from (the nipple); to suckle, (by implication) to suck:--(give) suck(-ling).
Transliteration:thēlázō
Pronunciation:thay-lad'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θηλάζω (G2337, thēlázō) is derived from θηλή (thēlē), meaning "nipple" or "breast." Its core meaning encompasses the act of nursing, specifically "to suckle" (active, to give suck) or "to suck" (passive, to be suckled). The semantic range thus centers on the intimate physical act of nourishment provided by a mother to an infant. This implies profound dependence, vulnerability, and the fundamental provision of life-sustaining care. It is a term rooted in the most basic and universal human experience of infancy and maternal nurture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
θηλάζω appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in two distinct contexts:
1. **Praise from the Vulnerable:**
* In [[Matthew 21:16]], Jesus quotes [[Psalm 8:2]] in response to the chief priests and scribes who were indignant at the children crying out "Hosanna to the Son of David" in the temple. Jesus affirms, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise." Here, "sucklings" (τῶν θηλαζόντων) emphasizes the extreme youth, innocence, and unlikeliness of those from whom profound praise for God emanates, thereby shaming the hardened hearts of the religious leaders.
2. **Woe in Times of Tribulation:**
* [[Matthew 24:19]], [[Mark 13:17]], and [[Luke 21:23]] are parallel passages within the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and the Great Tribulation. In these prophecies, Jesus laments, "Woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck (ταῖς θηλαζούσαις) in those days!" This vivid imagery highlights the immense suffering and extreme difficulty that pregnant and nursing women, along with their utterly dependent infants, would face during a period of intense persecution, flight, and distress. The physical demands of nursing and the vulnerability of an infant would make escape and survival exceptionally challenging.
3. **Blessing of Motherhood:**
* [[Luke 11:27]] records a woman in the crowd blessing Jesus, exclaiming, "Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked (ἐθύλαζας)." This is a direct, culturally resonant expression of blessing upon Jesus' mother, emphasizing the physical connection and life-giving nurture she provided. While Jesus immediately redirects the focus to the greater blessing of hearing and keeping God's word, the initial statement underscores the deep reverence and honor traditionally associated with motherhood and the act of nursing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to the noun θηλή (thēlē), "nipple" or "breast," from which θηλάζω is derived.
Conceptually, θηλάζω is deeply intertwined with:
* **Infancy and Childhood:** It denotes the earliest stage of human life, characterized by complete dependence.
* **Maternal Care and Nurturing:** The act of giving suck is a primary expression of a mother's provision, protection, and love.
* **Vulnerability and Helplessness:** Nursing infants are the epitome of defenselessness, relying entirely on another for survival.
* **Praise from the Humble:** As seen in Matthew 21:16, it connects to the biblical theme of God choosing the weak and simple to confound the wise (cf. [[1 Corinthians 1:27-28]]).
* **Suffering and Tribulation:** In the eschatological passages, it underscores the particular hardship faced by those with the greatest physical burdens and dependents during times of crisis.
* **Biblical parallels to "suckling" in the Old Testament** often involve terms like יוֹנֵק (yoneq, `{{H3190}}`) or עוֹלֵל (olel, `{{H5768}}`), emphasizing the extreme youth and innocence. The quote in Matthew 21:16 directly references יוֹנֵק from [[Psalm 8:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of θηλάζω is multi-faceted:
1. **Divine Reversal and Praise:** The use of "sucklings" in [[Matthew 21:16]] powerfully illustrates God's principle of divine reversal. He chooses the most unlikely, the weakest, and the most unassuming to declare His praise and confound the proud and self-righteous. This highlights God's sovereignty in revealing truth and His preference for humility over human wisdom or status. It is a testament to the power of pure, unadulterated faith.
2. **The Reality of Human Vulnerability:** The warnings in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) underscore the profound reality of human fragility, especially in times of severe tribulation. The image of nursing mothers facing unimaginable hardship serves as a stark reminder of the physical and emotional toll that divine judgment or societal collapse can exact, particularly on the most vulnerable members of society. It evokes compassion and a sobering awareness of the gravity of such periods.
3. **Implicit Divine Providence:** While θηλάζω describes a human act, the broader biblical narrative often portrays God's care for His people in terms of maternal provision (e.g., [[Isaiah 49:15]]). The foundational act of nursing, providing life and sustenance, can implicitly point to God's own ultimate provision and nurturing care for His creation and His children.
4. **The Sanctity of Life and Nurture:** The woman's blessing in [[Luke 11:27]] reflects a deep cultural appreciation for the sacredness of motherhood and the physical act of nurturing. While Jesus elevates spiritual obedience above biological ties, the initial blessing affirms the profound and divinely ordained role of a mother in sustaining life.
### Summary
The Greek word θηλάζω (G2337) signifies the act of nursing or suckling, drawing from the root meaning of "nipple" or "breast." Its usage in the New Testament illuminates several profound theological truths. It highlights God's capacity to receive perfect praise from the most innocent and humble, as seen in the "babes and sucklings" of [[Matthew 21:16]]. Conversely, in the eschatological warnings of the Gospels, it underscores the extreme vulnerability and hardship faced by nursing mothers during times of severe tribulation ([[Matthew 24:19]], [[Mark 13:17]], [[Luke 21:23]]). Finally, θηλάζω appears in a blessing upon Jesus' mother, acknowledging the profound and foundational act of physical nurture ([[Luke 11:27]]). Theologically, θηλάζω speaks to God's choice of the humble, the stark reality of human vulnerability in crisis, and implicitly, the divine design of provision and care through intimate nurture.
TRV