### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H5764}}` (ʻûwl), transliterated as ʻûwl, derives from the root `{{H5759}}` (also ʻûl), which carries the primary sense of "to suckle" or "to nurse." Consequently, `{{H5764}}` specifically denotes a "babe," "sucking child," or "infant." The core meaning emphasizes the earliest stage of human life, characterized by complete dependence, fragility, and the need for constant nourishment and care. Its semantic range is narrow, consistently referring to a very young child, often one still being nursed by its mother.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5764}}` appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly impactful, shedding light on various theological and societal dimensions of early life:
* **[[Job 3:16]]**: "Or as a hidden stillborn child, I had not been, as infants who never saw light." Here, in Job's lament, `{{H5764}}` (in its plural form, ʿôlĕlîm) refers to those who die at birth or shortly thereafter, emphasizing the tragic brevity and unfulfilled potential of such lives. It underscores human vulnerability and the mystery of suffering.
* **[[Job 21:11]]**: "They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance." In this context, Job describes the prosperity of the wicked, where their `{{H5764}}` (plural, ʿôlĕlêhem) are numerous and thriving, contrasting with his own suffering. It depicts children as a sign of blessing and continuity.
* **[[Isaiah 49:15]]**: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you." This is perhaps the most profound use of `{{H5764}}` (mêʿôl). It highlights the most fundamental and intense bond of human love – that of a mother for her nursing infant – to illustrate the unparalleled, unfailing, and utterly compassionate love of Yahweh for His people, Israel. The rhetorical question emphasizes the unthinkable nature of such maternal neglect, only to declare God's love as even more steadfast.
* **[[Isaiah 65:20]]**: "No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days; for the child shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed." In this prophetic vision of the new heavens and new earth, `{{H5764}}` (ʿûl) signifies the cessation of premature death. The fragility associated with infancy in the present age will be overcome, symbolizing a state of perfect peace, longevity, and divine blessing.
* **[[Lamentations 4:10]]**: "The hands of compassionate women have boiled their own children; they became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people." This harrowing verse depicts the extreme horror and depravity resulting from the famine during Jerusalem's siege. The `{{H5764}}` (plural, ʿôlĕlêhen) are victims of unimaginable suffering, illustrating the complete breakdown of natural order and the depth of divine judgment or human sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H5764}}` is closely related to other terms describing youth and the act of nursing:
* **`{{H5759}}` (ʻûl):** The verbal root from which `{{H5764}}` is derived, meaning "to suckle" or "to give suck." This direct etymological link reinforces the primary association of `{{H5764}}` with nursing infants.
* **`{{H3243}}` (yānaq):** Another common Hebrew verb meaning "to suck" or "to nurse," often used in parallel contexts. Its nominal derivatives, such as יוֹנֵק (yoneq), also denote a "suckling" or "young child."
* **`{{H5768}}` (ʿôlēl):** This noun is semantically very close to `{{H5764}}`, often translated as "child" or "infant," and sometimes used interchangeably. While `{{H5764}}` might emphasize the very earliest stage (suckling), `{{H5768}}` can extend to a slightly older young child. Both terms highlight vulnerability and dependence.
* **Concepts:** The word evokes concepts such as innocence, vulnerability, dependence, divine provision, maternal care, and the continuation of lineage.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5764}}` is multifaceted:
* **Divine Compassion and Unfailing Love:** The most profound theological insight comes from [[Isaiah 49:15]], where the bond between a mother and her `{{H5764}}` serves as the ultimate human metaphor for God's steadfast and compassionate love for His people. This love is portrayed as more enduring and reliable than even the most fundamental human affection, revealing a God who remembers and cares intimately for His own, even when they feel abandoned.
* **Human Vulnerability and Reliance on God:** The inherent fragility of the `{{H5764}}` underscores the broader human condition of dependence. Just as an infant relies entirely on its caregiver, humanity is ultimately dependent on God for life, sustenance, and protection. The suffering of infants, as seen in Job or Lamentations, highlights the extreme vulnerability of human life in a fallen world and the devastating consequences of sin and judgment.
* **Hope for a Transformed Future:** In prophetic visions like [[Isaiah 65:20]], the promise that `{{H5764}}` will no longer die prematurely speaks to a future eschatological reality where the curse of death is significantly diminished, and life flourishes under God's perfect reign. It offers a vision of restorative justice and complete well-being.
* **The Sanctity of Life:** Though not explicitly stated, the concern for the `{{H5764}}` in various contexts implicitly affirms the value and sanctity of even the youngest and most vulnerable human lives in God's eyes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5764}}` (ʻûwl) precisely denotes a "babe" or "sucking child," emphasizing extreme youth, dependence, and vulnerability. Its biblical occurrences reveal its significance in portraying the fragility of human life, the devastating impact of suffering and judgment, and, most profoundly, the unparalleled and enduring nature of God's compassionate love. From a theological perspective, `{{H5764}}` serves as a powerful symbol of humanity's utter reliance on God, while simultaneously highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His people, a love that surpasses even the deepest human bonds, and promises a future where such vulnerability is overcome.
TRV