יָנַק

יָנַק

to suck; causatively, to give milk

Definition

The Hebrew verb יָנַק (yânaq) primarily means 'to suck,' describing the action of an infant nursing from its mother (Genesis 21:7, Exodus 2:7). In its causative form (hiphil), it means 'to give milk' or 'to nurse,' referring to a mother or wet nurse providing nourishment to a child (Genesis 24:59, Exodus 2:9). The word is also used metaphorically to describe God's provision, as in Deuteronomy 32:13, where God causes Israel to 'suck honey out of the rock,' symbolizing sustenance from an unlikely source.

Biblical Usage

יָנַק is used 30 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative contexts. It appears in stories about infancy and motherhood, such as Sarah nursing Isaac (Genesis 21:7) and Rebekah's nurse Deborah (Genesis 35:8). It is also used in legal and poetic texts, like Moses' complaint about carrying the Israelites 'as a nursing father' (Numbers 11:12) and in the Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:13). The causative form is common in descriptions of wet nurses (e.g., Exodus 2:9).

Etymology

יָנַק is a primitive root verb. It is related to the noun יוֹנֵק (yoneq, H3243a), meaning 'suckling' or 'young plant shoot,' highlighting the connection between nursing and tender new growth. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings related to sucking or nursing.

Semantic Range

This word carries theological weight in depicting God's nurturing care. In Deuteronomy 32:13, the metaphor of sucking honey from the rock illustrates God's miraculous provision in the wilderness. It also underscores the vulnerability and dependence inherent in the covenant relationship, as seen when God is described as a nursing parent (implied in Numbers 11:12). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches readings of passages about divine sustenance and covenantal faithfulness. In ancient Israelite culture, nursing was a vital, life-sustaining act typically performed by the mother or a designated wet nurse. The weaning of a child (like Isaac in Genesis 21:8) was a significant milestone. The term's use in Deuteronomy 32:13 draws on the agricultural reality of plants drawing moisture from rock crevices, a powerful image of sustenance in a harsh environment. חָלַב (chalab, H2461) — to be fat, to milk; focuses on the milk product rather than the act of sucking. יָנָה (yanah, H3238) — to oppress, to do violence; a homophone but unrelated in meaning.

Word Details