עוּל
to suckle, i.e. give milk
Definition
The Hebrew verb עוּל (ʻûwl) means to give milk, specifically referring to a nursing mother animal. It describes the act of suckling young, emphasizing the provision of nourishment and care. In its five biblical occurrences, it is used literally for animals like ewes and cows that are nursing their offspring (Genesis 33:13, 1 Samuel 6:7, 10). Figuratively, it is applied in Psalm 78:71 and Isaiah 40:11 to depict God's tender, pastoral care for his people, likening his guidance to that of a shepherd leading nursing ewes.
Biblical Usage
This verb appears five times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and poetic books. It is used literally in practical contexts, such as Jacob's concern for his flocks (Genesis 33:13) and the Philistines' selection of cows (1 Samuel 6:7, 10). In poetic passages, it carries a metaphorical sense: Psalm 78:71 describes God bringing David from tending nursing ewes to shepherd Israel, and Isaiah 40:11 portrays God as a shepherd gently leading those that nurse. The usage shifts from physical animal husbandry to a powerful image of divine providence.
Etymology
עוּל is a primitive root in Hebrew, meaning its origin is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is specifically associated with the act of giving milk or suckling. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic (ʻāla), which relates to nursing. The root conveys a sense of nurturing and sustenance, focusing on the maternal role of providing milk to offspring.
Semantic Range
This word enriches biblical theology by illustrating God's compassionate care. In Psalm 78:71 and Isaiah 40:11, the imagery of leading nursing ewes symbolizes God's gentle, protective guidance for his people, akin to a shepherd's attention to vulnerable animals. Understanding this Hebrew term highlights the intimate, nurturing aspect of God's relationship with Israel, emphasizing themes of provision, tenderness, and pastoral leadership that deepen the reader's appreciation of these passages.
In ancient Near Eastern pastoral societies, the health of nursing animals was crucial for livelihood, as they provided milk and ensured the flock's growth. The term reflects a practical concern in animal husbandry, where separating a nursing mother from its young was seen as unnatural or harsh (as in 1 Samuel 6:7-10). This cultural understanding amplifies the metaphorical use in the Bible, where God's care is compared to a shepherd's deliberate, knowledgeable handling of such animals, resonating with an agrarian audience.
יָנַק (yānaq, H3243) — focuses on the act of sucking or nursing from the perspective of the infant. יָנָה (yānāh, H3238) — means to oppress or maltreat, but in some contexts relates to weaning; it differs by emphasizing a transition away from nursing. רָעָה (rāʻāh, H7462) — means to shepherd or pasture; it is broader, covering general herding, while עוּל specifies the nursing aspect within that care.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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