### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb mâtsats (H4711) is identified as a primitive root, carrying the fundamental meaning "to suck." This denotes the action of drawing liquid, typically milk, into the mouth by suction. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing on this basic physiological act. While the Strong's definition includes "milk," this is not an inherent meaning of the verb itself but rather a common object or context of the action of sucking. As a primitive root, mâtsats conveys a foundational, unadorned sense of extracting sustenance or liquid.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is noteworthy that the verb mâtsats (H4711) does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. Its meaning is inferred from its classification as a primitive root and from cognate languages. Consequently, there are no direct biblical contexts in which to analyze its usage or nuances within the Hebrew Scriptures. This absence highlights the preference for other, more common verbs to describe the act of sucking or nursing, such as yanaq (`{{H3243}}`). While mâtsats represents the core concept of "sucking," the biblical authors consistently chose alternative vocabulary to express this action, particularly in theological or metaphorical contexts.
### Related Words & Concepts
Though mâtsats (H4711) itself is absent from the biblical text, the *concept* of sucking or nursing is frequently expressed through other Hebrew terms, most notably yanaq (`{{H3243}}`). This verb, meaning "to suckle" or "to nurse," is found throughout the Old Testament and is often used in contexts of maternal care, infancy, and the provision of sustenance. Examples include [[Isaiah 60:16]], where Zion is depicted as sucking the milk of nations, or [[Deuteronomy 32:13]], where God enables Israel to "suck honey from the rock." The noun chalav (`{{H2461}}`), meaning "milk," is also closely related, representing the primary substance that is sucked or nursed. The conceptual field surrounding mâtsats thus involves themes of nourishment, dependence, and the source of life-giving sustenance, even if the specific verb is not employed.
### Theological Significance
Given its absence from the biblical text, the theological significance of mâtsats (H4711) must be approached indirectly, through the broader biblical understanding of "sucking" or "nursing" as expressed by related terms. These concepts often symbolize:
1. **Divine Provision and Nurture:** The act of nursing or drawing sustenance is a powerful metaphor for God's faithful provision for His people. Just as an infant is utterly dependent on its mother for milk, so too is humanity dependent on God for spiritual and physical nourishment. This is seen in passages like [[Isaiah 60:16]] and [[Deuteronomy 32:13]], which, though not using mâtsats, convey the idea of drawing abundance and life from a primary source.
2. **Vulnerability and Dependence:** The act of sucking highlights a state of complete dependence and vulnerability. The one who sucks is receiving, not giving, emphasizing the creaturely reliance upon the Creator for existence and well-being.
3. **Growth and Maturation:** Milk is often associated with the initial stages of life and spiritual growth. The ability to "suck" implies a need for basic, foundational nourishment before moving on to more solid food, a metaphor employed in the New Testament for spiritual maturity ([[1 Corinthians 3:2]], [[Hebrews 5:12-13]]). While these New Testament references use Greek terms (e.g., galaktos `{{G1050}}`), the underlying theological concept of foundational nourishment is consistent.
Thus, while mâtsats (H4711) itself does not carry direct theological weight from its usage, its core meaning points to profound biblical themes of divine care, human dependence, and the nature of spiritual sustenance.
### Summary
mâtsats (H4711) is a primitive Hebrew root meaning "to suck," primarily referring to the act of drawing liquid, such as milk. Despite its clear and fundamental definition, this specific verb does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. Its meaning is inferred from linguistic analysis and cognate languages. The concept it describes, however, is richly present in the Scriptures through other verbs like yanaq (`{{H3243}}`), which commonly expresses nursing and drawing sustenance. The biblical emphasis on "sucking" or "nursing" serves as a powerful metaphor for divine provision, human dependence on God, and the foundational stages of spiritual growth. The absence of mâtsats itself underscores the specific lexical choices made by the biblical authors while not diminishing the theological importance of the underlying concept.
TRV