English · KJV
H4711

מָצַץ

mâtsats /maw-tsats'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto suck
KJV usagemilk.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of mâtsats — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word mâtsats, represented by H4711, is a primitive root defined as to suck; milk. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only 1 times in 1 unique verses in the entirety of the Bible. Its singular use provides a focused and powerful image of drawing out sustenance to the point of delight.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H4711 is in Isaiah 66:11, where it is used to describe a profound experience of comfort and satisfaction. The verse speaks of being nourished by Jerusalem's restoration, inviting believers to "milk out" and be "delighted with the abundance of her glory." The act of milking out is directly linked with partaking in divine consolations and glory, painting a picture of complete and joyous fulfillment provided by God.

Related Words & Concepts

Several words used alongside H4711 in its only context help to clarify its meaning:

  • H3243 yânaq (to suck): This word appears in the same verse and carries a similar meaning. It is frequently used in the context of infants and nursing, as seen with "sucklings" Psalms 8:2 and "nursing mothers" Isaiah 49:23, emphasizing a theme of foundational nourishment.
  • H7646 sâbaʻ (to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction): This term describes the result of the action in Isaiah 66:11. It signifies being filled to satisfaction, whether it is the longing soul Psalms 107:9 or being filled with plenty Joel 2:26.
  • H7699 shad (the breast): This word identifies the source of the nourishment. It is used for the "breasts of her consolations" in Isaiah 66:11 and is associated with blessing and life, as in the "blessings of the breasts" Genesis 49:25.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H4711 is concentrated in its single, vivid application.

  • Nurturing Comfort: The act of "milking out" is from the "breasts of her consolations" Isaiah 66:11. This connects the word to the theme of receiving deep, maternal comfort and solace, as promised by God to his people. The source of this comfort is defined as "consolations" H8575.
  • Delighting in Abundance: The word is paired with being "delighted" H6026 with "abundance" H2123. This shows that the nourishment received is not for mere survival but for immense joy and delight, a theme echoed in the call to "delight thyself also in the LORD" Psalms 37:4.
  • Partaking in Glory: Believers are to "milk out" from the "abundance of her glory" Isaiah 66:11. The source of this satisfaction is divine "glory" H3519, linking the act to partaking in God's own splendor and honor, which He bestows upon His people in their restoration Isaiah 60:1.

Summary

In summary, while H4711 is used only once, its meaning is significant. It is more than a physical term for drawing milk; it is a powerful metaphor for the profound spiritual nourishment and satisfaction that comes from God's promised restoration. Its appearance in Isaiah 66:11 vividly illustrates the depth of comfort, the delight of abundance, and the privilege of partaking in the divine glory offered to God's people.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • תָּמֹצּוּ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3243 יָנַק a primitive root; to suck; causatively, to give milk; milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling) H7646 שָׂבַע or שָׂבֵעַ; a primitive root; to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively); have enough, fill (full, s H7699 שַׁד or שֹׁד; probably from שׁוּד (in its original sense) contracted; the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging); breast, p H8575 תַּנְחוּם or תַּנְחֻם; and (feminine) תַּנְחוּמָה; from נָחַם; compassion, solace; comfort, consolation. H6026 עָנַג a primitive root; to be soft or pliable, i.e. (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious; delicate(-ness), (have) delight (s H2123 זִיז from an unused root apparently meaning to be conspicuous; fulness of the breast; also a moving creature; abundance, wild

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Isaiah — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.