the same as קוֹץ; Kots, the name of two Israelites; Koz, Hakkoz (including the article).
Transliteration:Qôwts
Pronunciation:kotse
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H6976}}` (Qôwts) functions exclusively as a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition explicitly links it to the common noun `{{H6975}}` (qôṣ), which signifies "thorn," "prickle," or "brier." Therefore, while `{{H6976}}` itself denotes an individual, its etymological root imbues the name with the semantic association of sharpness, difficulty, or something that pricks or wounds. The name "Kots" or "Koz" thus carries a subtle, inherent connection to the natural world's thorny elements, which often symbolize hardship or the effects of the curse in biblical thought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H6976}}` appears in the Old Testament in two primary forms: "Kots" (or "Koz") and "Hakkoz" (which includes the definite article "ha-," meaning "the Koz" or "the family of Koz").
1. **Kots (קוֹץ):**
* In [[1 Chronicles 4:8]], Kots is listed as a son of Anub within the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. Here, the name simply functions as an identifier within a lineage, without further narrative detail.
* In [[1 Chronicles 24:10]], "Koz" (or Kots) is identified as the head of the seventh of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David for service in the temple. This indicates a position of significant leadership and responsibility within the Levitical priesthood.
2. **Hakkoz (הַקּוֹץ):**
* The family of Hakkoz is mentioned among those who returned from Babylonian exile but whose priestly lineage was uncertain ([[Ezra 2:61]], [[Nehemiah 7:63]]). Despite this challenge to their pedigree, they are still listed among the returnees.
* A descendant, Meremoth son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz, is noted as participating in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem ([[Nehemiah 3:4]]), indicating active involvement in the post-exilic restoration.
* Furthermore, "Hakkoz" is listed among the heads of the people who sealed the covenant in the time of Nehemiah ([[Nehemiah 10:20]]), further demonstrating the family's continued presence and commitment to God's law.
Contextually, individuals bearing this name, or belonging to this family, held significant roles within Israel's social and religious structure, particularly within the priesthood, despite the potential "thorny" implications of their name or the specific challenge to the Hakkoz family's lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H6976}}` is the common noun `{{H6975}}` (qôṣ), meaning "thorn," "prickle," or "brier." This root word appears frequently in the Old Testament, often carrying symbolic weight:
* **Curse and futility:** Thorns and thistles are a direct consequence of the curse on the ground after the Fall ([[Genesis 3:18]]), symbolizing the toil and difficulty of human existence.
* **Obstruction and danger:** Thorns can choke out good seed ([[Matthew 13:7]], [[Luke 8:7]]), represent danger on a path ([[Proverbs 22:5]]), or signify desolation and ruin ([[Isaiah 34:13]]).
* **Pain and affliction:** The New Testament uses the metaphor of a "thorn in the flesh" to describe a persistent, painful affliction ([[2 Corinthians 12:7]]).
* **Crown of Thorns:** Most profoundly, Jesus' crown of thorns ([[Matthew 27:29]]) transformed this symbol of curse and suffering into an emblem of redemptive sacrifice and humility.
While `{{H6976}}` is a proper noun, its connection to `{{H6975}}` invites consideration of how names, even seemingly difficult ones, can be borne by individuals who serve God and contribute positively to His purposes. The biblical concept of names often reflects circumstances, character, or even prophetic destiny, suggesting that "Kots" might have been given due to a challenging birth or a "sharp" personality, or perhaps to highlight the perseverance required in a fallen world.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, `{{H6976}}` does not directly convey theological doctrine. However, its etymological link to "thorn" (`{{H6975}}`) allows for several theological reflections:
1. **The Reality of the Fallen World:** The very existence of a name rooted in "thorn" serves as a subtle reminder of the pervasive effects of the Fall. Even within God's covenant community and among His chosen servants (like the priests of Hakkoz), the realities of a cursed world—difficulties, challenges, and imperfections—are ever-present.
2. **God's Use of the Imperfect:** The fact that individuals named Kots held positions of honor (head of a priestly division) and significance (rebuilding the wall, sealing the covenant) despite a name potentially connoting difficulty or a challenged lineage (in the case of Hakkoz) underscores God's ability to use all people, regardless of their background or symbolic associations. It highlights divine grace working through human imperfection.
3. **Perseverance Amidst Adversity:** The "thorn" often symbolizes adversity. The priestly family of Hakkoz faced the "thorny" issue of unproven lineage, yet they persevered and continued to serve. This can be seen as an example of faithfulness in the face of obstacles, echoing the broader biblical narrative of God's people navigating a challenging world.
4. **Redemption of Symbols:** While thorns are primarily negative symbols, their ultimate transformation in the crown of Christ points to God's power to redeem even the most painful and cursed aspects of existence. While not directly applied to the name "Kots," this broader theological trajectory offers a powerful backdrop for understanding how God works through all things.
### Summary
`{{H6976}}` (Qôwts) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "Kots" or "Koz," which appears in biblical genealogies and priestly lists. Its significance lies primarily in its direct etymological connection to `{{H6975}}` (qôṣ), meaning "thorn" or "prickle." This root imbues the name with subtle connotations of difficulty, sharpness, or the challenges inherent in a fallen world. Individuals bearing this name, particularly the priestly family of Hakkoz, held prominent roles in Israel's history, serving as heads of priestly divisions and participating in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem. The name "Kots" thus serves as a quiet reminder of the pervasive presence of difficulty and the effects of the Fall, even within the covenant community. Yet, the faithful service of those bearing the name also testifies to God's ability to work through and use all individuals, demonstrating perseverance and divine grace amidst the "thorny" realities of life.
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