### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qôwph**, represented by `{{H6971}}`, is a term of foreign origin that means **a monkey; ape**. It is a rare word, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage is highly specific, referring to exotic animals imported to display the immense wealth and global reach of King Solomon's kingdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H6971}}` is exclusively found within the list of luxury goods brought to King Solomon. The narrative explains that the king's `{{H4428}}` navy `{{H590}}` of Tharshish `{{H8659}}`, operating with the navy of Hiram `{{H2438}}`, would come `{{H935}}` once `{{H259}}` every three `{{H7969}}` years `{{H8141}}`. These fleets were described as bringing `{{H5375}}` precious cargo, including gold `{{H2091}}`, silver `{{H3701}}`, ivory `{{H8143}}`, and **apes** `{{H6971}}` [[1 Kings 10:22]]. The parallel account in [[2 Chronicles 9:21]] reinforces this, noting the king's ships `{{H591}}` went `{{H1980}}` to Tarshish `{{H8659}}` with the servants `{{H5650}}` of Huram `{{H2361}}` to import these very same items.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help contextualize the importation of these exotic animals:
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold, figuratively, something gold-colored): This precious metal is consistently listed first among the treasures brought back with the **apes**, signifying the immense value of the cargo [[1 Kings 10:22]].
* `{{H8143}}` **shenhabbîym** (probably, tooth of elephants, i.e. ivory tusk; ivory): As another valuable and exotic commodity, **ivory** was imported on the same ships as the **apes**, highlighting the nature of the trade as one focused on rare luxury goods [[2 Chronicles 9:21]].
* `{{H8500}}` **tukkîy** (some imported creature, probably a peacock; peacock): Paired directly with **apes** in the cargo list, these exotic birds further illustrate that the navy's mission was to acquire rare and impressive foreign creatures to adorn the king's court [[1 Kings 10:22]].
### Theological Significance
The mention of `{{H6971}}` carries thematic weight related to the nature of Solomon's reign.
* **Evidence of Royal Wealth:** The importation of **apes** was not for any practical purpose but as a conspicuous display of royal splendor. They were luxury items, symbols of a king with the resources to acquire rare treasures from the farthest corners of the known world [[1 Kings 10:22]].
* **International Commerce:** The arrival of **apes** is explicitly tied to the "navy of Tharshish" and a shipping enterprise involving **Hiram** `{{H2438}}`, king of Tyre [[1 Kings 10:22]]. This detail underscores the extensive international trade alliances and maritime capabilities established during that era.
* **Exotic Imports:** Together with **ivory** `{{H8143}}` and **peacocks** `{{H8500}}`, **apes** represent a category of foreign goods that signified a period of significant prosperity and global connection for Israel [[2 Chronicles 9:21]].
### Summary
In summary, **qôwph** `{{H6971}}` is a simple noun with a narrow but illustrative role in the biblical text. Its meaning as **ape** is confined to two parallel passages that describe the wealth of King Solomon. The word functions as a specific detail that contributes to a larger picture of unparalleled royal magnificence, successful international trade, and a kingdom so prosperous that it could import exotic creatures purely for their novelty and as a symbol of power.
TRV