqûwphâʼ, `{{H2709}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, identifying a family among the Nethinim who returned from the Babylonian exile. Its etymology, though speculative, suggests a meaning related to "crooked" or "bent" from an unused root. Biblically, the name appears exclusively in [[Ezra 2:47]] and [[Nehemiah 7:49]], within genealogical lists of those participating in the post-exilic restoration. The family of Hakkupha, as part of the Nethinim, served in various capacities related to the temple. The theological significance of this entry lies not in the name's etymological meaning, but in its inclusion within the detailed records of the returning community. It underscores God's faithfulness in preserving and restoring His people, and the divine valuing of all roles and contributions within the covenant community, regardless of perceived status, in the re-establishment of worship and national life.
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