Peacock
Exotic birds imported by Solomon, symbolizing wealth, splendor, and the vanity of biblical treasures.
Key Details
lightbulbBird
תֻּכִּי (Tukki)
ταώς (taos)
3 references
The Peacock: Symbol of Vanity and Splendor
The peacock is listed among the exotic treasures imported by King Solomon, symbolizing wealth, splendor, and foreign luxury.
Alongside gold, silver, ivory, and apes, the peacock represented the reach of Solomon's kingdom and his trade connections with distant lands (likely India or Africa). While beautiful, they often serve as a reminder of the vanity of accumulating exotic possessions.
The Peacock in Creation
In the book of Job (Job 39:13 in some translations), the "goodly wings" of the peacock are mentioned as a of God's artistic design. The bird's incredible display of color and pattern is a witness to a Creator who values beauty for its own sake.
Key Bible Verses About the Peacock
Verses About Exotic Wealth
2 Chronicles 9:21 repeats the inventory of Solomon's navy, listing peacocks (or baboons/monkeys in some modern translations) as evidence of the kingdom's incredible prosperity.
The Peacock in Biblical Context
The Hebrew word Tukkiyim is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Tamil word for peacock (tokei), suggesting a trade route with India. While some modern scholars argue it might refer to baboons (due to linguistic links to Egyptian), the long-standing tradition of the King James Bible identifies this creature as the peacock. In this context, the bird stands as a symbol of the dazzling but fleeting glory of earthly kingdoms.
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Ram
A male sheep central to the biblical sacrificial system, representing strength, leadership, and substitutionary atonement.