Lexical Summary Buqqiyyahu: Buqqiah Original Word: בֻּקִּיָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Bukkiah From baqaq and Yahh; wasting of Jah; Bukkijah, an Israelite -- Bukkiah. see HEBREW baqaq see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word and Yah Definition "proved of Yah," a Levite NASB Translation Bukkiah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs בֻּקִּיָּ֫הוּ proper name, masculine (proved of ׳י) Levite, son of Heman 1 Chronicles 25:4; son of Asaph (?) 1 Chronicles 25:13. Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting Bukkiah appears twice in Scripture, both times within the detailed roster of Levitical musicians organized by King David for continual temple praise (1 Chronicles 25:4, 1 Chronicles 25:13). His name is listed among the sons of Heman, the royal seer. These passages place him squarely in the early tenth century B.C., when David prepared the worship infrastructure that Solomon’s Temple would later employ. Family Lineage Heman, Bukkiah’s father, was “the king’s seer in matters concerning God” (1 Chronicles 25:5). The family was of the Kohathite branch of Levi—descendants entrusted from earliest times with the most sacred responsibilities. Thus, Bukkiah inherited a rich spiritual legacy that blended prophetic insight with musical artistry, equipping him for leadership in corporate worship. Role in Davidic Worship David appointed “three chief musicians”—Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman—each with sons trained to “prophesy accompanied by lyres, harps, and cymbals” (1 Chronicles 25:1). Bukkiah’s inclusion means he participated in this prophetic music ministry, using song to declare the word of the Lord. Music in Israel was never mere ornamentation; it served as a vehicle for theological instruction, covenant remembrance, intercession, and thanksgiving. By standing among Heman’s sons, Bukkiah helped lead Israel in praise that shaped the nation’s spiritual consciousness. Prophetic Dimension 1 Chronicles 25:5 notes that God gave Heman “fourteen sons and three daughters” to “exalt him according to the words of God.” The prophetic element of their service indicates that Bukkiah’s ministry went beyond technical musicianship. Through Spirit-empowered song, he joined the broader prophetic tradition that called Israel to fidelity, celebrating God’s covenant faithfulness while exhorting the congregation to respond in obedience. The Lot of Service After listing the musicians, the Chronicler describes a divinely guided casting of lots that assigned each family a rotation in the twenty-four-course schedule (1 Chronicles 25:8-31). “The sixth lot fell to Bukkiah, his sons, and his brothers—twelve in all” (1 Chronicles 25:13). The lot underscores two truths: first, that service order was determined by God’s sovereignty, and second, that every team—regardless of seniority—shared equal status (“twelve” members each). Bukkiah therefore led a full complement of singers who ministered during the sixth service interval, illustrating orderly worship and shared responsibility within the priestly community. Historical Significance Though seemingly obscure, Bukkiah’s placement in the Chronicler’s record testifies to the importance Scripture places on faithful, often unsung servants. The Chronicler wrote for post-exilic readers who, like their forebears, needed structure for renewed temple worship. By preserving Bukkiah’s name, the text invites every generation to embrace its ordained role in the worship life of God’s people, no matter how hidden from public eye. Theological Reflection 1. Divine Calling: Bukkiah’s ministry arose from birth into a Levitical household, yet the lot affirmed individual vocation within corporate calling. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry • Heritage: Spiritual vocations may be nurtured in families, but each generation must personally respond as Bukkiah did. Related Passages for Further Study Exodus 28:1; Numbers 8:14-19 – establishment of Levitical service 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 – appointment of musicians under David 2 Chronicles 29:25-30 – Hezekiah’s reform, using Davidic musical patterns Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 – New Testament exhortations to Spirit-filled worship Forms and Transliterations בֻּקִּיָּ֡הוּ בֻקִּיָּ֔הוּ בקיהו bukkiYahu buq·qî·yā·hū ḇuq·qî·yā·hū buqqîyāhū ḇuqqîyāhū vukkiYahuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 25:4 HEB: בְּנֵ֣י הֵימָ֡ן בֻּקִּיָּ֡הוּ מַתַּנְיָ֡הוּ עֻ֠זִּיאֵל NAS: of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, KJV: of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, INT: the sons of Heman Bukkiah Mattaniah Uzziel 1 Chronicles 25:13 2 Occurrences |
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