קוֹץ
Kots, the name of two Israelites
Definition
קוֹץ (Qôwts) is a proper noun referring to the name of two or more Israelite men in the Old Testament. The primary figure is Kots (or Koz), the father of Anub and Zobebah, mentioned in the genealogy of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:8). A more prominent reference is to the priestly family of Hakkoz (literally 'the Kots'), which served in the temple. This family is listed among the priestly divisions (1 Chronicles 24:10) and its descendants are noted among those who returned from the Babylonian exile but had difficulty proving their priestly lineage (Ezra 2:61, Nehemiah 7:63). Members of this family, such as Meremoth son of Uriah, also participated in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 3:4, 3:21).
Biblical Usage
This name is used exclusively in post-exilic historical books (Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah) in genealogical, priestly, and administrative contexts. It identifies individuals within the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:8) and, more significantly, designates a priestly line. The form 'Hakkoz' (with the definite article 'ha-') is used when referring to the priestly family as a collective group (e.g., Ezra 2:61, Nehemiah 3:4). The usage underscores the importance of genealogical records for priestly service and land inheritance after the exile.
Etymology
The name קוֹץ (Qôwts) is identical to the common noun קוֹץ (H6975), meaning 'thorn' or 'brier.' It is likely a symbolic or descriptive personal name, possibly indicating a character trait (e.g., sharpness, resilience) or referencing a challenging environment. Such names from the natural world were common in ancient Semitic cultures.
Semantic Range
While primarily a personal name, its connection to the priestly line of Hakkoz highlights the theological theme of God's faithful preservation of the Levitical priesthood through the exile. The family's struggle to prove its pedigree (Ezra 2:61) underscores the biblical emphasis on purity and proper lineage for those who minister before God, pointing to the need for a perfect, unblemished High Priest in Christ.
In ancient Israel, names were often meaningful and descriptive. Bearing a name meaning 'thorn' was not necessarily negative; it could symbolize protection or tenacity. The concern for accurate genealogies, especially for priests, was paramount in the post-exilic period for maintaining religious identity, temple service rights, and land claims, reflecting a culture deeply rooted in tribal and familial lineage.
There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. It is etymologically related to the common noun: קוֹץ (qôwts, H6975) — meaning 'thorn' or 'brier,' the word from which the personal name is derived.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →