קוֹף
𐤒𐤅𐤐
qôwph
H6971 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of primate, most likely referencing a monkey or ape; specifically, a tailed primate but sometimes also used broadly for larger primates. In the context of Hebrew Scripture, the term designates an exotic animal known for its foreign provenance, often included among costly tribute or rare animals imported from distant lands.
Semantic Range
monkey, ape, exotic simian animal, imported animal
Root / Etymology
The word is of foreign origin, as stated explicitly in ancient sources; no native Hebrew root is associated. It is possibly related to Egyptian or South Arabian terms for monkey (cf. Egyptian 'qf', South Arabian 'qwp'), reflecting trade contacts with Africa and South Arabia.
Historical & Contextual Notes
קוֹף appears only in 1 Kings 10:22 and its parallel in 2 Chronicles 9:21, describing animals imported by fleets of the United Monarchy during Solomon's reign. This lexeme does not refer to indigenous fauna but rather to exotic creatures brought by trade, likely from Africa or South Arabia—regions known for monkeys and apes. While English translations often render it as 'ape' or 'monkey,' the precise zoological identification is debated; the term refers generically to simian animals rather than a specific species. The word's foreign origin and associations with wealth and tribute underscore its function as a marker of luxury and global connectivity in the biblical narrative. Later usage in rabbinic Hebrew continues to refer to primates, maintaining this broader sense. The standard English translation ('ape' or 'monkey') accurately reflects the general intent, but does not capture the nuance of rarity and foreignness associated with the term in ancient Israelite society.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or קֹף; of foreign origin,; a monkey; ape.
Bantu Hebrew
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קוף (q-w-p̄) — primate, monkey, ape, exotic simian animal
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6971-01 |
וְ/קֹפִ֖ים | veqofim | HC/Ncmpa |
and apes | and monkeys | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6971-01 |
1 Kings 10:22 | וְ/קֹפִ֖ים | veqofim | HC/Ncmpa |
and apes | and monkeys |
H6971-01 |
2 Chronicles 9:21 | וְ/קוֹפִ֖ים | veqofim | HC/Ncmpa |
and apes | and monkeys |