### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H8621}}` (Teqôwʻîy) is a gentilic noun derived from the place name `{{H8620}}` (Teqoa). Its fundamental meaning designates an individual as "an inhabitant of Tekoa" or "one belonging to Tekoa." As a patronymic or adjectival descriptor, its semantic range is tightly circumscribed to geographic origin and communal affiliation. It serves to identify a person's hometown within ancient Israel, thereby linking them to a specific socio-geographical context. Unlike many other words, `{{H8621}}` does not possess a broad metaphorical or abstract meaning; its significance is primarily referential, pointing to a person's direct connection to the Judean town of Tekoa.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H8621}}` appears in several key biblical narratives, primarily within the historical books, associating specific individuals with the town of Tekoa:
* **The Wise Woman of Tekoa:** Perhaps the most prominent occurrence is in the narrative of David and Absalom. Joab, seeking to reconcile David with his son, employs a "wise woman from Tekoa" ([[2 Samuel 14:2]]) to present a parable to the king. Her identity as a Tekoite ([[2 Samuel 14:4]], [[2 Samuel 14:9]]) underscores her role as an outsider, yet one chosen for her wisdom and rhetorical skill, to subtly manipulate David's judgment. Her origin from Tekoa, a town known for its strategic location and perhaps its independent spirit, adds a layer of authenticity and perceived neutrality to her plea.
* **Ira the Tekoite:** Ira is listed among David's elite "mighty men" ([[2 Samuel 23:26]], [[1 Chronicles 11:28]]). His inclusion highlights that individuals from Tekoa were not merely rural inhabitants but could achieve significant positions of honor and military prowess within the kingdom. This demonstrates the integration of people from various Judean towns into the central administration and military of David's reign.
* **The Tekoites in Nehemiah:** During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah, the "Tekoites" are mentioned twice ([[Nehemiah 3:5]], [[Nehemiah 3:27]]). They actively participate in the reconstruction efforts, demonstrating communal responsibility and solidarity. Interestingly, [[Nehemiah 3:5]] notes that "their nobles did not put their necks to the work of their Lord," indicating a division within the Tekoite community, where the common people were diligent, but some of the leadership shirked their duties. This detail provides insight into the social dynamics and challenges of the post-exilic period.
While the prophet Amos was from Tekoa ([[Amos 1:1]]), the text identifies him as "among the shepherds of Tekoa," rather than explicitly using the gentilic `{{H8621}}`. This distinction emphasizes his occupation and social standing within Tekoa, rather than simply his place of origin, further refining the nuance of identity in the biblical text.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term is `{{H8620}}` (Teqoa), the proper name of the town from which the gentilic `{{H8621}}` is derived. Understanding the historical and geographical context of Tekoa, situated in the Judean wilderness south of Jerusalem, is crucial for appreciating the identity of its inhabitants.
Conceptually, `{{H8621}}` belongs to a broader category of Hebrew gentilics (e.g., "Jebusite," "Gibeonite," "Bethlehemite"), which are common throughout the Old Testament. These terms are vital for identifying individuals' tribal, regional, or civic affiliations. They reflect an ancient worldview where one's identity was often inextricably linked to one's place of origin and communal ties. The use of such terms underscores the importance of genealogy and geography in biblical narratives, providing immediate context for a character's background and potential allegiances or characteristics associated with their region.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H8621}}` is primarily a descriptive term, its occurrences contribute to several theological insights:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Instrumentality:** The narrative of the wise woman of Tekoa illustrates how God can use seemingly ordinary individuals from specific locales to influence significant events in salvation history. Even through human political maneuvering (Joab's plan), God's overarching purpose for David and his house is advanced. This highlights the principle that God works through diverse human agents, regardless of their social standing or specific origin.
* **Community and Responsibility:** The participation of the Tekoites in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, and the specific mention of their diligence (or lack thereof among their nobles), underscores the biblical emphasis on communal responsibility. Each community, including the Tekoites, was called to contribute to the restoration of God's people and city. This also subtly introduces the theme of accountability within a community, where not all members fulfill their obligations equally.
* **Diversity within God's People:** The presence of a "Tekoite" among David's mighty men demonstrates that God's chosen people and their leaders were drawn from various towns and backgrounds. This prefigures the broader inclusion found in the New Testament, where diverse individuals are united in Christ. It shows that faithfulness and capability, rather than exclusive origin, were key criteria for service.
* **The Significance of Place:** The repeated mention of Tekoa and its inhabitants, even for a relatively small town, suggests that no place or people group is insignificant in God's redemptive plan. God's interaction with humanity is often deeply rooted in specific geographical and cultural contexts, affirming the reality of His engagement with the world as it is.
### Summary
The term `{{H8621}}` (Teqôwʻîy) precisely identifies an "inhabitant of Tekoa," a town in Judah. Its usage in the biblical narrative, particularly concerning the wise woman who assisted Joab in reconciling David and Absalom, Ira among David's mighty men, and the Tekoites involved in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah, consistently roots individuals within their specific geographical and communal context. While a simple geographical designation, `{{H8621}}` implicitly carries significant narrative weight, illustrating themes of divine providence utilizing diverse human agents, the importance of communal responsibility, and the rich tapestry of individuals from various locales contributing to God's unfolding plan for Israel. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor details of origin are part of the larger, divinely orchestrated story.
TRV