lemma זָקֻ missing final nun, corrected to זָקֻן; properly, passive participle of זָקֵן (used only in the plural as a noun); old age; old age.
Transliteration:zâqun
Pronunciation:zaw-koon'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H2208, זָקֻן (zâqun), properly functions as a passive participle derived from the root H2204 (זָקֵן, zâqēn), meaning "to be old" or "an old man." However, H2208 is exclusively employed as a noun, specifically in the plural form, to denote the state or period of "old age." While H2204 can refer to an elderly person, H2208 points to the condition itself—the advanced stage of life characterized by age. Its plural usage, as seen in its sole biblical occurrence, intensifies the concept, conveying the full scope and reality of one's advanced years.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H2208 (זָקֻן) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Genesis:
* **[[Genesis 21:2]]**: "And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age (לִזְקֻנָיו, *lizqunav*), at the set time of which God had spoken to him."
* This singular occurrence is profoundly significant. The phrase "in his old age" (לִזְקֻנָיו) underscores the human impossibility of Abraham and Sarah conceiving a child naturally. Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah 90 when Isaac was born. The use of H2208 here emphasizes the extreme advanced age of Abraham, making the birth of Isaac a clear demonstration of divine intervention and miraculous fulfillment of God's covenantal promise. The plural form of zâqun here serves to highlight the full extent of Abraham's advanced years, making the miracle all the more striking. It is a testament to God's power to transcend natural limitations and human frailty.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **H2204 (זָקֵן, zâqēn)**: This is the foundational root from which H2208 is derived. H2204 can function as a verb meaning "to be old," or as a noun referring to "an old man," "elder," or "old woman." While H2204 describes the aged person or the process of aging, H2208 specifically denotes the state or period of "old age" itself.
* **H7872 (שֵׂיבָה, śêḇâ)**: Meaning "gray hair" or "hoary head," this term is often used metonymically to represent old age, wisdom, and the dignity associated with advanced years. While H7872 focuses on the visible sign of aging, H2208 describes the condition or period of old age. For instance, in [[Genesis 44:29]] and [[Genesis 44:31]], Jacob's "gray hairs" (שֵׂיבָה) are mentioned, symbolizing his advanced age and the sorrow that would accompany him to the grave if Benjamin were lost.
* **Concepts of Longevity and Divine Promise**: The narrative surrounding Isaac's birth is deeply intertwined with themes of God's faithfulness to His covenant, even when faced with human limitations due to advanced age. The concept of "old age" in this context is not merely a biological state but a theological marker against which God's miraculous power is revealed.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H2208 in [[Genesis 21:2]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark backdrop against which the omnipotence and faithfulness of God are magnified.
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Nature**: The "old age" of Abraham and Sarah represents the natural impossibility of childbearing. God's act of enabling Sarah to conceive and bear Isaac in this state underscores His absolute sovereignty over natural laws and human limitations. It is a powerful affirmation that God's promises are not dependent on human capability or biological viability, but solely on His divine will and power.
2. **Fulfillment of Covenant**: The birth of Isaac in Abraham's zâqun is the pivotal fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant regarding his numerous descendants. It demonstrates that God is faithful to His word, even when the circumstances seem dire or the wait protracted.
3. **The Nature of Faith**: This event challenges and strengthens faith. Abraham and Sarah had to believe in a promise that defied their physical reality. Their "old age" became the canvas for God to paint a miracle, teaching generations about unwavering trust in God's ability to do the impossible.
4. **Redemptive History**: The birth of Isaac is a crucial moment in redemptive history, establishing the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. The emphasis on Abraham's old age highlights the extraordinary nature of this foundational event.
### Summary
The Hebrew term H2208, זָקֻן (zâqun), precisely denotes the state of "old age," derived from the root H2204 (זָקֵן, zâqēn). Though appearing only once in the biblical text, in [[Genesis 21:2]], its significance is immense. In this solitary instance, zâqun powerfully emphasizes Abraham's advanced years, serving as the humanly impossible context for the miraculous birth of Isaac. This singular usage underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His unfailing faithfulness to His covenantal promises, and His ability to transcend all natural limitations. The "old age" of Abraham thus becomes a profound testament to divine power and a cornerstone in the narrative of faith and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
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