feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to suck; the leech; horse-leech.
Transliteration:ʻălûwqâh
Pronunciation:al-oo-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֲלוּקָה (ʻălûwqâh), Strong's number `{{H5936}}`, denotes "the leech" or "horse-leech." It is understood as a feminine passive participle derived from an unused root, the core meaning of which is "to suck." This etymological connection directly informs the creature's most defining characteristic: its relentless action of drawing or extracting. The term thus encapsulates a being known for its insatiable, often parasitic, desire to consume or absorb, symbolizing persistent, demanding, and potentially draining extraction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word עֲלוּקָה appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Proverbs 30:15]]. The verse reads, "The leech has two daughters: 'Give! Give!'" (ESV). In this context, Agur, the author of this section of Proverbs, employs the עֲלוּקָה as a powerful metaphor. The "two daughters" are not literal offspring but rather personifications of the leech's inherent and insatiable nature, perpetually crying out for more. The phrase "Give! Give!" vividly portrays an unending demand, an unquenchable thirst for acquisition. This single, striking occurrence of עֲלוּקָה serves to illustrate the theme of insatiability that pervades [[Proverbs 30:15-16]], where the leech is grouped with other entities—Sheol, the barren womb, the parched earth, and fire—all of which are never satisfied. The contextual analysis reveals עֲלוּקָה as a potent symbol of relentless avarice, persistent demands, and an unending appetite that drains its source without ever reaching contentment.
### Related Words & Concepts
While עֲלוּקָה derives from an unused root, its semantic core of "sucking" connects it to the broader concept of drawing out, consuming, or extracting. The metaphorical usage of the leech in [[Proverbs 30:15]] naturally relates it to biblical concepts of **insatiability** and **greed**. Other entities mentioned alongside the leech in [[Proverbs 30:16]]—Sheol (the grave, `{{H7585}}`), the barren womb, the parched earth, and fire—are all presented as things that are never satisfied, reinforcing the thematic connection. The concept of an unfulfilled "soul" or "appetite" (`{{H5315}}`, *nephesh*) can also be implicitly linked, as greed often stems from an inner emptiness that seeks to be filled externally. Furthermore, the relentless nature of the עֲֲלוּקָה can be seen in contrast to biblical principles of contentment, generosity, and justice, which are frequently expounded in wisdom literature.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עֲלוּקָה primarily lies in its stark portrayal of **insatiable greed and covetousness**. In the wisdom tradition of Proverbs, the עֲלוּקָה serves as a potent warning against unchecked desire and the destructive nature of avarice. The "Give! Give!" cry encapsulates the spiritual danger of a heart perpetually craving more, never finding rest or satisfaction. This aligns with broader biblical teachings that condemn materialism and the love of money (e.g., [[1 Timothy 6:10]], [[Luke 12:15]]). The leech's parasitic nature also underscores the harm that insatiable demands inflict upon others, highlighting a lack of reciprocal love, justice, and compassion. The עֲלוּקָה implicitly points to the fallen human condition's propensity for self-serving desires that deplete resources and relationships, ultimately failing to bring true fulfillment. Its imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual emptiness that accompanies a life driven by endless acquisition, contrasting sharply with the abundance and contentment found in a life ordered by divine wisdom and generosity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֲלוּקָה (ʻălûwqâh), Strong's number `{{H5936}}`, meaning "leech," appears uniquely in [[Proverbs 30:15]]. This singular occurrence powerfully symbolizes an insatiable, demanding, and parasitic nature, vividly crying out "Give! Give!" The עֲלוּקָה serves as a profound metaphorical warning against unchecked greed and avarice, highlighting that such desires, like the leech, are never truly satisfied. Its inclusion among other perpetually unsatisfied entities in Proverbs underscores the destructive and relentless character of covetousness. Theologically, עֲלוּקָה stands as a potent reminder of the human heart's capacity for endless, self-serving desire, contrasting sharply with biblical principles of contentment, generosity, and justice, and implicitly pointing to the spiritual void that only divine grace can fill.
TRV