### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻûwl**, represented by `{{H5763}}`, is a primitive root that means **to suckle** or **give milk**. It is used to describe female animals that are either nursing or pregnant, translated as **milch** or **with young**. It appears only **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, but each instance provides a powerful image of vulnerability, care, and dependence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5763}}` consistently highlights a state requiring special attention and gentle handling. Jacob uses this word to explain his slow pace to Esau, noting that his **flocks** `{{H6629}}` and **herds** `{{H1241}}` are **with young** `{{H5763}}` and could **die** `{{H4191}}` if overdriven [[Genesis 33:13]]. In 1 Samuel, the Philistines are instructed to use two **milch** `{{H5763}}` kine to pull the ark, a test of God’s power as the cows would naturally desire to return to their calves ([[1 Samuel 6:7]], 10). The term is also used metaphorically, such as when David's training as a shepherd of ewes **great with young** `{{H5763}}` is shown as his preparation to lead **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[Psalms 78:71]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the context of care and vulnerability surrounding `{{H5763}}`:
* `{{H7390}}` **rak** (tender): This word describes a state of being weak or delicate. It is used by Jacob to describe his children in the same breath as his flocks **with young**, emphasizing their shared need for protection [[Genesis 33:13]].
* `{{H5095}}` **nâhal** (to lead gently): This verb means to guide or conduct with care. It is used in Isaiah’s prophecy to describe how the Lord, as a shepherd, will **gently lead** those that are **with young** [[Isaiah 40:11]].
* `{{H1849}}` **dâphaq** (to overdrive): This word means to press severely and represents the opposite of gentle leadership. Jacob fears that if his flocks **with young** are overdriven for even one day, they will perish [[Genesis 33:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5763}}` is centered on the theme of God's tender care and the nature of godly leadership.
* **Divine Compassion:** The image of a shepherd gently leading nursing ewes is a direct illustration of God's character. He pays special attention to the most vulnerable among His people, guiding them with patience and sustaining them in their weakness [[Isaiah 40:11]].
* **A Model for Leadership:** The skill required to manage ewes **with young** is presented as the qualifying experience for shepherding God's people. It teaches that true leaders must exercise careful, selfless, and protective oversight, just as David did with his flock [[Psalms 78:71]].
* **A Sign of Providence:** The use of **milch** `{{H5763}}` kine in 1 Samuel demonstrates God’s ability to direct creation against its natural instincts to accomplish His will, confirming His hand at work [[1 Samuel 6:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5763}}` moves beyond a simple agricultural description of a nursing animal. It becomes a rich biblical metaphor for vulnerability and the corresponding need for gentle, attentive care. It is used to illustrate the compassionate character of God as the ultimate shepherd and to establish a divine standard for human leaders who are called to tend His flock.
TRV