### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻălûwqâh**, represented by `{{H5936}}`, refers to the **horse-leech**. It is derived from an unused root meaning to suck. This word appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, where it is used as a powerful metaphor for insatiable craving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its single biblical appearance, `{{H5936}}` serves as a potent illustration of unending desire. The book of Proverbs uses this image to introduce a list of things that are never content, stating, "The **horseleach** hath two daughters, crying, Give, give" [[Proverbs 30:15]]. This verse personifies the leech's nature through its two **daughters** `{{H1323}}`, whose constant demand highlights a greed that can never be **satisfied** `{{H7646}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Proverbs 30:15]] illuminate the theme of insatiable desire:
* `{{H3051}}` **yâhab** (to give): This is the core demand of the horseleach's daughters. The word is used as an imperative command, "Give, give," capturing the essence of a relentless craving, such as Rachel's desperate plea for children [[Genesis 30:1]].
* `{{H7646}}` **sâbaʻ** (to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction): This word defines the state the horseleach can never achieve. While [[Proverbs 30:15]] describes things that are "never **satisfied**," the term is often used positively to describe the fulfillment God provides, such as satisfying the longing soul [[Psalms 107:9]].
* `{{H1952}}` **hôwn** (wealth; by implication, enough): The four insatiable things, introduced by the horseleach, never say they have **enough** `{{H1952}}`. This word connects the abstract desire to tangible substance and **riches**, which can be an object of such craving [[Proverbs 13:11]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): The horseleach's nature is expressed through its two **daughters**. This term is used for literal offspring [[Nehemiah 4:14]] but also figuratively for a collective people, like the "**daughter** of Zion" [[Zechariah 9:9]], demonstrating its use in creating powerful personifications.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5936}}` is concentrated in its vivid, metaphorical use.
* **Symbol of Insatiable Greed:** The **horseleach** is the principal biblical symbol for a consuming desire that is never fulfilled. Its nature, defined by its name's root "to suck" and the cry "Give, give" `{{H3051}}`, serves as a stark warning against this destructive trait [[Proverbs 30:15]].
* **A Warning in Wisdom Literature:** Positioned in Proverbs, `{{H5936}}` functions as a moral lesson. It introduces a numerical saying about things that are never **satisfied** `{{H7646}}`, teaching a lesson about the nature of worldly craving and the importance of contentment.
* **Contrast with Divine Fulfillment:** The insatiable nature of the **horseleach** stands in direct opposition to the satisfaction that comes from God. While the horseleach is never sated, scripture affirms that God **satisfieth** the longing soul with goodness [[Psalms 107:9]] and provides true abundance [[Joel 2:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5936}}` is more than a simple biological term; it is a potent and singular metaphor within scripture. Though used only once, the **horseleach** memorably illustrates the concept of insatiable greed. Its depiction in [[Proverbs 30:15]], with its daughters crying "Give, give," creates a lasting image of a destructive desire that stands in contrast to the true satisfaction found only in God.
TRV