θηλάζω (thēlazō)
thēlazō
to suckle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb thēlazō describes the physical act of breastfeeding or nursing an infant. Derived from the noun for "nipple" or "breast," it appears five times in the New Testament, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels. The sources indicate two distinct perspectives: the mother giving suck and the child drawing milk.
In its most frequent usage, the word highlights the vulnerability of nursing mothers during times of crisis. Jesus employs this image when warning of future tribulation, noting that those caring for infants would find it especially difficult to flee (Matthew 24:19; Mark 13:17; Luke 21:23). This usage underscores the raw, biological reality of maternal care amidst chaos.
Less commonly, the term describes the action of the infant. In Matthew 21:16 and Luke 11:27, it refers to babies suckling at breasts. These instances ground theological statements in everyday bodily functions, reminding readers that spiritual truths often intersect with the most fundamental human experiences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thēlazō brings us into the quiet, essential rhythm of early life. It describes the physical act of breastfeeding, a moment where mother and child are bound by immediate need and care. In the New Testament, this intimate image is not just about biology; it highlights the deep vulnerability that comes with caring for someone who cannot protect themselves.
Jesus uses this reality to warn of coming hardship. He notes that nursing mothers would find fleeing difficult because their infants depend entirely on them. This reminds us that love often carries weight and responsibility. Even in times of chaos, the bond of care remains a central part of our human experience, grounding spiritual truths in the simple act of nurturing life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nursing infants2×
- sucklings1×
- nursing1×
- You nursed.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θηλαζούσαις3×
- ἐθήλασας.1×
- θηλαζόντων1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 24:19
But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days!
Jesus uses this word to highlight the specific vulnerability of nursing mothers during times of crisis, showing how care for infants complicates urgent flight.
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Luke 11:27
It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!”
A woman blesses Jesus by mentioning the breasts that nursed Him, grounding His identity in the ordinary, physical reality of maternal care.
-
Matthew 21:16
and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of children and nursing babies, you have perfected praise’?”
The verse cites Scripture to show that praise rises from children and nursing babies, linking infant dependence with spiritual truth.