### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yânaq**, represented by `{{H3243}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to suck**. Causatively, it can mean to give milk and is used to describe a nurse, nursing mother, a sucking child, or milch animals. It appears 32 times across 30 unique verses, illustrating the fundamental nature of nursing and dependence in both literal and figurative contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3243}}` is used in several distinct ways. Literally, it describes the act of a mother nursing her own child, as when Sarah gives suck to Isaac [[Genesis 21:7]] or Hannah nurses Samuel [[1 Samuel 1:23]]. It also refers to the vital role of a hired nurse, such as the one found for Moses [[Exodus 2:7]]. Figuratively, the word is used to depict the reception of abundance and blessing, as when Israel is promised to "suck honey out of the rock" [[Deuteronomy 32:13]] or to "suck the milk of the Gentiles" [[Isaiah 60:16]]. The term "suckling" is also frequently included in lists of a city's population, emphasizing the total vulnerability of the people during times of judgment or famine ([[1 Samuel 15:3]], [[Lamentations 2:11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concepts of nurturing, childhood, and dependence:
* `{{H5768}}` **ʻôwlêl** (babe, infant): This term is often paired with `{{H3243}}` to describe the youngest and most helpless members of society. In [[Psalms 8:2]], God ordains strength from the mouths of both "babes and sucklings."
* `{{H1580}}` **gâmal** (to wean): This word signifies the end of the nursing period, representing a transition to maturity. [[Isaiah 11:8]] contrasts the "sucking child" `{{H3243}}` with the "weaned child" `{{H1580}}` in a vision of peace.
* `{{H2461}}` **châlâb** (milk): As the substance that is sucked, milk represents the nourishment and prosperity that comes from a source. This connection is clear when Israel is promised to "suck the milk of the Gentiles" [[Isaiah 60:16]].
* `{{H7699}}` **shad** (breast): This word refers to the source of milk and is directly tied to the act of nursing. In a call to national repentance, the people are gathered, including "those that suck the breasts" [[Joel 2:16]].
* `{{H539}}` **ʼâman** (to foster as a parent or nurse): This verb is used in the phrase "nursing father," highlighting a role of faithful care and support. It is used alongside `{{H3243}}` to describe the immense burden of caring for Israel, like a "nursing father" bearing "the sucking child" [[Numbers 11:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3243}}` is significant, illustrating core themes of dependence, provision, and divine power.
* **Vulnerability and Judgment:** The presence of "sucklings" in descriptions of divine judgment underscores the totality of the consequence, affecting even the most innocent and helpless, as seen in the destruction of Nob [[1 Samuel 22:19]].
* **Divine Provision:** The act of sucking is used metaphorically to portray God's provision for His people. They are promised a future where they will "suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations," signifying complete fulfillment and blessing from God through Jerusalem [[Isaiah 66:11]].
* **Strength from Weakness:** A profound theological concept is revealed in [[Psalms 8:2]], where God ordains strength from "babes and sucklings" to silence His enemies. This demonstrates that God's power is often displayed through the weakest and most dependent vessels.
* **Figurative Dependence:** The relationship between God's appointed leaders and the people is compared to that of a nurse and a child. Moses feels the weight of carrying the people like a "nursing father" with a "sucking child" [[Numbers 11:12]], and it is prophesied that foreign kings will become "nursing fathers" to Israel [[Isaiah 49:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3243}}` moves far beyond its literal meaning of suckling. It is a vital biblical term that defines relationships of dependence and care. It powerfully illustrates the complete vulnerability of humanity, the nature of divine judgment, and the promise of God's abundant provision. Through this word, scripture shows that God's people are utterly dependent on Him for nourishment and that He can use the most helpless to display His ultimate strength.
TRV