### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zâqên**, represented by `{{H2205}}`, signifies that which is **old**, **aged**, or **ancient**. It appears 178 times across 171 unique verses in the Bible. While it literally denotes an advanced stage of life, it is most frequently used to describe an **elder**, a position of honor and leadership within the family, tribe, and nation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2205}}` is used in multiple key contexts. It describes the natural course of a long life, as when Abraham [[Genesis 25:8]] and Job [[Job 42:17]] died as **old** men, full of years. It is frequently contrasted with the young to encompass all members of a community, whether in times of celebration [[Jeremiah 31:13]] or judgment [[Ezekiel 9:6]]. Most significantly, it refers to the "elders of Israel," a formal body of leaders who represented the people before God [[Exodus 24:1]], witnessed His miracles [[Exodus 17:6]], offered counsel [[1 Samuel 4:3]], and participated in making covenants [[1 Chronicles 11:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of age and authority:
* `{{H2208}}` **zâqun** (old age): This noun specifically refers to old age itself, often in the context of family, such as when Jacob's sons describe their younger brother as a "child of his **old age**" [[Genesis 44:20]].
* `{{H7872}}` **sêybâh** (old age, gray hairs): This term for the hoary head is closely linked with `{{H2205}}`, signifying a life lived to fullness and serving as a mark of beauty for **old men** [[Proverbs 20:29]]. The law commands one to "rise up before the **hoary head**" [[Leviticus 19:32]].
* `{{H970}}` **bâchûwr** (young man): As a direct counterpart, this word is often contrasted with `{{H2205}}` to illustrate God's work across all generations, such as when **old men** dream dreams and **young men** see visions [[Joel 2:28]].
* `{{H5288}}` **na'ar** (boy, child, young man): This term for a youth is also used in contrast to an elder. A breakdown in social order is described as a time when a **child** `{{H5288}}` behaves proudly against the **ancient** `{{H2205}}` [[Isaiah 3:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2205}}` is significant, establishing principles of social order, leadership, and divine interaction.
* **Divine Order and Respect:** The Law establishes a principle of honoring the aged, linking it directly to reverence for God: "honour the face of the **old man**, and fear thy God" [[Leviticus 19:32]]. This respect is seen as a cornerstone of a stable society.
* **Leadership and Counsel:** Elders were the custodians of history and wisdom, tasked with passing knowledge to the next generation [[Deuteronomy 32:7]]. Their counsel was a critical resource for the nation's rulers, and forsaking it had severe consequences [[1 Kings 12:13]].
* **Spiritual Representation:** The seventy elders of Israel were chosen to receive God's spirit and share the burden of leadership with Moses, enabling them to prophesy [[Numbers 11:25]]. As representatives, they approached God at Sinai [[Exodus 24:1]] and stood before Pharaoh [[Exodus 3:18]].
* **Judgment and Restoration:** The suffering of the elders often symbolized national crisis and divine judgment [[Lamentations 2:10]]. In prophecies of restoration, however, the **old** are included in God's promises of rejoicing [[Jeremiah 31:13]] and will receive prophetic dreams as a sign of the Spirit being poured out [[Joel 2:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2205}}` **zâqên** is far more than a descriptor of age. It is a foundational term for understanding authority, social structure, and spiritual leadership in the Old Testament. It denotes both the individual who has achieved a long life and the respected official who governs and guides the community. From the family patriarch to the national council of elders, the concept of **zâqên** illustrates a divine order where experience is honored and leadership carries sacred responsibility.
TRV