a primitive root; to suck; causatively, to give milk; milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling).
Transliteration:yânaq
Pronunciation:yaw-nak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3243 (yânaq) is a primitive verb primarily denoting the act of "sucking." Its semantic range extends to both the active and causative senses: to suck (intransitive or transitive), and to cause to suck, i.e., to give milk or to nurse. This root captures the fundamental biological process of a young one drawing sustenance from a breast or udder. Derivatives and contextual uses further expand its meaning to include the "suckling" child or animal, the "nursing mother," or a "milch" animal. The core concept embodies dependence, vital nourishment, and the intimate bond of early life sustenance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3243 appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Literal Nursing:** The most straightforward usage describes the physical act of nursing. For instance, in [[Genesis 21:7]], Sarah exclaims, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children?" This highlights the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth and sustenance in her old age. Similarly, [[Exodus 2:7]] describes Pharaoh's daughter being offered a Hebrew woman to "nurse" the infant Moses, emphasizing the natural human need for a mother's milk.
* **Metaphorical Provision:** Beyond the literal, H3243 is powerfully employed to describe divine provision and abundance. [[Deuteronomy 32:13]] recounts how God "made him suck honey from the rock," a vivid metaphor for God's miraculous provision for Israel in the wilderness, drawing sustenance from an unlikely source.
* **Prophetic Imagery of Abundance and Comfort:** In prophetic literature, H3243 often paints pictures of future prosperity and peace. [[Isaiah 60:16]] proclaims of Zion, "You shall suck the milk of nations, you shall suck the breast of kings," symbolizing the wealth and resources of the Gentile nations flowing into God's redeemed people. Even more tenderly, [[Isaiah 66:11]] speaks of Jerusalem's children who "may suck and be satisfied from her comforting breasts," an image of profound peace, security, and abundant spiritual nourishment in the Messianic age.
* **Expressions of Desolation and Vulnerability:** Conversely, the absence or perversion of this natural act can signify extreme distress. [[Lamentations 4:3]] laments the dire conditions in besieged Jerusalem, noting that even "jackals offer the breast; they nurse their young," contrasting the natural care of animals with the cruelty inflicted upon the children of Zion.
* **Inclusivity in Repentance:** [[Joel 2:16]] commands a total assembly for repentance, including "even nursing infants," underscoring the comprehensive nature of communal repentance before God, where no one is exempt, not even the most vulnerable.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of H3243 (yânaq) is intrinsically linked to several other biblical themes and Hebrew words:
* **Nourishment and Sustenance:** It connects deeply with verbs like `{{H398}}` (ʾākal, "to eat") and `{{H8248}}` (shāqāh, "to give drink"), underscoring the fundamental need for provision.
* **Motherhood and Parenthood:** The act of nursing is central to the role of the `{{H517}}` (ʾēm, "mother") and the broader concept of `{{H3084}}` (yālad, "to bear, beget").
* **Infancy and Dependence:** The term often refers to the `{{H5768}}` (ʿôlēl, "infant") or `{{H3244}}` (yôneq, "suckling"), a direct derivative of H3243, emphasizing vulnerability, helplessness, and complete reliance on a caregiver.
* **Blessing and Prosperity:** In metaphorical contexts, H3243 is associated with `{{H1293}}` (bārûkh, "blessed") and `{{H7965}}` (shalom, "peace, completeness"), signifying abundant life and well-being.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of H3243 are profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Providence and Provision:** The imagery of sucking and nursing often points to God as the ultimate provider and sustainer of life. Just as an infant is utterly dependent on its mother for nourishment, humanity is dependent on God for all sustenance, both physical and spiritual. The "honey from the rock" in [[Deuteronomy 32:13]] is a powerful testament to God's ability to provide abundantly even in the most barren circumstances.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** Sarah's ability to nurse Isaac in her old age (Genesis 21:7) serves as a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, defying natural limitations.
* **Intimacy, Comfort, and Nurturing Love:** The act of nursing is inherently intimate and comforting. When applied to God's relationship with His people, particularly in prophetic visions of Zion's future (Isaiah 66:11), it conveys a profound sense of divine tenderness, peace, and security, likening God's care to that of a loving mother.
* **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** The frequent mention of "nursing infants" highlights the extreme vulnerability of human life and underscores the universal need for care and protection. The inclusion of such infants in calls for repentance (Joel 2:16) emphasizes the holistic nature of communal responsibility before God.
* **The Abundant Life in the Messianic Age:** The prophetic visions of nations "sucking the milk of kings" (Isaiah 60:16) and Jerusalem's children being "satisfied from her comforting breasts" (Isaiah 66:11) paint a vivid picture of the lavish blessings, peace, and spiritual abundance that characterize God's kingdom and the eschatological future.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3243 (yânaq) fundamentally describes the act of "sucking" or "nursing," encompassing both the one who receives nourishment and the one who provides it. Its biblical usage extends from the literal biological necessity of infancy to rich metaphorical expressions of divine provision, comfort, and dependence. The term consistently underscores themes of God's miraculous sustenance, His tender and faithful care for His people, the inherent vulnerability of human life, and the promise of abundant blessing and peace in the redemptive future. Ultimately, H3243 serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's profound reliance on a divine source of life and nourishment, and God's unwavering commitment to sustain His creation.
TRV