from עָקַב; insidious; Akkub, the name of five Israelites; Akkub.
Transliteration:ʻAqqûwb
Pronunciation:ak-koob'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6126 (עַקּוּב, ʻAqqûwb) is primarily a proper noun, serving as the name "Akkub." Its base definition indicates a derivation from the verb H6117 (עָקַב, ʻāqab), which carries the core meaning of "to seize by the heel," "to circumvent," "to supplant," or "to be insidious." Thus, ʻAqqûwb itself means "insidious" or "one who supplants."
However, it is crucial to note that while the etymology suggests a negative connotation of cunning or deceit, the word ʻAqqûwb is exclusively used in the biblical text as a personal name. This is a common phenomenon in Hebrew nomenclature, where names often derive from verbs or adjectives but function solely as identifiers for individuals, without necessarily implying that the person embodies the full semantic range of the root word. The name Akkub, therefore, does not inherently describe the character or actions of those who bear it in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Akkub (H6126) appears in several places in the Old Testament, referring to at least five distinct individuals or family lines, primarily in post-exilic contexts:
1. **A gatekeeper of the temple:** This Akkub is mentioned among the gatekeepers whose descendants returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. He is listed in [[1 Chronicles 9:17]], [[Ezra 2:42]], [[Nehemiah 7:45]], and [[Nehemiah 11:19]]. Their role was vital for maintaining order, security, and purity within the temple precincts.
2. **A Levite who assisted Ezra:** In [[Nehemiah 8:7]], Akkub is listed among the Levites who helped Ezra and Nehemiah explain the Law to the people, ensuring they understood the divine instruction. This role highlights a commitment to spiritual education and revival.
3. **A descendant of David:** [[1 Chronicles 3:24]] lists Akkub as one of the sons of Elioenai, a descendant of King David. This places him within the royal lineage, though no specific actions are attributed to him in this context.
4. **A head of a family of Nethinim:** In [[Ezra 2:45]] and [[Nehemiah 7:48]], Akkub is identified as the head of a family of Nethinim, temple servants who performed various duties for the sanctuary.
5. **A descendant of Parosh:** [[Ezra 2:3]] and [[Nehemiah 7:8]] mention the "sons of Parosh" returning with Zerubbabel. While Akkub is not explicitly listed as a son here, some interpretations suggest a connection to this family line, potentially overlapping with the gatekeeper Akkub.
In all these occurrences, ʻAqqûwb functions solely as a proper noun. The contexts consistently place individuals named Akkub in roles of service, lineage, or community leadership within Israel, particularly during the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. There is no textual evidence to suggest that any individual named Akkub acted in an "insidious" or deceitful manner. Their presence in lists of those who returned, served the temple, or maintained genealogical records underscores their integration and contribution to the restored community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H6126 is its root, H6117 (עָקַב, ʻāqab). This verb is famously associated with the patriarch Jacob (יַעֲקֹב, Yaʻaqob), whose name means "he grasps the heel" or "supplanter" ([[Genesis 25:26]], [[Genesis 27:36]]). The narrative of Jacob's early life, particularly his dealings with Esau and Laban, vividly illustrates the "insidious" or "cunning" aspect of this root.
Other related terms include:
* H6119 (עָקֵב, ʻāqeb), meaning "heel," which is the literal object of the verb ʻāqab in its primary sense.
* H6121 (עָקְבָה, ʻoqbah), a noun meaning "insidiousness" or "deceit," directly derived from the same root.
The concept of a name's etymology versus its function as a proper noun is crucial here. While the root ʻāqab carries strong connotations of cunning and even treachery, the individuals named Akkub in the Bible are presented neutrally or positively, serving in various capacities within God's people. This highlights the fluidity of personal names, where the original meaning might fade into the background, or where a name might be given for reasons other than a direct description of character (e.g., hope, prophecy, or simply tradition).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6126 lies less in the proper noun "Akkub" itself and more in the broader theological implications of its root, H6117 (ʻāqab), particularly as exemplified by the life of Jacob.
1. **God's Sovereignty Over Human Flaw:** The story of Jacob, the "supplanter," demonstrates God's ability to work through imperfect, even flawed, individuals. Despite Jacob's early cunning, God chose him, wrestled with him, renamed him Israel, and established His covenant through his descendants. Similarly, the presence of individuals named Akkub serving faithfully in the post-exilic community, despite a name etymologically linked to "insidiousness," subtly reinforces that God uses diverse people for His purposes, looking beyond their names or pasts to their willingness to serve.
2. **The Transformative Power of God:** Just as Jacob's character was refined through his encounters with God, the individuals named Akkub were integrated into the community of faith and service. Their roles as gatekeepers, teachers, and temple servants underscore the importance of faithful service to God and community.
3. **Names and Identity:** While biblical names often carry prophetic or descriptive weight, the case of Akkub illustrates that a name's etymology does not always dictate an individual's identity or destiny. True identity and significance are found in one's relationship with God and one's actions in His service, rather than solely in the linguistic meaning of their given name. The Akkubim of the Bible are remembered for their lineage and service, not for embodying the "insidious" meaning of their name.
### Summary
H6126 (עַקּוּב, ʻAqqûwb) is a Hebrew proper noun, "Akkub," derived from H6117 (עָקַב, ʻāqab), meaning "to seize by the heel" or "to be insidious." While its etymology suggests cunning or deceit, it is exclusively used in the Bible as a personal name for several Israelites, primarily in post-exilic contexts. These individuals served in various capacities, including temple gatekeepers, a Levite teacher, and members of prominent families, all contributing to the life of the community. The biblical narratives do not attribute any "insidious" behavior to those named Akkub. The theological significance of ʻAqqûwb is thus found not in the name itself, but in its root's connection to the narrative of Jacob, illustrating God's sovereign choice and transformative power to use individuals despite their inherent flaws or the etymological connotations of their names, emphasizing faithful service and character over linguistic origins.
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