בַּקְבֻּקְיָה (baq.buq.yah)
baq.buq.yah
Bakbukiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Baqbuqiyah, rendered in English as Bakbukiah, appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Nehemiah. It identifies a specific Levite who served during the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem. The sources note his role in the community's religious life, specifically mentioning him in Nehemiah 11:17 as one of the leaders assigned to oversee duties.
Linguistically, the name is interpreted to mean "wasting of Jehovah." This etymology likely reflects a theological perspective common in that period, where personal names often expressed dependence on God or acknowledged His sovereign power over life and health. Such names served as constant reminders of divine authority within the daily lives of the people.
Although Baqbuqiyah is not a central figure in the narrative, his inclusion highlights the importance of the Levitical order in the rebuilt community. The text lists him among those who returned from exile and helped re-establish worship and governance in Jerusalem. His name stands as a small but specific record of an individual committed to serving God during a time of national rebuilding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bakbukiah appears in Nehemiah as a Levite who helped restore worship in Jerusalem. His name means 'wasting of Jehovah,' a reminder that God holds all life. In Nehemiah 11:17, he is listed second among those leading thanksgiving prayers. This shows how ordinary believers joined the work of rebuilding their community.
His role reminds us that every part matters in God's plan. Whether leading songs or guarding gates, each person served with purpose. The text lists him among faithful servants who kept watch over sacred things. We can trust that God sees and values our small acts of obedience too.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Bakbukiah3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בַקְבֻּקְיָ֖ה1×
- וּ/בַקְבֻּֽקְיָ֨ה1×
- וּ/בַקְבֻּֽקְיָ֛ה1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 11:17
and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
This verse places Bakbukiah second in leadership during thanksgiving prayers, showing his active role in restoring worship.
-
Nehemiah 12:9
Also Bakbukiah and Unno, their brothers, were close to them according to their offices.
Here he is grouped with brothers by office, highlighting the organized nature of Levitical service after exile.
-
Nehemiah 12:25
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers keeping the watch at the storehouses of the gates.
This occurrence shows him as a gatekeeper guarding storehouses, illustrating how worship extended to practical duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Bakbukiah mean?
Where does Bakbukiah appear in the Bible?
What was Bakbukiah's role?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Nehemiah 3 verses
and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in…
Nehemiah 12:9Also Bakbukiah and Unno, their brothers, were close to them according to their offices.
Nehemiah 12:25Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers keeping the watch at the storehouses of…