### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Qôwts**, represented by `{{H6976}}`, refers to individuals and a priestly family in Israel's history, appearing as **Koz**, **Coz**, or **Hakkoz**. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses, primarily within genealogical lists and records of national restoration. The name identifies a priestly line and at least one other individual in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6976}}` is associated with both priestly duty and genealogical records. A figure named Coz is listed as the father of Anub and Zobebah [[1 Chronicles 4:8]]. More prominently, the family of Hakkoz is assigned the seventh priestly course for temple service [[1 Chronicles 24:10]]. After the exile, descendants of this family, known as "the children of Koz," were among the priests who returned to Jerusalem ([[Ezra 2:61]], [[Nehemiah 7:63]]). A member of this family, Meremoth son of Urijah, played a key role in rebuilding the city's walls under Nehemiah, repairing two separate sections ([[Nehemiah 3:4]], [[Nehemiah 3:21]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding `{{H6976}}`:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is essential for establishing the lineage of Koz. It is used repeatedly, as in "the children of Koz" [[Ezra 2:61]] and in identifying "Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz" [[Nehemiah 3:4]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): The identity of the family of Koz is tied to the priesthood. They are listed "of the children of the priests" [[Nehemiah 7:63]] and are assigned a specific priestly course [[1 Chronicles 24:10]].
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear young; causatively, to beget): This root word establishes the genealogical role of the individual named Coz, who "begat Anub, and Zobebah" [[1 Chronicles 4:8]], showing his place in the record of lineage.
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to seize, be strong, repair): This verb describes the specific contribution of Koz's descendant, Meremoth, who "repaired" the wall of Jerusalem, showing the family's active participation in the nation's restoration [[Nehemiah 3:4]].
### Theological Significance
The accounts involving `{{H6976}}` illustrate several important themes.
* **Priestly Order and Service:** The family of Hakkoz being assigned the seventh priestly course highlights the structured and divinely ordered nature of worship and service in Israel [[1 Chronicles 24:10]].
* **Faithful Restoration:** Meremoth, a descendant of Koz, demonstrates a practical commitment to God's covenant people by helping to repair the walls of Jerusalem, a vital act of national renewal and security ([[Nehemiah 3:4]], [[Nehemiah 3:21]]).
* **Genealogical Identity:** The meticulous records in Ezra and Nehemiah, which list "the children of Koz," underscore the significance of lineage, especially for the priesthood. The note that an ancestor of this line married a daughter of Barzillai and "was called after their name" points to the importance of preserving family identity [[Ezra 2:61]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6976}}` is a proper name that marks the identity of a key priestly family and other individuals in scripture. While not a theological term itself, the contexts in which Koz and Hakkoz appear are rich with meaning, pointing to the importance of priestly service, physical restoration as an act of faith, and the preservation of lineage within the covenant community of Israel.
TRV