The Hebrew word tukkîy, represented by H8500, refers to a peacock. The term, which is probably of foreign derivation, appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. It is used to describe an imported creature, highlighting its exotic nature as a symbol of wealth.
In the biblical narrative, H8500 appears exclusively in the context of King Solomon's great wealth. Both occurrences are found in parallel accounts describing the impressive cargo of his commercial fleet. Once H259 every three H7969 years H8141, the king's H4428 navy H590 of Tharshish H8659, operating in partnership with Hiram H2438, would come H935 bringing H5375 a collection of valuable and exotic goods: gold H2091, silver H3701, ivory H8143, apes H6971, and peacocks H8500 (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:21).
Several related words are listed alongside peacocks, together illustrating the immense value and foreign origin of the imported cargo:
- H2091 zâhâb (gold): Defined as "from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold," this precious metal is listed as a primary import, establishing the context of great wealth in which the peacocks are mentioned 1 Kings 10:22.
- H8143 shenhabbîym (ivory): Meaning "probably, tooth of elephants, i.e. ivory tusk," this valuable material further emphasizes the luxurious and exotic nature of the goods brought to Solomon's kingdom 2 Chronicles 9:21.
- H6971 qôwph (ape): This word for "a monkey; ape," also of foreign origin, is paired directly with peacocks in the cargo list, highlighting a collection of rare imported creatures that demonstrated the king's global reach 1 Kings 10:22.
The significance of H8500 is entirely contextual, pointing to the grandeur of Solomon's reign as evidenced by his international trade.
- Indicator of Royal Splendor: The inclusion of peacocks alongside gold H2091, silver H3701, and ivory H8143 serves to illustrate the enormous scale of the king's H4428 prosperity. These were rare luxuries brought H5375 from distant lands 1 Kings 10:22.
- Evidence of International Commerce: The arrival of peacocks was the result of a major maritime operation, a navy H590 from Tarshish H8659 that worked with the servants H5650 of Huram H2361. This points to a flourishing and sophisticated trade network 2 Chronicles 9:21.
- Symbol of the Exotic: As a creature noted to be of foreign derivation, the peacock represents the rare and distant wonders brought into the kingdom, underscoring the vast reach of Solomon's influence.
In summary, tukkîy H8500 is a specific and rare term for peacock, used exclusively to detail the riches of King Solomon. While not carrying deep theological weight on its own, it functions as a vivid detail within the biblical narrative of royal prosperity. Its presence in scripture paints a picture of a kingdom with immense wealth, global trade connections, and access to the most exotic goods of the ancient world (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:21).
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