### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼôkel**, represented by `{{H400}}`, is a term for **food**, derived from the verb to eat `{{H398}}`. It appears 44 times across 41 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition includes food, eating, mealtime, meat, prey, and victuals, reflecting its broad application to sustenance for both humans and animals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H400}}` is used in various contexts. It signifies essential provisions, as when Joseph's brothers journeyed to Egypt to buy **food** to survive a famine [[Genesis 42:7]]. The term is also used for **meat** or sustenance provided by God, with the psalmist declaring that God gives all creatures their **meat** in due season [[Psalms 145:15]]. In times of hardship, the lack of **ʼôkel** represents judgment, as when the prophet Habakkuk laments that the fields will yield no **meat** [[Habakkuk 3:17]]. Its meaning also extends to specific meal-times, as when Boaz invites Ruth to eat at **mealtime** [[Ruth 2:14]], and to the **prey** sought by an eagle [[Job 9:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of sustenance:
* `{{H398}}` **ʼâkal** (to eat): As the primitive root of **ʼôkel**, this verb signifies the action of eating, consuming, or devouring. It is the direct action associated with the noun for food [[Genesis 43:2]].
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (bread, food): Often meaning bread or food in general, it appears alongside **ʼôkel** in times of distress, when people **seek** bread and give up pleasant things for **meat** to survive [[Lamentations 1:11]].
* `{{H2964}}` **ṭereph** (prey, meat): This word, also meaning **prey** or food, is used in parallel with **ʼôkel**. Young lions seek their **prey** and ask for their **meat** from God, connecting the natural order to divine provision [[Psalms 104:21]].
* `{{H6718}}` **tsayid** (food, victuals, venison): Primarily referring to food from hunting, this term is used when describing how God provides **food** for the raven, whose young wander for lack of **meat** `{{H400}}` [[Job 38:41]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H400}}` is significant, often illustrating the relationship between God, humanity, and creation.
* **Divine Provision:** God is consistently shown as the ultimate source of all **food**. The psalms affirm that the eyes of all creatures wait for God to give them their **meat** ([[Psalms 145:15]], [[Psalms 104:27]]). This provision extends from the needs of humanity to the young lions and ravens ([[Psalms 104:21]], [[Job 38:41]]).
* **Judgment and Faithfulness:** The absence of **ʼôkel** often symbolizes hardship or divine judgment. When the **meat** is cut off, it is a sign of devastation [[Joel 1:16]]. Conversely, trusting God even when the fields yield no **meat** is portrayed as an act of profound faith [[Habakkuk 3:17]].
* **Worship and Reverence:** The word is also used in the context of worship. The priests of Israel are rebuked for regarding the **meat** on the LORD's table as contemptible, indicating that one's attitude toward divinely appointed food reflects the condition of one's heart toward God [[Malachi 1:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H400}}` is far more than a simple word for food. It is a key biblical term that defines sustenance in both physical and spiritual terms. It illustrates God's role as the sovereign provider for all creation [[Psalms 145:15]], the tangible effect of judgment and blessing [[Joel 1:16]], and the standard for reverent worship [[Malachi 1:12]]. The word demonstrates how a basic human need is used throughout scripture to reveal profound truths about humanity's dependence on and relationship with God.
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