English · KJV
H2207

זֹקֶן

zôqen /zo'-ken/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom זָקֵן
Meaningold age
KJV usageage.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of zôqen — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word zôqen, represented by H2207, specifically refers to old age or age. It is a remarkably rare term, appearing only 1 time in the entire Bible. Its sole use provides a distinct and tangible description of the physical effects of a long life.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single occurrence of H2207 is found in the narrative of Jacob, also called Israel, preparing to bless Joseph's sons. The text states, "Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see" Genesis 48:10. This use of zôqen directly links advanced age with physical limitation, specifically failing eyesight. Despite this frailty, Jacob's role as patriarch remains central, as Joseph brings his sons near for Jacob to kiss H5401 and embrace H2263 them in a moment of blessing.

Related Words & Concepts

Several words in the surrounding passage highlight the physical state associated with Jacob's age:

  • H3513 kâbad: This word, meaning to be heavy, is used here to describe Jacob's eyes as "dim." This same root is used elsewhere to mean "honour" Exodus 20:12 or to describe God's ear as not being "heavy" Isaiah 59:1, showing a connection between weight and responsiveness.
  • H3201 yâkôl: Meaning to be able, this word emphasizes the direct consequence of Jacob's age, stating he "could not" see. It is often used to express ability or inability to prevail or endure (Jeremiah 20:11, Psalms 21:11).
  • H7200 râʼâh: As the primitive root for to see, its use here defines the specific sense that has been lost due to old age. The Bible frequently uses this word both for physical sight and for spiritual perception, such as when the Lord "seeth not as man seeth" 1 Samuel 16:7.

Theological Significance

While appearing only once, the context of H2207 offers a poignant theological reflection:

  • The Physicality of a Long Life: The word is used to describe the tangible, physical decline that can accompany old age. Jacob's dim eyes H5869 are a direct result of his zôqen, grounding the patriarchal narrative in real human experience.
  • Enduring Spiritual Authority: Jacob's physical weakness does not diminish his spiritual authority or his role in God's covenant plan. Even though he cannot see H7200, he is still the vessel through whom the patriarchal blessing is passed to the next generation.
  • Tenderness Amidst Frailty: The scene of Jacob's age is not one of sorrow alone, but of intimacy. His inability to see necessitates that his grandsons be brought near H5066 to him, leading to a moment where he can embrace H2263 and kiss H5401 them, underscoring the persistence of love and family bonds.

Summary

In summary, zôqen H2207 offers a concise but powerful snapshot of old age. Its singular appearance in scripture is tied to the patriarch Israel, vividly portraying the physical frailty that accompanies a long life. However, it is set within a context of enduring purpose and affection, demonstrating that while the body may grow weak, one's role in God's plan and the bonds of family remain strong.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 5 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • זְקֻנִים
  • זְקֻנָי
  • זֹּקֶן

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H5401 נָשַׁק a primitive root (identical with נָשַׂק, through the idea of fastening up; compare חָזַק, חָשַׁק); to kiss, literally or H2263 חָבַק a primitive root; to clasp (the hands or in embrace); embrace, fold. H3513 כָּבַד or כָּבֵד; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, r H3201 יָכֹל or (fuller) יָכוֹל; a primitive root; to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might); be able, any at all (w H7200 רָאָה a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransit H5869 עַיִן probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); aff

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Genesis — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.