The Hebrew word zâqun, represented by H2208, is a specific term for old age. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its use is exclusively focused on the context of a child being born to a parent in their later years, marking that child as particularly significant.
In the biblical narrative, H2208 is used to highlight moments of miraculous birth and special affection. The term appears twice in relation to the birth of Isaac, whom Sarah bore to Abraham "in his old age" (Genesis 21:2, Genesis 21:7), fulfilling a divine promise. It is also the reason given for Israel's great love for Joseph, who was the "son of his old age" Genesis 37:3. In a parallel situation, Judah describes his youngest brother Benjamin to Joseph as a "child of his old age" to their father, emphasizing his preciousness Genesis 44:20.
Several related words help clarify the context in which H2208 is used:
- H2205 zâqên (old; aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator): This is the root word from which zâqun derives. It describes the state of the parent, as seen when Jacob is referred to as "an old man" H2205 who has a child of his old age Genesis 44:20.
- H1121 bên (a son): This term is integral to the meaning of zâqun, as all occurrences are in the phrase "son of his old age," signifying the importance of male heirs for the continuation of the family line Genesis 37:3.
- H6996 qâṭân (little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est)): This word is used to describe the child of old age as "a little one," emphasizing the contrast between the aged father and the young, vulnerable child he deeply loves Genesis 44:20.
- H8283 Sârâh (Sarah, Abraham's wife): Her story is a primary example of the theme, as God fulfilled His promise by enabling her to bear a son to Abraham in his old age Genesis 21:7.
The theological weight of H2208 is centered on divine promise and special relationships.
- Fulfillment of Promise: The birth of a child in "old age" serves as a powerful sign of God's faithfulness. Isaac's birth to Abraham was the fulfillment of what God "had spoken," occurring at the "set time" He appointed Genesis 21:2.
- Mark of Favor: A "son of old age" is consistently portrayed as an object of intense paternal love and favor. This is the explicit reason for Israel's preference for Joseph Genesis 37:3 and for Jacob's devotion to Benjamin Genesis 44:20.
- Miraculous Provision: The term underscores God's ability to work beyond the limits of nature. The birth of a child to elderly parents like Abraham and Sarah demonstrates a divine intervention to ensure the continuation of a covenant line.
In summary, H2208 is more than a simple descriptor of an age group. It specifically frames the context of a child's birth, imbuing that child with special significance. It is a term tied directly to themes of divine fulfillment, miraculous provision, and the unique, profound affection a father holds for a son who ensures his legacy in his final years.
TRV