Original Word: עַקּוּב
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Aqquwb
Pronunciation: ah-KOOB
Phonetic Spelling: (ak-koob')
KJV: Akkub
NASB: Akkub
Word Origin: [from H6117 (עָקַב - deals craftily)]

1. insidious
2. Akkub, the name of five Israelites

Akkub

From aqab; insidious; Akkub, the name of five Israelites -- Akkub.

see HEBREW aqab

Word Origin
from the same as aqeb
Definition
the name of several Isr.
NASB Translation
Akkub (8).

עַקּוּב proper name, masculine ᵐ5^B usually (Ι)ακουν[μ] A ᵐ5^L Ακ(κ)ουβ: —

1 descendant of David 1 Chronicles 3:24.

2 heads of post-exilic families:

a. Ezra 2:42 = Nehemiah 7:45.

b. Ezra 2:45 (si vera lectio).

3 Levites:

a. 1 Chronicles 9:17.

b. Nehemiah 8:7.

c. Nehemiah 11:19; Nehemiah 12:25.

Overview

Akkub (Hebrew עַקּוּב) appears eight times in the Old Testament as the name of several Israelite men. Although the individuals live in different generations, their collective account reveals an unbroken pattern of covenant faithfulness that stretches from the royal family of David to the gatekeepers and teachers who sustained temple life after the exile.

Genealogical Testament to the Davidic Line (1 Chronicles 3:24)

The first appearance of Akkub is in the post-exilic list of David’s descendants: “The sons of Elioenai were Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven in all” (Berean Standard Bible). This entry confirms that the kingly line did not disappear in Babylon but continued through ordinary sons who bore witness to God’s promise that the lamp of David would not be extinguished.

Akkub and the Gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 9:17; Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45; 11:19; 12:25)

Five of the eight occurrences portray Akkub (or his “sons”) serving as gatekeepers.
• 1 Chronicles 9:17 places him among the Korahites who guarded the entrances of the pre-exilic temple.
• Ezra 2:42 and its parallel in Nehemiah 7:45 list “the sons of Akkub” among the 139 gatekeepers who returned with Zerubbabel.
• Nehemiah 11:19 numbers Akkub and Talmon over 172 keepers “who kept watch at the gates.”
• Nehemiah 12:25 records Akkub on duty when the walls were dedicated, “guarding the storerooms at the gates.”

Gatekeepers were charged not merely with security but with maintaining holiness by regulating access (2 Chronicles 23:19). The repetition of Akkub’s name across centuries indicates a hereditary office cherished by families who regarded the stewardship of God’s house as their highest honor.

Akkub among the Nethinim (Ezra 2:45)

“ The sons of Akkub” also appear in the register of temple servants—Nethinim—who supported the Levites in menial tasks essential to worship. Their willingness to perform humble duties after the long captivity illustrates the renewed devotion that characterized the restoration community.

Teaching the Law during the Revival in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 8:7)

When Ezra read the Torah to the assembled nation, Akkub stood with twelve Levites who “instructed the people in the Law, while the people remained in their places.” This ministry bridged Word and worship; the same family that guarded the gates also opened the Scriptures, showing that safeguarding orthodoxy involves both physical and spiritual service.

Continuity of Service after the Exile

From royal lineage (1 Chronicles 3) to Levitical guards (1 Chronicles 9) to post-exilic revivalists (Nehemiah 8), the various men named Akkub embody continuity:
• Continuity of covenant promise—David’s line survives.
• Continuity of temple order—gatekeeping continues despite national upheaval.
• Continuity of doctrinal purity—Levites explain the Law so that “all the people understood” (Nehemiah 8:12).

Theological and Ministry Insights

1. Heritage does not guarantee faithfulness, but it can provide a framework for multigenerational service. Akkub’s descendants inherited both responsibility and privilege.
2. Vocational diversity within one name underscores the unity of the body; whether guarding doors or expounding Scripture, each role advances God’s redemptive program.
3. Post-exilic records value ordinary names. God memorializes even those who stand watch at a gate, reminding modern believers that unseen tasks are seen by Him.

Key References

1 Chronicles 3:24; 1 Chronicles 9:17; Ezra 2:42; Ezra 2:45; Nehemiah 7:45; Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 11:19; Nehemiah 12:25

וְ֠עַקּוּב וְעַקּ֔וּב ועקוב עַקּ֑וּב עַקּ֔וּב עַקּ֡וּב עַקּ֣וּב עַקּֽוּב׃ עקוב עקוב׃ ‘aq·qūḇ ‘aqqūḇ akKuv Veakkuv wə‘aqqūḇ wə·‘aq·qūḇInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts