קוֹף (qoph)
qoph
ape
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qoph refers specifically to an ape, a creature distinct from other primates in ancient understanding. It appears only twice in the entire Hebrew Bible, both times within lists of exotic goods imported by King Solomon (1 Kings 10:22 and 2 Chronicles 9:21). In these contexts, the word highlights the vast reach of Israel’s trade networks, bringing animals from distant lands to the royal court.
While modern taxonomy distinguishes apes from monkeys, the biblical text groups qoph with other rare imports like gold, silver, ivory, and exotic birds. The sources do not provide further biological detail or etymological roots for this specific term, focusing instead on its role as a marker of wealth and international connection. Its scarcity in Scripture underscores how unusual such animals were to the ancient Israelite audience.
Translators consistently render qoph as "ape" or sometimes "monkeys," reflecting the limited vocabulary available for exotic fauna in English. The word serves as a historical snapshot of Solomon’s era, illustrating the curiosity and luxury associated with his reign rather than offering theological instruction about animal life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qoph appears only twice in Scripture, tucked into lists of Solomon’s vast trade goods. It refers to an ape, an exotic animal brought from distant lands by ships that sailed every three years. These creatures were not part of daily life in Israel but served as markers of wealth and global connection.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God placed all creation under human care, even the rarest animals. Solomon’s collection shows how far-reaching influence can be, yet it also hints at the limits of earthly treasure. The Bible does not dwell on apes themselves but uses them to illustrate a moment in history when Israel stood at the center of international trade.
When you read this passage, consider how temporary such riches are. Solomon’s wealth faded, but the hope found in Christ remains. This small word invites us to look beyond material abundance toward lasting spiritual realities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ monkeys2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/קוֹפִ֖ים1×
- וְ/קֹפִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 10:22
For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet. Once every three years the fleet of Tarshish came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
This verse lists apes alongside gold and ivory, showing how qoph functioned as a symbol of Solomon’s international trade reach rather than offering biological detail.
-
II Chronicles 9:21
For the king had ships that went to Tarshish with Huram’s servants. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
The parallel account in Chronicles reinforces that apes were rare imports, highlighting the extent of Solomon’s connections with distant regions like Ophir and Tarshish.