תֻּכִּי
probably of foreign derivation; some imported creature, probably a peacock
Definition
The Hebrew word תֻּכִּי (tukkîy) refers to an exotic, imported creature, most likely a peacock, brought to Israel from distant lands. It appears in two parallel passages describing the lavish imports of King Solomon's fleet (1 Kings 10:22, 2 Chronicles 9:21). The term itself is of foreign origin, suggesting the animal was not native to the region. While the precise identification as a peacock is probable, the core meaning is that of a rare and valuable trade item, symbolizing wealth and international prestige.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the context of royal trade and opulence. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, in the parallel historical accounts of Solomon's reign. In both 1 Kings 10:22 and 2 Chronicles 9:21, it is listed among other precious imports like gold, silver, ivory, and apes, brought by the king's ships from Tarshish every three years. Its usage highlights the extent of Solomon's wealth and his kingdom's far-reaching commercial connections.
Etymology
The word תֻּכִּי (tukkîy) is a loanword, borrowed from a foreign language, reflecting the exotic nature of the creature it describes. Scholars often connect it to the Tamil word 'tōkai' (peacock) or similar terms in other Indian languages, pointing to a likely South Asian origin. This foreign derivation aligns perfectly with its biblical context as an imported luxury item. The variant spelling תּוּכִּי (tûkkîy) also appears in the textual tradition.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is not theologically dense, its usage contributes to the biblical theme of God's fulfillment of promises. The presence of such exotic imports in Solomon's court demonstrates the material blessing and 'peace on all sides' (1 Kings 4:24-25) granted during his reign, partially fulfilling God's promises of wisdom, riches, and honor (1 Kings 3:13). It serves as a tangible, albeit fleeting, marker of Israel's golden age under the Davidic covenant.
In the ancient Near East, possessing exotic animals from distant lands was a powerful symbol of a king's wealth, reach, and power. Peacocks, native to the Indian subcontinent, would have been an astonishing and prestigious luxury item in Jerusalem. Their inclusion in the cargo lists alongside precious metals and ivory underscores that they were valued not as common livestock, but as living treasures that displayed Solomon's unparalleled splendor and his kingdom's role in international trade networks.
None directly applicable, as this is a specific term for an imported creature. For general 'bird', see: צִפּוֹר (tsippôr, H6833) — a common, small bird.
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 →