The Greek word thēlázō, represented by G2337, means to suckle or, by implication, to suck. Derived from the word for nipple, it appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible, consistently referring to the act of an infant nursing or a mother giving suck.
In the biblical narrative, G2337 is used to illustrate concepts of both blessing and hardship. It appears in Jesus's prophecies of future tribulation, where he pronounces "woe... to them that give suck in those days" (Matthew 24:19, Mark 13:17, Luke 21:23), highlighting the extreme difficulty of caring for a dependent infant during such times. In a similar vein, Jesus foretells a day so terrible that people will call blessed "the paps which never gave suck" Luke 23:29. In contrast, the term is used in a statement of blessing by a woman who, praising Jesus, blesses the mother who nursed him Luke 11:27. It is also used when Jesus speaks of perfected praise coming from "the mouth of babes and sucklings" Matthew 21:16.
Several related words provide context for the act of nurturing and early life:
- G3516 nḗpios (babe, child): This term for an infant is directly associated with G2337 in the phrase "babes and sucklings," identifying the youngest and most dependent as sources of pure praise Matthew 21:16.
- G3149 mastós (pap): This word for a female breast is the physical source for the action of G2337. It appears in direct connection with suckling in both a blessing and a lament (Luke 11:27, Luke 23:29).
- G1064 gastḗr (belly, womb): Often translated as "with child," this term describes pregnancy and is used in parallel with G2337 in warnings about future distress, linking the vulnerability of pregnancy with that of nursing a newborn Mark 13:17.
The theological weight of G2337 is found in its portrayal of human vulnerability and dependence.
- Hardship in Tribulation: The act of giving suck represents a state of deep responsibility and vulnerability. Its inclusion in passages of woe emphasizes that times of judgment will be particularly harsh for those with the most helpless dependents Luke 21:23.
- Innocence and Praise: The "suckling" is a symbol of innocence. By stating that praise is perfected from such a source, scripture elevates the pure and simple faith of the most humble above the wisdom of the world Matthew 21:16.
- A Dual Reality: The word is used to frame the experience of motherhood as both a profound blessing in times of peace and a source of unique suffering in times of trial, showing how circumstances can invert the perception of life's fundamental roles (Luke 11:27, Luke 23:29).
In summary, G2337 moves beyond its literal definition to become a potent biblical symbol. It represents the ultimate state of human dependence and the intimate bond of nurture. Through its use in varied contexts, it powerfully illustrates how the foundational experience of caring for an infant can be seen as either a deep blessing or a severe hardship, depending on the spiritual and physical conditions of the time.
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