The Hebrew word ʻûwl, represented by H5764, means a babe, sucking child, or infant. This specific term for a very young child is rare, appearing just 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its rarity, however, does not diminish its impact, as it is used to illustrate profound theological points about dependence, compassion, and God's promises.
The two appearances of H5764 are both found in the book of Isaiah, where the word serves a crucial metaphorical role. In Isaiah 49:15, it is used in a rhetorical question to establish the depth of God's faithfulness: "Can a woman forget her sucking child...?" This verse contrasts the most profound natural human bond with God's even greater, unfailing compassion. Later, in Isaiah 65:20, the word is used in a prophecy of a renewed creation where there will no longer be an "infant of days," meaning a child who dies prematurely. Here, it symbolizes a tragically short life that will be absent in the age to come.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of H5764:
- H7355 râcham (have compassion): This word is directly linked to the sucking child H5764 in Isaiah 49:15, describing the powerful, merciful love a mother has for the son of her womb.
- H2205 zâqên (old man): In Isaiah 65:20, this term is set in direct opposition to the "infant of days." The contrast between the infant and the old man who has "filled his days" highlights a future promise of longevity and completeness.
- H1121 bên (son): This common word for son appears in parallel with sucking child H5764 in Isaiah 49:15, reinforcing the theme of offspring and parental relationship.
The theological significance of H5764 is concentrated in its two powerful uses:
- The Benchmark for Compassion: The image of a mother with her sucking child H5764 is used as the ultimate human example of love and remembrance. God uses this powerful image to declare that His own faithfulness is even greater, stating that even if a mother could forget, "yet will I not forget thee" Isaiah 49:15.
- The Promise of Fulfilled Life: The "infant of days" in Isaiah 65:20 represents the tragedy of unfulfilled potential and premature death. The promise that such a thing will no longer occur signifies a new era of divine blessing where life is no longer cut short, but every person, from child H5288 to old man H2205, will live a full life.
In summary, while H5764 is not a frequently used word, it carries significant weight in its contexts. It functions as a powerful symbol of complete vulnerability and dependence. Through the image of the sucking child, Scripture illustrates both the pinnacle of human compassion and God's promise to establish a future where the tragedy of a life cut short is a thing of the past. It shows how God uses the most relatable human experiences to reveal the depths of His own character and promises.
TRV