Bible Word Study
בֻּקִּיָּה
Buqqîyâh · Bukkijah, an Israelite
בֻּקִּיָּה
Bukkijah, an Israelite
Definition
Bukkijah is a proper name given to a Levite musician in the service of King David. He was the son of Heman and one of the fourteen sons appointed by lot to lead worship in the temple (1 Chronicles 25:4). As a leader of the thirteenth division of temple musicians, his role was to prophesy with musical instruments, giving thanks and praise to God (1 Chronicles 25:13). The name itself carries a significant meaning, derived from Hebrew roots meaning 'wasting of the LORD' or 'emptied by Yahweh,' which may reflect a theological acknowledgment of human dependence on God.
Biblical Usage
The name Bukkijah appears exclusively in 1 Chronicles 25, which details the organization of the Levitical musicians. He is listed among the sons of Heman, who were set apart for the ministry of prophecy through music. His specific assignment was to lead the thirteenth lot or division in the temple service. This usage highlights the structured, sacred role of music in Israelite worship under David's administration.
Etymology
The name Bukkijah (בֻּקִּיָּה) is a compound word derived from the root בָּקַק (bāqaq, H1238), meaning 'to empty out' or 'to waste,' and the divine name יָהּ (Yāh, H3050), a shortened form of Yahweh. Thus, the name can be interpreted as 'emptied by Yahweh' or 'wasting of Jah.' It likely signifies a person who is utterly dependent on or devoted to God, perhaps reflecting a theme of divine sovereignty and human humility.
Semantic Range
Bukkijah's role as a temple musician underscores the theology of worship as prophecy and divine communication. His service, appointed by lot (1 Chronicles 25:8), emphasizes God's sovereignty in assigning spiritual gifts and ministries. The meaning of his name, 'emptied by Yahweh,' can point to the concept of being filled by God's Spirit for service, resonating with themes of humility and dedication in worship. Understanding this enriches appreciation for how God uses individuals in collective praise. In ancient Israel, names often carried significant meanings, reflecting circumstances, hopes, or theological truths. Bukkijah's name, implying 'wasting of Jah,' might seem negative to modern readers, but in its context, it could acknowledge God's power to humble or devote a person entirely. As a Levitical musician, he was part of a highly respected guild responsible for leading Israel in corporate worship, a role that combined artistry with spiritual leadership. Heman (H1968) — Bukkijah's father and chief musician. Asaph (H623) — Another chief Levite musician, distinct in lineage and lot assignment. Jeduthun (H3038) — A third chief musician, often associated with thanksgiving.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]