### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עָלַע (transliterated ʻâlaʻ, `{{H5966}}`) is a primitive root defined as "to sip up" or "suck up." This core meaning denotes an action of drawing liquid into the mouth, typically with a degree of effort or a specific manner of intake. Unlike a general "drinking," עָלַע suggests a more direct, perhaps forceful or instinctual, process of absorption. Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily focusing on the literal act of consuming liquid by suction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb עָלַע (`{{H5966}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job:
* [[Job 39:30]]: "Her young ones also suck up blood; and where the slain are, there is she."
In this sole occurrence, עָלַע describes the action of the young of the eagle (or perhaps a related bird of prey, given the context of carrion) consuming blood. The preceding verses in [[Job 39]] vividly depict the eagle's dwelling in high places and its keen sight for prey. The use of עָלַע here is not a gentle "sipping" but a visceral, necessary act of sustenance for the young. It emphasizes the predatory nature of the bird and the harsh realities of survival in the wild. The image is stark and powerful, illustrating the raw, instinctual drive for life that God has embedded within His creation. The context is part of God's grand discourse to Job, highlighting the divine wisdom and power manifest in the untamed aspects of the natural world.
### Related Words & Concepts
While עָלַע (`{{H5966}}`) is unique in its specific application, it relates to a broader semantic field of consumption and sustenance. Other Hebrew verbs for drinking or consuming include:
* שתה (`{{H8354}}`): A general term "to drink."
* ינק (`{{H3243}}`): "To suck," often used in the context of a nursing infant, implying a more gentle and nurturing act.
* לחך (`{{H3897}}`): "To lick," as an animal lapping water.
עָלַע stands apart from these due to its single, specific, and somewhat aggressive connotation of "sucking up blood." It conveys an intense, perhaps even desperate, form of intake that is vital for survival in a predatory context. Conceptually, it connects to themes of the food chain, the life cycle, and the means by which creatures sustain themselves in the divinely ordained order of creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עָלַע (`{{H5966}}`) is primarily derived from its singular appearance within God's speech in the book of Job. In [[Job 38-41]], God challenges Job's limited human understanding by showcasing the vastness, complexity, and often paradoxical nature of His creation. The description of the young eagle "sucking up blood" is not presented as an aberration but as an integral part of God's design.
This verse contributes to a larger theological truth: God's sovereignty extends over all creation, including its wild, untamed, and sometimes brutal aspects. The eagle's fierce instinct and its means of sustenance are not outside of God's providential care but are rather a testament to His wisdom in establishing the natural order. It underscores that life and death, predator and prey, are all sustained and governed by divine decree. For Job, who struggled with the perceived disorder and injustice in his own suffering, God's discourse on creation reveals a world that operates by divine wisdom, often beyond human comprehension or ethical frameworks. The act of "sucking up blood" is a stark reminder of the raw realities of existence, all held within the Creator's benevolent yet powerful hand.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עָלַע (`{{H5966}}`) means "to sip up" or "suck up," denoting a specific, often forceful, act of liquid intake. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Job 39:30]] describes young eagles "sucking up blood," highlighting a visceral and instinctual act of consumption vital for survival. This unique usage distinguishes it from more general terms for drinking or nursing. Theologically, עָלַע serves as a powerful detail within God's discourse to Job, illustrating divine sovereignty over the entirety of creation, including its raw and predatory elements. It underscores that even the most intense acts of sustenance in the natural world are part of God's intricate and wise design, challenging human perceptions of order and justice.
TRV